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5 Problems with La-Z-Boy Power Recliners

September 10, 2021

6 Problems with La-Z-Boy Power Furniture

For decades, La-Z-Boy has built a reputation for manufacturing and selling comfortable and quality furniture in North America. 

We are primarily known for the invention of the iconic recliner chair over 90 years ago, but since then, the La-Z-Boy brand has evolved into much more. We now sell a variety of stylish home furniture for multiple rooms in the home. With this being said, the innovation of our reclining mechanism remains one of our top priorities. 

What was once a wood slate chair has now transformed into a wide selection of recliners and reclining sofas with a variety of functionalities, including the ability to recline at the touch of a button. Our La-Z-Boy power recliners offer effortless reclining comfort along with appealing upgrades.

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingson, our clients ask many questions about La-Z-Boy power recliners. Most commonly, clients want to know about possible problems with La-Z-Boy electric recliners before making a significant investment.

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Buying furniture can be expensive, especially a power reclining chair, and everyone wants to ensure that they are getting good value for their hard-earned money. We not only understand this requirement, but we’d like to make sure everyone feels this way after their La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston purchase. 

In this article, we will address these concerns by outlining all of the potential problems with La-Z-Boy power recliners. But keep in mind that with every problem there is a solution! Knowledge is power when making a buying decision and being equipped with solutions if a problem does arise is your best defense.


In this Article...

  1. Extra Cost
  2. Need for a Power Source
  3. Replacing the Emergency Battery Pack
  4. Problems with Rechargeable Battery Pack
  5. Difficulties Operating Power Furniture
  6. What to do if Issues Occur with your La-Z-Boy Power Furniture

 

1. Extra Cost

Simply put, La-Z-Boy power recliners are more expensive than manual reclining furniture. 

The extra cost is due to the La-Z-Boy electric recliner components, or series of motors, built within the mechanism of the furniture allowing it to adjust and recline into a comfortable position with the touch of a button. Not only does this call for more expensive materials, but it also requires more sophisticated craftsmanship. 

Generally speaking, the power upgrade adds an additional cost of about $300 to $1,500, depending on the furniture model. This is the same for a power reclining sofa or a power reclining sectional.

Additionally, La-Z-Boy power recliners have a range of available upgrades that impact the overall cost:


Upgrade

Cost of Upgrade

Wireless Remote

$150

Headrest & Lumbar

$500 to $700

Heat & Massage

$900 to $1,270

Rechargeable Battery Pack

$300

Not to mention, all La-Z-Boy recliners are customizable in a range of fabrics and leathers, also impacting the final price.

Solution

While a La-Z-Boy power recliner is a significant investment, keep in mind that La-Z-Boy furniture is quality crafted and built to last. In turn, your purchase has the potential to last for several years if cared for properly

Further, you may consider taking advantage of furniture financing to take some strain off the pocketbook and pay off the investment of power furniture over time. 

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At La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston, we offer furniture financing with Flexiti. You have the opportunity to pay for your power reclining chair over a 12-month period for an interest rate as low as 0%. 


Finally, it is never a bad idea to keep an eye out for on-sale items. At La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston, we have in-stock specials and promotions worth taking advantage of, potentially lowering the cost of power recliners.

 

2. Need for Power Source

La-Z-Boy power recliners require a power source to operate. 

Each reclining unit has a motor that connects to a cable that attaches to a power source. The power supply connects to a power cord that runs through the back of the furniture and plugs into an AC outlet.

In turn, power recliners must be placed close to a wall with an outlet. Some clients find that the placement of their La-Z-Boy recliner is restricted by where the outlets in their home are located and find it frustrating when determining their furniture arrangement.


Solution

One potential solution to this problem is using an extension cord, although this is not recommended. While an extension cord can expand the possibilities for your furniture placement, you will then be faced with the problem of hiding the cord. Not to mention, having to deal with the potential safety hazard of tripping over the cord. 

The best solution to this problem is purchasing La-Z-Boy’s rechargeable battery pack. The lithium-ion battery pack eliminates the constraints of the furniture’s corded power supply.

 

3. Replacing the Emergency Backup Battery

In the case of a power outage, La-Z-Boy power recliners are built with the capability to have an emergency battery backup. 

With this being said, the battery backup is not included with the purchase of the unit. To ensure that you have backup power, you will need to purchase two 9 volt alkaline batteries. 

Many clients struggle with installing and replacing the backup batteries in their power reclining chairs.

Solution

The solution to this is knowledge. It is quite simple if you know how!

