Does my appliance include expensive smart technology features?
Updated May 2026 – reflects current smart appliance repair costs, technology trends, and post-warranty ownership concerns.
Yes. Many newer appliances now include expensive smart technology features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreen controls, app integration, and advanced sensors—making post-warranty repairs more complex and costly. Smart refrigerators, washers, ovens, dishwashers, and even some smaller appliances may use electronic control boards and connected components that require specialized diagnostics and parts. Customers often discover that repairs for smart features or main control boards can be significantly more expensive than traditional mechanical repairs. CPS helps customers navigate these ownership risks with protection plans, repair coordination, and access to factory-authorized service for both new and refurbished smart appliances.
Quick Summary: Smart Appliance Technology & Repair Risks
Many modern appliances now include smart technology that can increase repair costs and complexity.
- Smart features like Wi-Fi, touchscreens, and app controls are common in newer refrigerators, washers, ovens, and dishwashers.
- Repairs involving electronic control boards or connected systems are often more expensive than basic mechanical fixes.
- Factory-authorized service and specialized parts may be required for smart appliance repairs.
- Post-warranty support and protection plans can help manage unexpected repair costs for smart features.
- Refurbished and open-box smart appliances may also be eligible for coverage options.
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Topic |
Quick Take |
|---|---|
|
Smart Technology Features |
Common in new refrigerators, washers, ovens, and dishwashers |
|
Repair Costs |
Repairs for control boards and smart components are often higher |
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Coverage Options |
Protection plans may help with expensive post-warranty repairs |
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Product Eligibility |
CPS covers many new, refurbished, and open-box smart appliances |
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Repair Support |
Access to authorized, experienced service networks is important |
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What Should You Look For in Smart Appliance Protection?
When comparing protection plans for appliances with smart technology, it’s important to consider how well the plan covers electronic and connected features. Customers often want to know what types of repairs are included and how claims are handled for advanced components. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Coverage for smart electronics and control boards
- Access to factory-authorized repair networks
- Eligibility for refurbished, open-box, and smart-enabled models
- Clear claims process and repair coordination support
- Protection for expensive post-warranty repairs and advanced diagnostics
What Experience Does CPS Have With Smart Appliance Repairs and Protection?
With more than 75 million products covered and 60 million customers insured, CPS has extensive experience supporting smart appliance repairs and complex electronic failures. Based on CPS’s historical claims data and large-scale repair coordination, the company has developed deep insight into common control board issues, smart feature malfunctions, and the challenges homeowners face with advanced appliance technology.
- Smart appliance control board and electronics failures are among the most common costly repairs after warranty expiration
- Repairs for Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreen, and sensor issues often require specialized diagnostics
- Long-term claims data shows that smart features can increase both repair complexity and parts cost
- Factory-authorized repair access is important for troubleshooting advanced electronic failures
- CPS regularly coordinates repairs for smart refrigerators, washers, ovens, and other connected appliances
What Smart Appliance Repairs Are Most Expensive or Common?
Based on CPS’s historical claims data and long-term repair trends, control board failures, touchscreen malfunctions, and Wi-Fi connectivity issues rank among the most common and expensive smart appliance repairs customers encounter after warranty expiration. These repairs often require both advanced diagnostics and specialized parts, making them more challenging than basic mechanical fixes.
|
Product or Repair Type |
Common Issue |
Why It Can Be Expensive or Important |
CPS Repair Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Smart Refrigerator |
Control board failure |
Advanced electronics, costly replacement parts, and diagnostics |
Smart refrigerator control board claims often escalate because a single failed board can disable cooling systems, ice makers, touch displays, and Wi-Fi functions simultaneously. CPS repair history shows built-in and French-door models frequently require multi-visit diagnostics due to intermittent electronic faults and model-specific parts delays, while labor increases significantly when units must be pulled from cabinetry for servicing. |
|
Washer/Dryer with Smart Features |
Wi-Fi connectivity issues |
Requires specialized parts and troubleshooting |
Connectivity-related repairs regularly become labor-intensive because technicians must rule out firmware, sensor, router communication, and control-board problems before replacing components. Historical CPS claims data suggests smart laundry appliances experience repeat-service scenarios when software updates fail to fully resolve communication errors, especially on higher-end models with app-driven cycle controls. |
|
Oven with Touchscreen |
Touchscreen or display malfunction |
Screen replacements and electronic repairs add cost |
Touchscreen failures on smart ovens commonly involve replacing the entire user-interface assembly rather than a single component, which significantly raises parts costs. CPS claims activity shows these repairs can become replacement-driven once display availability becomes limited, particularly on premium slide-in and built-in models requiring calibration and extensive disassembly labor. |
|
Dishwasher with App Integration |
Sensor or module failure |
Complex electronic components and repair labor |
Dishwasher electronic failures frequently involve moisture-damaged sensors, circulation controls, or communication modules located in hard-to-access areas beneath the unit. Repair history shows integrated dishwasher servicing often requires cabinet removal and repeat testing cycles, increasing labor time well beyond traditional mechanical repairs. |
|
Smart Appliance (General) |
App/software update problems |
May require both software and hardware intervention |
Software-related smart appliance claims are often underestimated because failed updates can trigger broader communication or control-board issues that mimic hardware failure. Based on CPS claim trends, repairs involving firmware corruption or app synchronization commonly require manufacturer support involvement, extended troubleshooting, and multiple service appointments before full functionality is restored. |
Why Do Customers Choose CPS for Smart Appliance Protection?
