Making an Informed Purchase: Understanding Commercial Steam Cleaner Warranties in 2023

Think about buying a top-notch commercial steam cleaner like buying a reliable car for your job.

It’s like an investment that will make your work easier and your business run smoother. You’ve identified a need, like realizing you need a vehicle to get to work, and now you’re researching your options to make the best decision.

Every steam cleaner, like a car, has an estimated “life expectancy” – this is how long it’s expected to last before you’ll need to replace it. High-quality steam cleaners usually last longer because some parts can be repaired or replaced, similar to how you can replace the tires or fix the engine of your car to keep it running.

Owning a steam cleaner, like owning a car, means you’ll likely have to do some maintenance and repairs, buy additional parts or accessories, or eventually get a new one when it can’t be used anymore. So, getting a top-notch steam cleaner may cost more upfront, but it can save you time and money in the long run because it’s more durable and easier to fix.

What do most businesses look for when buying a commercial steam cleaner?

Imagine you’re shopping for a new phone. You’ll probably focus on the key features that matter most to you like the camera quality, the screen size, the storage space, and the price, right? That’s exactly what you should do when buying a commercial steam cleaner. You’ll need to check things like the temperature it can reach, the pressure it can produce (measured in PSI), the accessories that come with it, and how much it costs.

But don’t stop there. It’s also crucial to check the warranty. This is like the insurance for your phone – it tells you what the company will cover if something goes wrong. Look at what’s included in the warranty and the services the company offers after you buy the steam cleaner.

Remember, it’s not just about finding a machine that meets your technical needs. It’s also about how long it’s going to last without needing repairs. Let’s say you bought a cheaper phone but it kept breaking down and you had to pay for repairs, those savings you initially made would be lost in repair costs. Same goes for the steam cleaner – if it needs frequent servicing, any initial cost saving could be wiped out by extra repair fees.

What does a steam cleaner warranty typically cover?

Think of a warranty like a shield for your new item, in this case, a steam cleaner. It’s meant to protect you if something breaks that’s not your fault, like a manufacturing mistake or a random issue that’s just bad luck.

A solid warranty usually covers the whole product, and might last longer for certain parts that are built to last. With a steam cleaner, the normal warranty usually covers the cost of the parts and fixing it for a year.

However, things that get worn out quickly, like the accessories and o-rings, have a shorter warranty because they aren’t meant to last as long. But the boiler, which is built from strong stainless steel, usually has a longer warranty since it’s supposed to last for a big chunk of the steam cleaner’s life.

What should I expect with a steam cleaner warranty?

A good warranty is like a promise that if your new item, say a steam cleaner, doesn’t work when you first use it or breaks down soon after, they’ll replace it for you. Before buying, check the warranty carefully for certain things like if you plan to rent the steam cleaner out to customers, sell it to someone else, or use a smaller home version for big, commercial jobs.

If you’re not sure, it’s totally okay to reach out to the seller and ask these questions. They should be able to give you clear answers.

What about Lifetime Warranties?

Sometimes, companies might offer “lifetime warranties” on their products, which might seem great at first. But you should always ask, “What is the expected lifetime of this product?”

For instance, if a steam cleaner is expected to last 5 years and has a “lifetime” warranty on the boiler, but another one is expected to last 10 years with a 3-year warranty on the boiler, the second one is actually a better deal. Why? Because it’ll last longer and save you lots of money on replacing the whole machine during that time.

Let’s say a product is expected to last longer than its warranty. Your next question should be, “If something breaks and it’s not covered by the warranty, can I afford to replace it, and can I even find the replacement part?”

Imagine buying a steam cleaner with a 3-year warranty and a “lifetime” warranty for the boiler. Two years in, it breaks down. You send it in for repairs and they tell you the boiler, pump, and safety switch aren’t working. To fix it, you need to pay a $500 service fee, but at least the boiler is covered by the warranty, which is a relief!

But the pump is pricey to replace and they don’t even make the safety switch for your model anymore. Now you’re stuck with a broken machine, and that “lifetime” boiler warranty doesn’t seem so valuable anymore, does it?

Comparing Intersteam’s Warranty with Other Warranties.

