Purchasing large appliances for your home is a significant investment. Whether replacing an old refrigerator, upgrading your washer and dryer, or installing a new dishwasher, knowing when to buy can save you hundreds of dollars.
In many cases, the best time to buy appliances coincides with retail holidays, seasonal changes, and new model releases. This guide will help you navigate the appliance market to find the best deals.
Choosing New Appliances
Certain aspects of your new appliance may be dictated by your space, plumbing, and/or home wiring configuration. By carefully assessing your space, you can avoid purchasing an item that does not work or fit in your house. This will also help you decide which features are essential and which are merely optional.
Size and Space Constraints
You may want a supersized new French door refrigerator to accommodate your family, especially if you love cooking and entertaining. But can your kitchen space accommodate it? Likewise, you may fall in love with a large washer and dryer but only have room for a small stackable.
Consider the layout of your home and how the new appliance will fit into your daily life. A spacious kitchen might accommodate a larger refrigerator, while a compact laundry room may require a stackable washer and dryer set. Always have your measurements on hand when shopping to avoid the disappointment and hassle of returning an ill-fitting appliance.
Budget and Cost
Before replacing, check on the cost to repair your current appliance. If you’re replacing a critical appliance that’s beyond repair, consider how long you can go without it. Crucial appliances may require immediate replacement, while some you may be able to temporarily do without, waiting for a favorable buying season.
When setting your budget, factor in the purchase price and potential installation costs, extended warranties, and any necessary home modifications. Some retailers offer financing options or store credit cards with promotional rates.
Rebates and Tax Credits
Many appliances offer rebates that further reduce the total cost. Rebates allow you to get your money back (typically in the form of a prepaid debit card) after you send certain documents to the manufacturer–usually a receipt and bar code.
Energy-efficient appliances may have a higher upfront cost, but can significantly reduce your utility bills over time. Additionally, some states offer rebates or tax credits for purchasing energy-efficient appliances. The IRS website provides details about such purchases
Best Seasons for Large Appliance Shopping
If you’re in the market for a new appliance, the best times of the year to purchase will typically be in the fall and winter. Fall is when manufacturers introduce new products, and winter is ideal because you can buy warm-weather appliances at off-season prices.
Fall: New Models and Clearance Sales
Manufacturers typically release new models in the fall, prompting retailers to clear out older inventory at discounted prices. You can often find great deals on last year’s models, which may have only minor differences from the newest versions.
Winter: Holiday Deals and Year-End Discounts
Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November kick off the holiday shopping season with deep discounts on appliances. These sales often extend through December, culminating in year-end clearance events.
January can also be a good time to find deals, as retailers may offer New Year’s sales or continue clearing out inventory from the previous year. Many stores run promotions around President’s Day in February, providing another chance to save on large appliances.
Spring: Memorial Day Promotions
May is particularly noteworthy, as it’s often when Maytag runs its annual promotions. Memorial Day sales at the end of May can offer substantial discounts, making it an ideal time to shop if you’ve been waiting since the winter sales.
Spring is also when many homeowners start thinking about home improvements, so retailers may offer promotions to capture this market. Keep an eye out for sales on refrigerators and air conditioners as the weather warms up.
Best Days for Deals on Large Appliances
The very best time to buy major appliances is during holiday sales. Here are some favorable times to shop for new appliances:
- New Year’s Day (January)
- President’s Day (February)
- Memorial Day (May)
- Independence Day (July)
- Amazon Prime Day (July)
- Labor Day (September)
- Veteran’s Day (November)
- Black Friday (November)
- Cyber Monday (November)
Certain days of the year are known for offering exceptional deals on large appliances. Marking these dates on your calendar can help you plan your purchase for maximum savings.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday (the following Monday) are two of the most anticipated shopping days of the year. Retailers often offer their deepest discounts during this time, with many stores extending their Black Friday appliance sales throughout the weekend and into the following week.
During these sales, you can find significant markdowns on most appliances, including refrigerators and microwaves. Many retailers also offer online deals.
Independence Day Sales
The Fourth of July is a prime time for appliance sales. Many retailers offer promotions around this holiday, making it an excellent opportunity to find deals on summer-related appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.
These sales often start a few days before the holiday and may extend for a week or more afterward. Look for bundle deals, rebates, and free delivery offers to maximize your savings.
Labor Day Promotions
Labor Day, marking the unofficial end of summer, is another key date for appliance shoppers. As retailers prepare for the fall season and new model releases, they often use this holiday weekend to clear out summer inventory and older models.
Labor Day sales can offer substantial discounts on a variety of appliances, from kitchen essentials to laundry equipment. These promotions frequently begin a week before the holiday and may continue for several days afterward, giving you ample time to compare prices and find the best deal. This also means you don’t need to shop on Labor Day itself–which would mean utilizing wage labor, thereby desecrating the spirit of the holiday.
Best Time of the Week
When it comes to purchasing appliances, the best times of the week may be Wednesday or Thursday. Most crowds are looking for deals on weekends, and you may not have the one-on-one time you need to negotiate with salespeople.
Best Time of the Day
Typically, the best time of the day to purchase appliances is after 3 p.m. Retailers may reduce prices around this time of the day.
Large Appliance Shopping Tips
Besides seasonal shopping, there are other ways to save on appliances. Here are five more savvy ways to get great savings:
1. Shop Proactively
Instead of waiting for your appliances to go bad, replace them before significant problems arise. This means paying close attention to the lifespan of your appliances. For instance, the life expectancy of a modern refrigerator is about 12 years. If you know you’ve had yours for about a decade, then it’s a good idea to budget for a new fridge and start looking.
2. Comparison Shop
Compare online options with those of multiple retailers in your area. If you find cheaper options online or at another big box retailer, you may be able to use this as a bargaining tool. Every store has its own rules about lowering prices for comparison shopping. For instance, you may not be able to negotiate with a brick-and-motor store using online prices.
3. Purchase Floor Models
One way you can help cut costs on larger appliances is to consider buying the floor model. The floor model may be significantly cheaper, particularly if you can negotiate money off for acceptable damages, such as damages to the floor or scratches.
4. Take Advantage of Credit
Another way to save is by using one of your major credit cards that offers discounts on certain brands. Some Citi or Chase cards offer this benefit. You may even consider opening a store credit card to take advantage of any immediate savings and get rewards. Stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot offer promotional opportunities for their store credit at the time of purchase.
5. Buy Last Year’s Model
When manufacturers roll out new inventory for the new year, they may reduce prices on older models significantly. This typically happens between September and November before the Christmas rush.
Home Appliance Shopping FAQs
Does brand really matter?
The brands you choose are entirely up to you. Keep in mind that some brands have the same parent company. For instance, Whirlpool owns Maytag. Ultimately, you should focus on what you want your appliances to do for you. Many people want basic functions for their appliances, while others want smart technology that links to their smartphones.
Another factor to keep in mind when shopping for appliances is style and color. This may be more important than brand if you want your appliances to blend with your home decor.
How important is it to purchase Energy Star appliances?
For those who are concerned about greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to purchase Energy Star appliances. Such appliances are backed by the federal government on their efficiency. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets strict energy criteria on products such as home appliances. These appliances use less energy, so you can expect to save on your energy bills if you install these products.
Can I install my own appliances?
Yes, if your large appliance only requires you to move it into position and plug it in. On the other hand, you may want to hire a professional for more intricate appliances such as a furnace, water heater, or air conditioner. Natural gas products also require professional installation.