Major Appliance Registration for First-Time Homeowners

What First-Time Homeowners Don't Know About Appliance Warranties

First-time homeowners are often surprised by how much they don't know about major appliance warranties. The most common revelation: the labor warranty that covers service calls is often just 1 year, and it only runs from the date of purchase - not the date you moved in or started using the appliance. If the home purchase included appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, range), the warranty clock started when the previous owner bought them - not when you moved in. This means inherited appliances may already have expired labor warranties.

New Purchase Registration: Do It at Delivery

For appliances you purchased new, register at delivery while the delivery team is still present. The delivery team can point out where the model and serial number stickers are located - typically inside the refrigerator door, on the back panel of the washer, inside the dishwasher door, or on the range frame inside the door. Use the delivery receipt as your warranty start date documentation. It lists the model number, serial number, and delivery date.

Refrigerator: serial number on sticker inside the door or on back panel Washer/dryer: serial number inside door rim or back panel Dishwasher: model and serial number on the door frame interior Range/oven: serial number on the door frame or back panel

Inherited Appliances: What to Do

Inherited appliances (included in the home sale) may have active parts warranties even with expired labor warranties. Check the manufacture date on each appliance - typically printed on the same serial number sticker - to determine how old each unit is. For dishwashers and refrigerators especially, check CPSC recalls before first use. Dishwasher fires and refrigerator ice maker failures are among the most frequently recalled appliance issues. Registration for recall remedies is typically still available.

Find manufacture date on serial number sticker - format varies by brand Check recalls.gov for dishwasher brand and model before first use Contact the selling agent for appliance model/serial information if stickers are worn Request appliance manuals from the seller at closing - often overlooked but valuable for service

HVAC and Water Heater Registration

First-time homeowners often focus on visible kitchen appliances and miss two of the most important warranty registrations: the HVAC system and the water heater. Both may have active manufacturer warranties that require registration for service. HVAC equipment (Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem) typically includes a 5–10 year parts warranty with registration. Water heaters (AO Smith, Rheem, Bradford White) typically include a 6–12 year tank warranty with registration.