Appliances Discussion Board

No Haul-Away Delivery Charge

SearsPro — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:51:24 GMT

Yeah, they copying sears trying to beat them, theyre just raising their prices elsewhere to make up the difference. Some one is paying for it, and it could be you. I would shop at sears where you know where the rebate is coming from.

No Haul-Away Delivery Charge

worldweary2 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:37:45 GMT

If your appliance was more than $399.00, you should be filing for a rebate on the delivery fee.

If it was, you can use your purchase date to download the proper form at sears.com/rebate.

Destination of Hauled Away Appliances

SearsPro — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:37:13 GMT

They worried that while they planting trees they might uncover some of sears "dirty garbage", you know metaphorically

No Haul-Away Delivery Charge

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:37:42 GMT

HD and Lowe's are doing that to try to dig into Sears' dominant market share. When they hit a threshold that they're happy with for monthly business, they'll resume rebates, because eliminating the rebate process reduces profits. It's a calculated short-term loss designed to lead to long-term gains.

No Haul-Away Delivery Charge

Bodyguard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:43:34 GMT

I cant believe Sears still charges for del and haul away anymore. HD and Lowes both went to really free delivery and haul away. And you can get that WITH 0% offers...EVEN ON BLACK FRIDAY ITEMS...unlike Sears.

Destination of Hauled Away Appliances

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:55:56 GMT

At the store level, there is nothing. It is not even really communicated much to the associates. Sears needs to stop being modest or whatever it is and learn how to brag! TOOT YOUR HORN! Brag about how we recycle your car batteries, cell phone batteries, power tool batteries, etc. Brag about how we recycle appliances and tractors and televisions. Let everyone know!

Destination of Hauled Away Appliances

thatmanguy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:20:57 GMT

SHC-StevenK said…

Do we do anything to promote this? Working at the corporate office I feel like I am aware of a lot of the green activities that Sears is involved in but I don't feel like we publize it like other companies do.

Consumers make buying decisions based on how responsible companies are and if Sears is an industry leader that can only help to build our reputation.

You know, if we had commercials advertising this simple fact that we are THE retailer with the green solution for appliances, it would drive people to our store so fast they wouldn't be persuaded by the gimmicks the competitors have.

Simple commercial, widespread effects.

Basic water heater maintenance

fishfacejr2 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:57:26 GMT

very good post :)

Sears is sooo bad...

UTRemodeler — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:45:20 GMT

Wow, what a thread. This has been quite interesting. Pzhang1 thanks for sharing your experience. It does raise a few questions in my mind. For example, with such horrible service experience why haven't you called a non-sears repair provider? Didn't sound like you had their extended warranty and you were going to have to pay for the part and repair so why not shop it around? On some days you seemed to post every few minutes. I'm sure you were frustrated with the no-show, but posting every 10 minutes? C'mon. Seems like a lot of drama. Other days you're happy with sears, then you're sad, then you're angry, then you're encouraged, wow. Vote with your dollars and hire someone else.

Interestingly enough, just last Sunday I went into our local Sears to buy/order a non Kenmore gas cooktop I had researched taking advantage of the after hours friends and family sale. Since I'm doing a complete remodel of my kitchen, I also need a fridge and dishwasher. I hadn't researched refridgerators and dishwashers at all yet but seem to recall Kenmore being rated fairly high, and the sales guy indicated 7 of 10 of the top consumer report fridge models were Kenmore. I ended up purchasing a Kenmore Elite dishwasher (whirlpool I believe) and Kenmore Elite fridge (LG made). Now I'm rethinking that purchase. I've not taken deliver of either yet. Now, as far as the comments that Sears doesn't make them, I don't really care. You brand it, you put your name on it, you better stand behind it! Even beyond the warranty period, you better contract with your vendors to ensure a supply of parts. Sears has the buying power to do that, or at least they did. The comments that pzhang1 should have purchased the extended warranty or master service agreement, well that really wouldn't have helped him now would it. He would have paid for a service and STILL not have his oven repaired for nearly 2 months. Looks like he still may not be able to cook his thanksgiving turkey in his oven. What is so interesting is this thread was not started after a horrible experience, but as he posted about his need for a second repair, the comedy of errors unfolded. No-shows, backordered parts, then damaged, etc. Should I really risk the same experience? I know it can happen with any retailer, but there seems to be a pattern here with Sears, especially for the recent past. And the attitude of the company representatives on this forum seems to be blame the customer.