The batteries go into the power supply box found at the bottom backside of the unit. The plug that goes into the wall is connected to this box. Underneath the box, you will find a latch for opening the box. Inside you will find a compartment for the two 9 volt batteries.

To replace the batteries, simply repeat this process and properly dispose of the dead batteries.

4. Going Cordless? Problems with the Rechargeable Battery Pack

While going cordless has many benefits, it also comes with its own problems. 

As previously mentioned, the rechargeable batteries have an extra cost of $300. 

Further, you are responsible for the setup of the rechargeable battery pack, which can prove difficult for those who are not electronically savvy. 

There are also some safety concerns associated with the rechargeable batteries. It is important to keep the battery pack and cables away from the reclining mechanism within the power recliner chair to avoid complications and overheating.

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Finally, the battery pack must be re-charged frequently with regular use of your La-Z-Boy power recliner. Some clients find charging the battery pack bothersome and struggle to remember to do so. In turn, you may find your battery pack out of power at unfavourable times.

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Solution

The reality is that the battery pack needs to be charged in order to power your power recliner sofa. There is no solution to that but there are some tips & tricks to make your experience with battery packs more seamless.

Instead of waiting for your battery pack to beep or suddenly lose power, some clients recommend being proactive by charging their battery pack every night. Just like you plug in your phone before bed, consider incorporating the charging of your battery pack into your nighttime routine.

Moreover, some clients decide to invest in multiple battery packs. Simply switch out one battery pack while the other is charging and your power recliners will never be without power.

To learn more, take a look at the detailed Review of La-Z-Boy’s Rechargeable Battery Pack.

5. Difficulty Using the Control Panel or Wireless Remote

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The features of La-Z-Boy power recliners are operated by using a 2-button or 4-button control panel located on the side of the furniture. Instead, you may opt for the wireless remote upgrade. In this case, the remote is kept in a cradle located on the side of the furniture. 

Similar to the rechargeable battery, the buttons that operate the La-Z-Boy power recliners can be difficult to navigate if you are unsure of what each button means. More specifically, many clients struggle to sync their wireless remote to their power reclining chair.


 

Solution

As previously stated, knowledge is power. The only solution to operating your La-Z-Boy power recliner with confidence is by learning how to use the control panel or wireless remote. 

This video will outline the different functions of the buttons on the La-Z-Boy power remote.

 

What to Do If Issues Occur With Your La-Z-Boy Power Recliner?

While many of these problems have simple solutions, some problems are best left to the experts. 

In keeping with our mission of building “Customers For Life”, La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston

has developed an in-house service department. This department includes logistics, operations, and trained technicians. Maintaining an in-house service department is the most efficient way to provide the best customer experience possible.

When there is a problem, our service team is here to answer all of your questions and help solve problems that you may have. If necessary, a technician will visit your home and repair your furniture. 

Rest assured knowing that defects of La-Z-Boy power recliners are covered by a manufacturer warranty. This covers multiple aspects of the product, some parts for a lifetime, and others for a couple of years. In terms of power furniture, it is important to note that electrical components (the motor) are only covered for 3 years.

For a more detailed description, take a look at the article Are La-Z-Boy Recliners Guaranteed for Life?

Further, La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston offer a comprehensive service plan that covers more than the manufacturer’s warranty. Instead of one year, it provides a 5-year plan for the labour, parts, and in-home service. 

For inquiries within the Ottawa & Kingston area, you can Email or call 613-749-0001 to get in touch with our service department.

What's Next?

After reading this article, you are aware of potential problems that could occur in La-Z-Boy power recliners and are equipped with the solutions to these problems. 

With this knowledge under your belt, you can now purchase a power recliner with your eyes wide open. Time to start looking!

Connect with Us

From La-Z-Boy power recliners to loveseats, power recliner sofas, and lift chairs, we offer a wide selection of stylish and comfortable power recliners to choose from. 

Our consultants would be thrilled to help you find the ideal power recliner chair for your unique needs and preferences. Further, they can walk you through available customization options and upgrades available. 

If you are concerned about how La-Z-Boy power recliners will fit with your current furniture arrangement and home design, consider taking advantage of our complimentary design services. Our expert interior designers will ensure that your chosen La-Z-Boy power recliner fits seamlessly into your space and enhances your home decor. 

Visit us at our local furniture stores in Ottawa or Kingston locations to get started today. If you prefer to plan, schedule an appointment online.

 

We look forward to meeting you!

Related Links:

Manual vs. Power Recliners: A Detailed Comparison of La-Z-Boy Recliners

Top 7 Problems with La-Z-Boy Furniture

Difference Between La-Z-Boy Power Furniture and the Competition

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