Warranties • 7 min • December 27, 2025 • Live
Warranty Blind Spots That Cost Real Money
The most common ways homeowners lose warranty coverage without realizing it — and what to track to stay protected.
Warranties usually fail quietly. Not because the warranty doesn’t exist — but because the owner can’t produce the right details at the right time: purchase date, model/serial, proof of purchase, or the exact terms.
The new blind spot: software support
Homes are filled with “smart” devices now — thermostats, locks, cameras, appliances, hubs. Many depend on ongoing software updates to remain secure and functional. But manufacturers often don’t clearly state how long that support lasts.
The FTC found nearly 89% of surveyed smart products failed to disclose on their websites how long software updates would be provided.
The 5 warranty failure modes to avoid
- • No proof of purchase (receipt/email missing when you need it)
- • Missing model/serial (support can’t identify the item)
- • Untracked coverage windows (standard vs extended vs parts-only)
- • No maintenance trail (some warranties require “proper maintenance”)
- • Software support ambiguity (smart device stops getting updates)
The “warranty-ready” checklist
For each covered item, capture these once and you’re done:
- • Proof of purchase (receipt/order confirmation)
- • Model + serial number (photo the label)
- • Warranty start/end dates + what’s covered
- • Service requirements + last service date
- • Contact info (manufacturer + extended warranty provider)
- • For smart devices: update/support notes (if disclosed)
Dwelluno’s goal is to make warranties usable — by attaching the proof, terms, and service history directly to the asset, so warranty time doesn’t become scavenger-hunt time.
Note: This article is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Warranty terms vary by manufacturer and product.
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