Consumer guarantees act how long

Don't assume you need to replace an appliance when it stops working. Electronics can be repaired. Well-known brands and more expensive models are often easier to fix. Manufacturers should keep spare parts for the same amount of time the model is expected to last. It can be hard to get parts for appliances that have already been on the market for several years overseas. Repair damage after normal use. It may save you time and frustration — or stop you damaging your device.

When Fernando's breadmaker stops working a friend suggests he visit a repairer before jumping online to price up new ones. He is glad he does. The fault is simple to mend and, as the appliance is a well-known brand, the repairer has the faulty part in stock. The breadmaker is fixed in half an hour for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Frustrated at how slow his PC was running, Levi calls the manufacturer's helpline. The technician asks Levi which programmes he uses and asks him to click on a few things to help diagnose the problem. She guides Levi through deleting a voice editor he is confident he'll never use. She also takes him through defragging his hard drive. With a smoother-running PC, Levi is happy he tried this first before paying for repairs. Because of the risk of an electric shock or fire, it's important to check appliances are safe — especially if they are old.

Watch for:. Replace higher risk appliances regularly, eg hair dryers and electric blankets, especially if showing signs of wear and tear. Electrical equipment and appliances external link — WorkSafe.

Product life, maintenance and care. On this page. Expect electronics to last longer than the manufacturer's warranty. To extend their lifespan: protect from dust clean out gunk guard against computer viruses. How long could it last? What the law says The Consumer Guarantees Act says products must be durable and last a reasonable length of time. Rough guide There are no hard and fast rules, but generally: ovens and fridges stand up better to wear and tear smaller appliances, eg toasters and kettles, wear out quicker smart appliances that link to the internet have more to go wrong mobiles phones and computers are built to go out of date as new models become available.

Test your know-how! Even if it's outside the warranty, you may still be entitled to a repair, refund or replacement. It's faulty, so the store agrees to cover the cost of repairs and the callout fee. A manufacturer's warranty is a promise to repair or replace a faulty product within a set time period.

It covers faults caused by the way the product was made, eg substandard parts or materials, production line problems. Contents insurance generally covers most devices and appliances against loss, theft and accidental damage. House insurance can cover built-in appliances, eg ovens. It's common for stores to offer extended guarantees on electronic devices and appliances. But you already have long-lasting rights to remedies for faulty products under consumer law. Cooling-off periods must be included.

If you do buy an extended warranty, it's a good idea to use this time to think about whether you need it. Cancel during the cooling-off period, and you get your money back. If you buy an extended warranty, the Fair Trading Act says you must get a written description of:. It can investigate businesses breaking the rules. When buying a new smartphone, Senali is offered an extended warranty. Her young son likes playing with her phone, so she asks if the extended warranty includes free screen repairs.

It covers two accidental damage claims — and costs about the same as one screen replacement. Senali decides it's worth buying. Nine months later, she's back in the shop with a smashed phone screen and a copy of her extended warranty.

The shop must replace the screen free of charge. Carey thinks about an extended warranty when she buys a fridge. It sounds good at first — faults repaired for free for three years, a year longer than the manufacturer's guarantee. Before agreeing, Carey compares this to her CGA rights. Consumer law says products must be fault-free for a reasonable time. Carey's old fridge didn't need any repairs for six years.

She decides it's not worth paying extra for the extended warranty. Australian Consumer Law Consumer guarantees - a guide for consumers Repair, replace, refund. Skip to Content Skip to Sitemap. Consumer guarantees Under the Australian Consumer Law, when you buy products and services they come with automatic guarantees that they will work and do what you asked for.

What products and services are guaranteed? Tags Audience.