This post may contain references and links to products from our advertisers. We may receive commissions from certain links you click on our website. As an Amazon Associate Rhythm of the Home earns revenues from qualifying purchases.
Buying a new home appliance represents a considerable investment. It makes sense that you’d prefer to search for the best deals and save as much money as possible. Whether you plan to purchase a new washing machine or upgrade your air conditioning unit, it’s important to get your timing right when you’re shopping for appliances. For example, if you’re patient and wait for the holidays, you’re more likely to find some great discounts. That’s because appliances are typically more affordable at some times of the year. Let’s see when are the best and worst times to purchase appliances for your home.
1. The Best Times to Buy Appliances
1.1 During Sale Events
If you’re wondering about the best time to purchase a brand new appliance, Black Friday is a safe bet. Together with Cyber Monday, this is an important sale event that you shouldn’t miss if you want to make considerable money savings. However, it’s important to be aware of some deceiving marketing techniques. You should have some prior knowledge about the original price of the appliance before making a purchase.
Those deals showing 60-70% off might look very tempting but you won’t know for sure whether it’s a considerable discount unless you’ve done your research beforehand. Many retailers can take advantage of the Black Friday shopping frenzy and offer only illusory deals. Even when the products are truly offered at a lower price, the discount may not be as huge as it seems at a first glance.
Sale events come with another disadvantage for many shoppers. The best deals are typically in small quantities so you may not be able to snap them up in time. If you’re really determined to purchase a new appliance at a great deal on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, check out the leaks teased throughout November. You might be able to scope out some excellent discounts on your desired products if you know in advance what to expect.
1.2 On Major Holidays
Retailers and brands come up with promotions all the time but some of the best deals can be found on major holidays such as the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Year’s. Even some minor holidays can bring a treasure trove of discounts on appliances. That’s why it’s recommended to go shopping during any holiday weekend throughout the year.
You can expect deals showing up to 40-50% off on select appliances from major retailers on holidays. There might be extra shopping incentives as well such as promotional gift cards for certain purchases. If we’re focusing exclusively on appliance deals, the best holidays to consider are the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Presidents Day.
1.3 When a New Model is Released
The release of a new appliance model can indicate that you’ll find a better bargain for older models. When we’re talking about smartphones or other products, getting the newest model is usually always better. When it comes to appliances, however, there are no major benefits to purchasing the latest model released. You can get a very performant discounted dishwasher or refrigerator that was released in the previous year.
If you keep an eye on new appliance releases, you will be able to find some great deals on older models because retailers need to accommodate the new inventory. That usually translates to discounted prices and special promotions during the release of a new product. Some shoppers may have some reticence when it comes to purchasing older appliances but it’s not necessary to have the most up-to-date components or features, especially if you just need a basic fridge or washer unit.
1.4 In the Off-Season
Certain types of appliances are cheaper when purchased in the off-season. Furnaces or air conditioners are solid examples. It might seem strange to purchase a heater during the summer and an air conditioner in the cold season, but this is a smart strategy for saving money. There’s not a big demand for these products in the off-season so retailers drop prices to drive more sales. Buying an air conditioner in the middle of the summer can be costly because you will likely pay full price for the appliance installation service fee as well.
1.5 At the End of the Year
Although the end of the year may not be an ideal time for purchasing big appliances, you can usually find smaller ones heavily discounted. Things like microwaves and toasters become more affordable in November and December because retailers are overstocked and want to clear out their inventories. In some cases, you can find some great deals on leftover appliances unsold during Black Friday sales.
2. The Worst Times to Buy Appliances
If you start seeing signs that your current appliance is close to the end of its lifespan, it’s highly recommended to consider an upgrade in a timely fashion. The worst time to buy an appliance is when you urgently need it. You won’t be able to make any money savings on future deals because the replacement is required as quickly as possible. This is usually the case for large appliances such as refrigerators.
Start looking for upgrades as soon as you discover worrying signs that your existing appliance is about to break down. Careful planning without being forced to rush will help you cut down on costly appliance purchases. If we’re talking about the worst time of the year to buy an appliance, things can get a little more complicated. Sales and promotions can appear throughout the year but it’s usually best to avoid buying the appliance as soon as it launches. If you’re patient, it’s safe to say that its price will start dropping after a while. Even if the full price still remains high, you might be able to get a discount by waiting for a sale.
3. Appliance Shopping Tips
Whether your budget is very limited or you need an immediate replacement and can’t wait for sales, there are some tips and tricks you can use to shop for appliances more wisely. Here are some of the best ways to save money on these purchases:
3.1 Get a Floor Model
By opting for an appliance model used for display in the shop, you will be able to make some considerable money savings. Ask the retailer if you can purchase a floor unit and you can obtain a solid discount without having to sacrifice functionality or quality.
3.2 Take Advantage of Price Matching Policies
Some retailers provide their clients with price matching policies that can be used to get the same price from another retailer that offers an identical item at a reduced cost. This means you need to compare prices carefully between retailers when shopping for an appliance if you want to take advantage of price matching policies. Keep in mind that some exclusions may be applicable.
3.3 Purchase an Appliance With Slight Imperfections
It could be worth checking products slightly damaged or with minor cosmetic imperfections when shopping for a new appliance. These are often discounted but you need to be careful that no important parts are missing and the appliance went through a rigorous check that confirms it’s in proper working order.
3.4 Search the Best Deals Online
Visiting different physical retailers in your city can take too much time and effort. It’s usually more practical to search for the best appliance deals online. Some solid online discounts may even be found year-round. The drawback is that you need to take into account shipping costs. Check Google Shopping or PriceGrabber to compare prices more easily on different appliance models.
3.5 Try Local Second-Hand Options
An online marketplace like Craigslist or Ebay could be worth exploring if you want greatly reduced costs on second-hand appliances. Some of them are gently used and still working without problems. Depending on your particular needs and budget considerations, you might not necessarily need a brand new appliance and can find a solid second-hand deal.