I can buy the same fridge in the LG name from Lowes for about the same price. Haven't looked at the dishwasher yet but I will before I accept delivery. If I don't find a real compelling reason to buy from Sears I will return to Sears with my paperwork for a refund for the fridge and dw, a total investment of over $3,000. I may buy the same items but with the service I've been reading about here, I'm not sure I want to buy them from Sears. Sounds like the SearsCares team has been somewhat responsive and sympathetic, but in the end, the task at hand has not been accomplished. This poor guy is still without an oven, two months later, and to add insult to injury has wasted a vacation day, a Saturday, and who knows how many brain cells banging his head against the wall. Not a fun experience, and STILL no resolution.

Again, vote with your money. You work hard for it. How silly would I feel if I end up having an experience similar to pzhang1 after reading all this?

French door refrigerator

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:05:24 GMT

French door refrigerators are universally at least 68" tall. They range in width from 30" to 36", but height does not vary.

French door refrigerator

JulieK — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:04:33 GMT

Hi jyhn-Welcome to MySears! Have you tried to search by height at Sears.com? This is a helpful tool that is provided on the site.

Good luck with your search!

Basic water heater maintenance

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:02:08 GMT

Water heaters are appliances that most people only think of at two times: when they stop working, and when they leak. These things usually happen around 10-15 years of life, but they don't have to. With a few minutes every year, your water heater's lifespan can be extended by a decade or even more.

BEFORE IT'S INSTALLED

First, when your water heater is being installed, ask the installer to remove the plastic valve at the bottom and replace it with a brass ball valve (these are available at your local home improvement store for about $7). This will do a couple things. It will make a much more durable connection for a hose (we'll get into that soon), and will eliminate any leaking that the old plastic valve would have after being used over time. Minerals get caught in the plastic valve, and create channels through which water can leak. A ball valve does not allow leaks, so it makes for a much stronger barrier.

AFTER IT'S INSTALLED

Second, inspect the connections every year. Look at where the water enters and exits the water heater. Look for any signs of moisture or corrosion wherever pipes connect. If you have PEX, check where the PEX joins to the water heater's nipples. If you suspect you may have a leak, dry the area completely with paper towels, and then watch the spot where you think there may be a leak.

If you do have a leak, there are a couple options. You can attempt to plug the leak with epoxies, which might work, though solid epoxies don't tend to stick well to metals, and even liquid epoxies or cold welds can fail when trying to seal over an active leak. Or, you can remove the connection and re-connect the pipe. This will involve soldering and pipe fitting, so if you're not comfortable doing your own plumbing, I recommend hiring a plumber.

TEST IT

Every 6 months, you should place a container under the outlet for the pressure relief valve on the side of the tank near the top. This valve is designed to release excessive pressure due to overheating. To test this valve, with the container ready to catch the water, turn the lever outward, so hot water comes out of the outlet (this water will be very hot, so be careful!). It only needs to run for a few seconds, and this will allow mineral deposits to be flushed off the probe that controls the valve, as well as any that may have built up inside the valve itself. Testing this valve can help prevent catastrophic tank failure.

DRAIN IT

At least once a year, you should drain your tank a bit, to help eliminate some of the sediments that may have built up on the bottom of the tank. Yes, even in a "self-cleaning" tank this can and will happen. This is where you'll be happy you switched to a ball valve at the bottom of the tank.