Let’s talk about the Intersteam warranty: If your steam cleaner stops working at any time, even if it’s 17 years old, you can send it to us for a free check-up. You won’t have to pay a penny until you agree to the cost of the repairs we suggest. If you decide not to fix it, there’s no charge for our time or effort. The only cost you might have is if you want us to send back your still-broken cleaner. It’s as straightforward as that.

Now, let’s compare this to a competitor’s warranty for fixing a boiler during the standard warranty period, based on some info we found online.

Year 1	Service Fee	Shipping In	Boiler	Other Parts and Labour	Total
Intersteam	0	0	0	0	0
Competitor	0	25?	0	?	25?+

Year 2	Service Fee	Shipping In	Boiler	Other Parts and Labour	Total
Intersteam	0	0	0	130	130
Competitor	519	25?	0	?	544+?

Year 3	Service Fee	Shipping In	Boiler	Other Parts and Labour	Total
Intersteam	0	0	0	130	130
Competitor	1039	25?	0	?	1064+?

So, what is the lifetime boiler warranty worth at this point?

We always have spare parts for all our models in stock – even our Classic model, which has been around for more than 20 years. We can still fix that one if it breaks down.

Before you buy, you should know exactly what the warranty covers and the rules attached to it, how to make a claim, and if you can transfer the warranty to someone else. You also need to find out if the warranty covers both parts and labor, if there are any extra fees like for service or shipping, how long it typically takes to get service, what could make the warranty no longer valid, and if you can still get service after the warranty period ends.

	Intersteam	Competitor 1	Competitor 2	Retail Store
Full Warranty	One Year	3 Year	One Year	Manufacturer
Extended Boiler Warranty	3 Year	Lifetime	No	No
Charge for Service in Year 1	None	None	None	N/A
Charge for Service Past Year One	None	Yes	N/A	N/A
No Charge Estimate for Repairs	Yes	No	No	N/A
Shipping Coverage During Warranty	Yes	No	No	N/A
Simple Warranty Process – No RMA forms, proof of purchase or arranging shipping	Yes	No	No	No
Conditions	Protect from Chemicals, Abuse, Physical Damage and Freezing	Protect from Chemicals, Abuse, Physical Damage and Freezing	Protect from Chemicals, Abuse, Physical Damage and Freezing	Not usually

What Happens If Your Steam Cleaner Breaks??

Think about why you’re buying a steam cleaner. Do you need it every day for your business, or are you just going to use it occasionally for deep cleaning at home? If you’re going to rely heavily on your steam cleaner, the warranty becomes even more important. If it breaks down and you can’t use it for a while, or if you need to scramble to find money for expensive repairs, you could be in a tough spot without this important tool.

With Intersteam, if you’re under a contract purchasing plan, we’ll lend you a machine if yours needs repairs. You can also choose to add this service separately when you buy your steam cleaner. And if you need to replace your cleaner, we have options for different budgets. Our top commercial models even use the same accessories, so you can buy a new base unit and use it with your existing accessories to save money.

Conclusion

Sure, every company seems great when everything’s going smoothly. But what matters is how they handle things when problems pop up. You want a company that understands your specific needs, can fix issues, and offers expert service not just when you buy, but for as long as you own the steam cleaner.

There are lots of great options for commercial steam cleaners in Canada. Intersteam prioritizes offering a great program from commercial customers but others such as Dupray Steam Cleaners are good and for home use retail outlets like Canadian Tire have a decent selection. It is important to review your uses of the Steam Cleaner and understand what coverage you’ll have if something goes wrong.

A low price or a smooth sales pitch might seem attractive at first, but when you need repairs, those benefits can seem less significant. At Intersteam, we believe in providing exceptional customer service to all our customers, from the moment you choose our product until the end of its lifespan. We are eager to support you in your journey with our product, ensuring you have a reliable and efficient tool for your cleaning needs.

In conclusion, making a well-informed purchase of a commercial steam cleaner in 2023 is about more than just choosing a machine with the right features at a good price. Understanding the warranty and after-sale service options is key to ensuring a return on your investment. Always remember to consider the expected lifespan of the machine, availability of replacement parts, and what exactly the warranty covers.

Don’t forget to consider your unique needs, from how frequently you’ll use the machine to what kind of support you’ll need if something goes wrong. Companies like Intersteam are committed to understanding and meeting these needs, providing not just high-quality steam cleaners, but also the support and service necessary to keep them running efficiently for years to come. A wise purchase decision now can save you both time and money in the long run.