 Credit: Jim Bennett 2 Glenn was also furious that a £400 De'Longhi coffee machine failed after four years Credit: Jim Bennett The aim of so-called 'right to repair' rules is to make it cheaper for customers to fix broken items than to throw them away. But not all your electricals qualify. Sarah Davidson looks at what's covered under the new rules and what's not. Plus, she find out if you should swerve expensive warranty add-ons at the checkout . . . THE RULES FOR appliances covered by the new rules, manufacturers must supply spare parts for between seven and ten years after a model has been discontinued. In the manuals, they must include instructions for repairs that can be easily carried out by the customer. Repairs that aren't safe for the owner to attempt themselves won't be covered in the manual – but parts should still be made available so they can take the gadget to a professional instead. WHAT IS COVERED Dishwashers Washing machines and washer-dryers Fridges and freezers TVs and computer monitors Lights (Bought from July 1, 2021 onwards) WHAT'S NOT COVERED Tumble dryers Ovens and hobs Microwaves and other kitchen gadgets Laptops and desktop computers Smartphones and tablets THE CATCH SADLY, firms can demand what they like for spares. Consumer champion Martyn James says: 'My fear is that some companies will charge an extortionate amount for replacements, so that in some cases it's still not worth repairing appliances.' If a repair must b){kind=link}
FED UP with chucking out faulty gadgets that can’t be fixed?
As of this month, suppliers now have to make spare parts available for a number of key household appliances to help them last longer.
The aim of so-called “right to repair” rules is to make it cheaper for customers to fix broken items than to throw them away.
But not all your electricals qualify.
Sarah Davidson looks at what’s covered under the new rules and what’s not.