Shut off the electricity/gas to your water heater. Take a garden hose and connect the female end to the valve on the tank. Shut off the water going to and from the tank. Run the hose to a sink or a bucket or out a door to the outside. Open the ball valve at the bottom of the tank. There should be a little bit of flow, and then turn the water to the tank on gradually. When the water comes out clear from the hose, you can turn the water off and then shut the valve. To see if the water is clear, either use a white bucket to catch some water or use a glass with a white piece of paper.

DRAIN IT COMPLETELY

About every 5 years, you may want to do an internal inspection. This will help you determine if your electric water heater's elements are in good condition, and help you determine if your water heater (gas or electric) has a suitable anode(s).

Shut off the gas/electricity to your water heater. Connect a hose to the ball valve at the bottom of the tank. Shut off the water going to and from the tank. Turn on only the hot water for a sink above the water heater (or more than one, if possible) and remove the air screens on the faucets (you'll see why soon). With the hose going to a sink or outside, open the ball valve, and then turn on the water coming from the tank to the rest of the house. The tank will drain itself down to the bottom over the course of anywhere from 15-45 minutes, depending on the size of the tank.

Once it has drained completely, remove the pressure relief valve. Use a pipe wrench and gently but firmly turn it counterclockwise (when replacing the valve, wrap the threads in teflon tape and return it to its original orientation, and be sure it is tight without forcing it with too much effort).

Once the valve is off, you will be able to look inside the tank. I recommend having a flashlight so you can see better. You should be able to identify the anode(s), which will be protruding from the top of the tank down into the middle. You should also be able to see the inlet pipe, which is usually a plastic tube that goes from the top to the very bottom of the tank. If there is excessive mineral build-up on the anode(s), gently tap the deposits off by inserting something long enough to reach the anode and knocking the minerals off. Be gentle! There's no sense is breaking stuff for no good reason. :)

If your water heater is electric, you should be able to open the panels that house the heating elements. Do so, and inspect the elements. If they are showing signs of corrosion, consider replacing them. This will increase the efficiency and reliability of the water heater.

If you water heater runs on gas, inspect the burner plate. It should be darkened from the flames but should not have holes in it. If the burner plate appears damaged, consider having a technician replace the plate.

Put the pressure relief valve back onto the tank. Then, turn on the water going to the tank. Allow the flowing water to drive the sediments in the tank around and out the hose (not all of it will get out, but a good portion will, and the rest should come out over subsequent flushings). Turn off the water going into the tank. Close the ball valve at the bottom of the tank. Then, turn the water going into the tank on again. The tank will fill (this will take a few minutes). When it's finished filling, go upstairs and watch as the water comes out of the sink. When the water comes out clear and without particulate (a glass is handy for this), then turn the sink's hot water off. Then, replace the air screen.

When all sinks are completely shut off and the air screens have been reinstalled, you can turn the water heater back on according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the hose, and in about an hour you'll have hot water again.

By doing these simple things, a water heater can last 20, 30, 40 years, perhaps longer. Your mileage may vary, but there's no reason a water heater should be considered a 10 year product. Take care of it, and it will take care of you. Neglect it, and you'll very likely end up paying for it when you least expect it.

French door refrigerator

jyhn — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:53:44 GMT

Does anyone know where I can find a new stainless steel french door refrigerator with a height of not more than 66 inches????

Sears is sooo bad...

rcktsld — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:02:13 GMT

The bottom line is that Sears service is bad! When you contact Sears you have to wait on hold for at least 30 minutes to speak to someone who is in India and who admittedly states that they cannot do anything. They sent us to a to two local repair centers that are closed! Whatever happened to personalized service? Why can't you call some at Sears locally? Sears has built an impenetrable wall that is a classic example of BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE!

Blue Appliance Crew's FAQ

drdice1 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:10:14 GMT

Hi All,

Great idea for a post. Every one has a question that they forget to ask at the time of sale! Happy holiday's to all and God Bless Our TROOPS that they stay safe while in harms way................Dice.................

