8 Purchases That Cost as Much as an Appliance Repair

Have you ever had an appliance break and needed to take money out of your rainy day fund to get it fixed? It's bound to happen at some point, especially if you're not budgeting for home maintenance and repairs.

The good news is that you can avoid this type of headache by simply investing in a TotalProtect® Home Warranty. When a covered appliance or system breaks down in your home, TotalProtect helps pay for the repair or replacement, leaving more cash in your pocket. Just how much cash? To put the savings in perspective, here are eight purchases you could make with the money you save on appliance repair.

1. Spa day
If your washer and dryer ever break down, we estimate that you'll be looking at repair costs somewhere between $330 and $825. So what are you giving up if you have to fork over that money to a repairman? Well ladies, you could probably get a package at your favorite day spa for a massage, facial and mani-pedi for around $300 to $500, depending on how fancy the establishment is. Wouldn't you rather be pampered with your hard-earned money?

2. New flat-screen TV
A relaxing spa day might not be so appealing to the man of the house, but he's definitely missing out on that money too. You could likely find a nice 30- or 40-inch flat screen TV at your local electronics store that would run you somewhere around $400. But if you don't have TotalProtect, you can say goodbye to your football-viewing parties if your washer and dryer ever break.

3. Gourmet coffee at home
As repair costs go, washer and dryer problems amount to relatively small bills. On average, refrigerator problems will likely cost between $605 and $1,650. If your bill is on the low end of this range, you're missing out on an item that all coffee lovers covet: a high-end espresso and coffee machine. For around $700, your family could make their favorite lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated treats at home. 

4. Designer goodies
If your fridge repairs are more extensive, you'll have to do without accessories of a different kind. Many women lust after designer handbags that cost between $700 and $1,000, but that money you've been saving up will just barely cover your appliance repairs. Those bills mean you'll have to put off buying that leather bag for another year.

5. Romantic cruise
That special getaway you and your significant other have been planning will have to wait if your furnace breaks down. We estimated that average repairs for this appliance cost between $1,605 and $4,821 – an amount that could've scored you a romantic getaway on a cruise ship. USA Today explained that for $1,000, you could likely get a great room with a balcony. That would still leave you $500 to spend on food, drinks, activities and shopping while you sail the seas.

6. New decor
Has your living room furniture been looking a little shabby lately? If you saved that $3,000 plus from having your furnace replaced, you could likely buy a whole new living room set. Retailers like Overstock.com have some great options that are sure to fit your style and your budget. You may even have a few hundred dollars left over for fun accent pieces.

Take a relaxing vacation with your savings.

7. Family vacation
It might be hard to believe that appliance repairs can cost more than $4,000, but if your air conditioning system has a mechanical problem, you could be looking at up to $7,000 in expenses. That's a tough burden for any family to shoulder. The good news is that if you invest in TotalProtect, you can put that money toward a great family vacation. WDW Prep School estimated that with moderately priced airfare and accommodations, a family of four could spend four or five days at Disney World for around $4,000.

8. Used car
If your current set of wheels isn't getting you where you need to go, it might be time to invest in a new car. The money you save by having TotalProtect replace your air conditioning unit could likely purchase a decent used car or serve as an impressive down payment on a shiny new vehicle.

The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.