With A quick fix for costly repairs

THE short lifespan of appliances such as fridges and washing machines is a common complaint.

Often, these appliances cannot be repaired because the spare parts are unavailable and many people – including me – believe manufacturers have done this on purpose to create a market where consumers regularly have to fork out for costly replacements.

This may be about to change, however, as the Government is set to introduce tough new rules for electrical products to tackle this ‘premature obsolescence’.

WHAT ARE THE NEW RULES?

Manufacturers will be legally obliged to make spare parts for products available to consumers for the first time – a new legal right for repairs – so electrical appliances can be fixed easily.

The move is expected to extend the lifespan of products by up to 10 years.

It will also stop appliances ending up on the scrapheap sooner than they should and reduce carbon emissions at the same time.

WHEN WILL THE NEW RULES COME INTO EFFECT?

There is no actual date yet, but it is thought they will be implemented by the summer.

WILL THE RULES APPLY TO ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES?

No, it will only apply to refrigerators, washing machines, dishwash- parts to be available and iii) the ers, electronic displays (including goods to last for up to 10 years. televisions), light sources and sepa- Always ask the retailer what the rate control gears, external power lifespan of the goods should be and suppliers, electric motors, refrigerators get the answer in writing. with a direct sales function This is important, as if the goods (e.g. fridges in supermarkets and later turn out to be faulty – after vending machines for cold drinks), six months or more – and the power transformers and welding retailer elects to give you a refund, equipment. it can make a deduction for the HOW WILL THIS AFFECT time you have had use of the goods. CONSUMER RIGHTS? When calculating this, the lifespan It means that when consumers buy of the goods is relevant, so the one of the appliances covered by longer the perceived lifespan, the the new rules, they can expect i) less it will hit your pocket when it the goods to be repairable ii) spare comes to deducting monies for use.