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You bought a brand-new fridge, washing machine, or dishwasher. It worked perfectly for a year or two — right up until the warranty ended. And then, out of nowhere, it stops turning on, makes strange noises, or just “dies.”
So here’s the big question:
Are appliances programmed to break right after the warranty?
Let’s explore where this belief comes from — and whether it’s true.
1. The Concept of “Planned Obsolescence”
The term planned obsolescence appeared in the 20th century. It refers to the intentional design of products with a limited lifespan — to push consumers into buying new ones sooner.
This can happen through:
- Use of cheaper, easily worn-out components
- Complicated repairs or lack of spare parts
- Software updates that slow down devices (especially in electronics)
Though it’s hard to prove manufacturers do this on purpose, there are countless stories of appliances dying just after the warranty ends.
2. Real-Life Example: The Washing Machine
Mrs. Olena from Chula Vista bought a premium-brand washing machine. The warranty? 24 months. Two years and two weeks later — the washer stopped draining.
Our technician from HOME APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTER found the water pump had burned out. The part wasn’t protected from moisture — made from low-quality plastic and poorly insulated.
Conclusion? The manufacturer saved a few cents. The owner paid the price.
3. Why Would Manufacturers Want Your Appliance to Break?
Modern business models rely not just on the initial sale, but on repeated replacements.
It works like this:
- Buy → Use → It breaks → Buy again
- Repairs are intentionally difficult or expensive → So you buy a newer model
It’s great for profits — but bad for your wallet.
4. What About Refrigerators?
Fridges often break down between 2–4 years of use — even high-end models. The usual culprits? Control modules or compressors. These parts are usually not repaired, only replaced.
One San Diego family called our service when their fridge started leaking. Diagnostics showed the control module had failed due to a power surge. Their warranty had expired three months earlier.
That failure could have been avoided if the module had better surge protection — or if it was designed with more durability in mind.
5. How to Extend Appliance Life After the Warranty Ends
Just because the warranty is over doesn’t mean your appliance should die.
Here are a few tips to keep it running:
- Regular maintenance — Clean filters, check wiring, lubricate moving parts
- Use a voltage stabilizer — Especially for sensitive appliances (fridges, ovens)
- Don’t overload — For example, don’t wash 10kg of laundry daily in a 5kg-rated washer
- Fix minor issues early — They can turn into major problems
- Follow the manual — Simple advice, but often ignored
6. What If the Appliance Breaks After the Warranty?
Don’t panic. Don’t rush to the store. Most issues:
- Are cheaper to fix than buying new
- Can extend the appliance’s life by several years
- Involve just one part, not a total replacement
At HOME APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTER, we provide accurate diagnostics and honest advice — whether it’s worth repairing or replacing.
Appliances may not be deliberately designed to break the day after the warranty — but they often aren’t built for long-term durability. That’s why care, prevention, and quick response to issues are essential.
Don’t risk it — act early.
A technician can be at your door today.
Call HOME APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTER at (619) 928-5000 or email [email protected]
we’ll fix your appliance fast, professionally, and with a warranty.