Your Car Warranty might have expired,
but your generator Warranty can be extended!
Great Northern Power is an authorized dealer for extended warranties on Kohler and Generac products. You can take advantage of different programs offered to extend your peace of mind by covering parts, labor, and travel through extended warranties.
The primary advantage of a generator extended warranty is peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected repair costs. Here's a breakdown of the benefits:
Extended Coverage: Standard warranties typically offer limited coverage, with full parts and labor for the first couple of years, and then increasingly limited coverage (e.g., parts only for major components) in later years. An extended warranty can significantly prolong the period of comprehensive coverage, often offering "bumper-to-bumper" parts and labor for 5, 7, or even 10 years.
Protection from Costly Repairs: Generators are complex machines, and repairs can be expensive, especially if major components like the engine or alternator fail. An extended warranty helps shield you from these potentially significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Parts, Labor, and Travel: Many extended warranties cover not just parts, but also the labor and limited travel costs for authorized service technicians to diagnose and repair issues. This is a crucial aspect, as service calls can add up quickly.
Maintained Functionality: Knowing your generator is covered for an extended period ensures that it remains in optimal working condition, ready to kick in when a power outage occurs.
Transferability (at original installation site): Extended warranties are generally transferable if the property with the generator is sold, which can be an added selling point for your home.
Access to Authorized Service: To maintain warranty coverage, repairs must typically be performed by an authorized service dealer. The extended warranty ensures you continue to have access to trained professionals who use genuine manufacturer parts.
Is it worth it?
The decision of whether an extended warranty is "worth it" depends on several factors:
Your risk tolerance: If you prefer to avoid unexpected expenses and have peace of mind, an extended warranty can be a good investment.
The cost of the warranty: Compare the cost of the extended warranty to the potential cost of major repairs.
The age and model of your generator: Newer models may have fewer issues, but older ones might benefit more from extended coverage.
Your maintenance habits: Regular, professional maintenance is crucial for generator longevity, and is often required to keep the warranty valid. If you are diligent with maintenance, it reduces the likelihood of issues.
The specific terms of the warranty: Always read the fine print to understand exactly what is covered (and what isn't), as well as any limitations (e.g., mileage limits for travel, specific parts covered in later years).
While some argue that extended warranties are generally profitable for the seller (meaning you might not use it enough to "break even"), for a significant investment like a home standby generator, the protection against a major, unforeseen failure can be very valuable.