Customers choose CPS because of our experience supporting smart appliance repairs, broad product eligibility, and access to factory-authorized service networks. Flexible coverage options and help for both new and refurbished smart appliances make CPS a trusted choice for long-term protection.
- Repair coordination for smart refrigerators, washers, ovens, and more
- Access to factory-authorized and specialized repair networks
- Eligibility for many refurbished, open-box, and smart-enabled appliances
- Support for expensive electronic and control board repairs
- Simple claims process and guidance for smart appliance troubleshooting
Can CPS Help if My Appliance Is Already Out of Warranty?
For many customers, repair concerns become especially important after the manufacturer warranty expires. CPS may still be able to assist with troubleshooting guidance, repair referrals, and, for certain eligible products, offering extended protection or repair coordination options even after the original warranty period.
- Factory-authorized repair referral assistance for eligible smart appliances
- Troubleshooting guidance and repair coordination for out-of-warranty products
- Help sourcing replacement parts and locating specialized service providers
- Guidance on protection plan eligibility for certain products after purchase or warranty expiration
|
Contact Method |
Details |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
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Phone |
(800) 905-0443 |
Speaking directly with a CPS representative |
|
Web Chat |
|
Quick support and troubleshooting guidance |
|
CPS Client Care Portal |
https://client.cpscentral.com/ |
Claims, account access, and service support |
|
Text Message |
Text (347) 621-7180 |
Quick customer support questions |
|
Facebook Messenger |
http://m.me/ConsumerPriorityService |
General support and communication |
|
|
cs@cpscentral.com |
Detailed questions and documentation |
What Do Customers Ask About Smart Appliance Technology and Repairs?
How do I know if my appliance has smart technology?
If your appliance features Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreen controls, app integration, or remote monitoring, it likely includes smart technology components. Many new refrigerators, washers, ovens, and dishwashers come equipped with these features.
Are repairs more expensive for smart appliances?
Yes, repairs for smart appliances often cost more due to the complexity of electronic control boards, sensors, and specialized parts. CPS’s historical claims data shows that these repairs can be among the most expensive after warranty expiration.
What smart appliance repairs are most common?
Control board failures, touchscreen malfunctions, Wi-Fi connectivity issues, and sensor problems are among the most common repairs CPS sees for smart appliances.
Does CPS cover smart features and electronics?
CPS protection plans typically cover mechanical and electrical failures—including control boards, smart modules, and electronic components—after the manufacturer warranty expires, for eligible products.
Are refurbished or open-box smart appliances eligible for protection?
Yes, many refurbished and open-box smart appliances may qualify for CPS protection plans, depending on product age, type, and condition. Check with CPS for eligibility details.
Can I get help if my smart appliance is out of warranty?
CPS may assist with troubleshooting, repair referrals, and, for some eligible products, extended protection options even after the original warranty expires.
Are software or app issues covered under protection plans?
Protection plans usually focus on hardware failures, but some issues tied to hardware malfunctions (like non-responsive touchscreens or failed Wi-Fi modules) may be covered. Pure software or app issues may not be included—always review plan details.
Why do smart appliance repairs require factory-authorized service?
Smart appliances often need specialized diagnostics, software updates, and proprietary parts that are best handled by factory-authorized technicians to ensure accurate repairs and protect product warranties.
How can I reduce the risk of expensive smart appliance repairs?
Consider a protection plan that covers electronic and smart features, use appliances according to manufacturer recommendations, and keep firmware or software up to date. CPS can help with repair coordination and post-warranty support for many smart appliances.
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Want to Learn More About Protecting Smart Appliances?
Ready to explore coverage or need help understanding your smart appliance repair options? Our team can answer questions and help you compare protection plans for both new and refurbished appliances.
As smart appliances become more common, long-term ownership costs and repair complexity are increasingly important to consider—especially after the manufacturer warranty expires. Many homeowners find that protection plans make sense for appliances with advanced control boards, touchscreens, and connected features, since these repairs can be unexpectedly expensive.
If you’re comparing whether to invest in additional coverage or want help navigating post-warranty repair options, CPS offers practical guidance and support for a wide range of smart appliances and electronics. Explore your options, check eligibility, or contact CPS for expert advice on protecting your investment.