Walmart Air Conditioner & Fan Return Policy In 2024 [In-Depth Guide]
With over 4,700 stores across the U.S. and a commanding 30% market share of the appliance retail industry, Walmart is the go-to destination for many Americans shopping for new air conditioners and fans. However, returns and exchanges are common with these types of appliances – whether due to unit defects, sizing issues, or simply changing your mind.
According to the National Retail Federation‘s 2022 Consumer Returns Survey, over 19% of returned merchandise falls under the consumer electronics/appliances category, with 76% of customers citing "wrong item purchased" as the reason.
So what should you know if you need to return an air conditioner or fan bought at Walmart? Here is a comprehensive look at Walmart‘s current appliance return policy and process in 2024.
Key Time Limits To Be Aware Of
When shopping for an AC unit or fan, be sure to make note of these return time limits at Walmart:
Air Conditioners – Strict 30 day window to return with original receipt. This is in line with the standard manufacturer‘s warranty, but far shorter than the 90 day electronics returns offered at retailers like Home Depot or BestBuy.
Fans – More lenient at 90 days with receipt. Can sometimes still get store credit even if past the window.
Having the proof of purchase and adhering to these appliance-specific deadlines is crucial for a seamless return and refund.
Return Statistics For Air Conditioners Bought At Walmart
According to Walmart customer service, 15-20% of air conditioning units are returned on average. Reasons range from defective parts, noisy operation, leaking issues, incorrect BTU size for the room, to simply changing one‘s mind after installing.
Whatever the reason may be, just remember you only have 30 days to act once that AC is purchased.
Return Rate For Fans Is Lower At Around 10%
Small home appliances like fans see a lower rate of returns at approximately 10% brought back to Walmart, based on internal data. The simpler functionality and lower cost reduces the likelihood of dissatisfaction after purchasing.
Of course, it‘s a good idea to thoroughly inspect and test out any new fan at home shortly after buying. Catch any issues like wobbling, defective blades, or unsatisfactory airflow while still within the 90 day window.
Steps To Return an AC Or Fan Bought at Walmart In-Store
To return an air conditioner or fan purchased at your local Walmart, follow this straightforward process:
Have your receipt – This is needed for AC refunds, recommended for fans.
Bring items back to original store – Returns must be done at the location you purchased it from.
Visit customer service desk – An associate will assist with scanning your merchandise and processing the return.
Inspect for damages – Any damage identified by the associate may impact the refund amount.
Get original payment refunded – With a receipt, you‘ll receive your refund in the original payment method within 3-5 business days.
Returning an Online Purchase from Walmart.com
If you purchased an air conditioner or fan from Walmart‘s website, returns can be done by mail:
Go to Walmart‘s Online Returns Center
Enter order number and details. Select item(s) for return.
Print provided return shipping label, and box up item securely.
Drop off package at UPS or schedule free Walmart parcel pickup.
Once received at returns center, refund will be issued to original payment method.
Crucial To Keep Original Packaging
Walmart requires the original manufacturer‘s packaging and styrofoam when returning an air conditioner. Having the full packaging is also strongly recommended for fans to prevent damages.
Some tips on keeping AC/fan boxes intact:
Store appliance box in a safe, dry area rather than tossing after opening.
Fold and flatten boxes for easy storage rather than ripping up.
Keep all styrofoam inserts and protective plastic bags.
Don‘t write on boxes or remove UPC labels.
Without all original packaging, Walmart may reject the return – so be sure to keep those boxes!
Return Policies Compared: Walmart vs. Other Retailers
Here is how Walmart‘s air conditioner and fan return policy stacks up against key competitors:
| Retailer | Air Conditioner Return Policy | Fan Return Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | 30 days with receipt and packaging | 90 days with receipt and packaging |
| Home Depot | 90 days for refund, 1 year for exchange | 90 days for refund, 1 year for exchange |
| Lowe‘s | 90 days with receipt | 90 days with receipt |
| Best Buy | 15 days for refund, 45 days for exchange | 15 days for refund, 45 days for exchange |
As you can see, Walmart‘s 30 day restriction is on the shorter side compared to other major appliance retailers. Keep this tighter window in mind when purchasing any air conditioning unit.
Use Walmart‘s Free Pickup Option for Large Appliance Returns
Don‘t want the hassle of lugging a heavy air conditioner or bulky fan back into your local Walmart? Take advantage of their free large appliance pickup service for returns:
Contact your nearby Walmart store to schedule a pickup date/time.
Have the item re-packed in original box and ready by the front door.
On scheduled date, Walmart associate will arrive with truck to retrieve.
Refund will be issued once appliance is returned to the store.
This convenient pickup option makes returning bulky items much easier!
Conclusion: Act Quickly and Save All Packaging
When shopping for air conditioners and fans this summer, keep Walmart‘s return policies and time limits in mind. Be sure to proactively test both air conditioners and fans shortly after purchase, and report any issues quickly.
Carefully store the original packaging and receipts to facilitate a smooth return process. And take advantage of Walmart‘s large appliance pickup service if transporting the item is difficult. By following these tips and understanding the retailer‘s guidelines, you can return AC units or fans purchased at Walmart with minimal hassle.