Sears is sooo bad...

drdice1 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:03:42 GMT

Hi All, I just wanted to add a comment or two(lol). I have ALWAYS had good service with warranty repairs,in home washer, dryer and even a dishwasher. Oh buy the way this is in a 10 year period items did not die all at once.lol I did have a BAD episode for the first time @sears Thursday night. 11-19-09I went to buy 54 inch tv that was in ad for $1099.00 (Indiana area) and salesman stated they did not make 54 inch plasma's 50" awas the biggest! I had ad from HH Greg that had 65 inch plasma 's on sale and he said ad was a misprint and as it was 8:55 pm closing is at 9pm I just left did everyone get that circular for 54inch panasonic plasma 1080p for $1099.00? Oh well i ordered the Pre black friday sale 50 inch 1080p plasma for $879.00 a great deal as well and no salesman to try to embarass me as he was the one that was wrong! I still love K-mart and Sears but a few more encounters like that and i'll go elsewhere! God Bless you all and OUR TROOPS IN HARMS WAY this holiday season.........Dice

Sears is sooo bad...

pzhang1 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:04:51 GMT

Talked to Sears customer support again and a lady on the phone was very nice this time and she explained how the technician got his assignments: each technician got his assignments at start of the day, and when he starts the day, he knows how many service orders he needs to fulfill and the sequence of orders.

So, that said, Sears could do much better -- that could notify its customers his repair order's sequence in the queue, so its customer like myself have more precise info and estimate what time technician will come. Now i was given 4 hours window and i feel it's very unfair, because I have been waiting for 4 hours so far and can't do nothing, while Sears could just call me and let me know I am the last call on the queue for today, so I could arrange more activities in the early morning.

Not sure if my thought make sense, but i would say in this regard Sears could be much better structured.

Sears is sooo bad...

pzhang1 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:47:32 GMT

Today is when technician is supposed to come fix my oven.
I still don't like the way Sears set up the time window-- i was told between 8-12, and i don't know exactly when technician will come.
Today is Saturday, and i had to get up around 7:30AM to prevent his coming at 8 sharp because by contract he is possibly shown up by the door any minute after 8. But technician himself is completely free of his time (even with no-show last time he didn't need to feel guilty).

I called Sears a couple of times this morning and it's 9:45 AM now, but was told they don't have more info for me except for the time window. I know I will have to just stay at home waiting, even i saw my neighbors now drive their kids to fun places.

I really become sickened and tired of buying defective appliance. The sadness, frustration and mental anguish... I know I should not completely blame Sears, as stated by previous posts, Sears doesn't make them.

But should we become to hate technology innovation? Those recyclable, which used to be durable goods...

Kenmore Elite 36" induction stove blues

Jbrebeuf — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:35:58 GMT

Assuming your definition of begging the question is correct, Mr. Blue, you still have not provided me the specific, concrete, and detailed instances of your claim that many questions were begged.

Your responses, it seems to me, do not really address a simple customer's need to have his Sear's product properly repaired. You have not helped me shake off my induction stove blues.

I am new here. Mr. Blue do you work for Sears? If not, thank you for your analysis but I need Sears to work on my cooktop until it works as it did originally. If you have any suggestions on how Sears could be persuaded to do this, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you worldweary2. Your suggestions are very helpful and it seems I would have to get an expert third party to perform these tests and then submit them to Sears for consideration. Should I hire an electrician or an appliance tech to perform these tests?

Extended warantees

bluescreens — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:18:30 GMT

madgolfer said…

I've used it all the time.

So if I used my Mastercard today, they'd reimburse my very unsatisfactory round of golf or for the ProV1 lost in the river? I think not. Haven't heard of a single instance. What did you use it for and who provided the sales receipt?

Wow - you really should read your Mastercard agreements if you don't know what they cover.

http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/cardholderservices/guidetobenefits/index.html

Anyway, stop setting up strawmen. You are fully aware that's not what I said.