The least you should expect from a warranty on a new appliance is one year parts and labour. This will usually be in-home service except for smaller units such as microwave ovens, air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and range hoods. These types of appliances usually have to be transported to the nearest service depot at the owner's expense.

Most manufacturers will also give additional warranties on certain components of an appliance. Beware the "Limited Warranty" fine print. Read the warranty thoroughly when comparing differing models and brands.

• On refrigerators you could get an additional 5 to 10 year sealed system warranty. This usually covers the compressor, refrigerant leaks in the evaporator, condenser or other refrigerant tubing. Be aware that some manufacturers only warrant the part and leave the consumer responsible for the labour, a considerable expense.

• Laundry products may have a 2 year limited warranty. These usually cover any parts that fail to function within the second year of use. Other limited warranties may cover the transmission for up to 5 years and a limited lifetime warranty on a stainless steel tub. Again, you'll usually be responsible for the labour and trip service charge.

• Cooking appliances may have an additional 2 to 5 years on heating elements, ceramic cooking surface and electronic controls. On many models this is also parts only and you will have to pay the labour and service charge.

• Dishwashers may have a additional limited warranty on the motor and/or pump from 2 to 5 years. The inner tub may also be covered against rust through from 5 years to the lifetime of the appliance. Again, you will usually be required to pay for the labour and service charge.

• Microwave ovens usually have a 5 year limited warranty on the magnetron tube. Of course this usually only covers the cost of the part and the consumer is liable for the labour and transportation to the repair depot.

Under these limited warranties, the parts will usually only be supplied at no charge provided that they are installed by a factory authorized service depot. Do not expect to have these parts given to you, to complete the repairs yourself.

Furthermore, any part(s) replaced under warranty will usually only be guaranteed for the remaining life of the original product's warranty period. The replacement part does not usually have a separate warranty unless you purchase (pay for) it at the time of replacement.

Lastly, these extended limited warranties (or any appliance warranties for that matter) are not usually transferable to a second owner so if you're buying secondhand (or selling), keep it in mind.

As of Nov.1st, 2005, Whirlpool brands including Whirlpool, Roper, Estate and Inglis will only have a 1-year parts and labor warranty, no extended parts or labor warranties. KitchenAid branded appliance warranties are not affected... at the moment. As of Jan.1st, 2006, Electrolux brands including Frigidaire, Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, White Westinghouse, Tappan, Gibson, and Kelvinator will have only a 1-year warranty and no extended parts or labor warranties. As of Jan.1st, 2009, Electrolux brand White Westinghouse will have a 90-day warranty only with no extended parts or labor warranties. GE appliances manufactured after Jan.1st, 2006, will have only a 1-year warranty and no extended parts or labor warranties. GE Profile® models may still have an extended parts warranty. The manufacturers claim consumers did not value nor base their purchasing decisions on the added warranties which were previously supplied.