Appliances are a major purchase and can be expensive to operate. This insider’s guide helps you save on appliances by using smart strategies.
Look for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances to save energy and money. Energy usage is a huge portion of many home utility bills. Also, consider purchasing an appliance package to save hundreds of dollars.
Check the Energy Star Rating
While there are many ways to cut down on your energy bills — from adjusting the thermostat to unplugging appliances — one of the best is to invest in energy-efficient appliances. Look for the blue ENERGY STAR label when shopping. These products are more efficient than their non-ENERGY STAR counterparts, helping you save on your energy bill over time. Additionally, the EPA reports that many energy-efficient appliances are eligible for tax credits.
The ENERGY STAR rating is a seal of approval that indicates that the product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the US Department of Energy. The ENERGY STAR label can be found on over 75 categories of products, homes, and buildings.
Before you buy an appliance, check its ENERGY STAR score on the EPA’s website. The website will show you how much it uses based on standardized testing. Then, compare that usage to the number listed on its yellow Energy Guide sticker (which gives a detailed energy consumption and operating cost). This will give you an idea of how much it will save you over the long term.
Look for a Store Rebate
Many appliance manufacturers offer product rebates as sales incentives, while organizations like local utility companies and energy agencies encourage homeowners to upgrade to more efficient appliances. Though not instant, like discounts at checkout, these post-purchase incentives can significantly reduce the cost of large appliances like kitchen or laundry room equipment.
You could be entitled to a government agency rebate on top of any manufacturer rebates for your new appliance if it meets certain criteria. ENERGY STAR is a useful resource for tracking rebates from across the country, which can help you find the best deals on high-efficiency appliances. For instance, you can use a Dyson promo code to get a great discount.
To find the most affordable options, look for appliance packages that offer multiple appliances at a discounted price. This approach can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars in the long run. Similarly, look for store rebates. For instance, some retailers offer a lowest-price guarantee on every product in the store, so if you find the same appliance for less somewhere else locally, the company will match that price. This policy is especially useful for shoppers doing a full kitchen remodel.
Look for a Warranty
Most major purchases come with a warranty, and home appliances are no exception. If it’s been less than a year since you bought an appliance, it might still be covered by its manufacturer’s warranty or a credit card’s extended protection plan (if you paid with it). You can check your product documentation and the terms of the warranties to see if you have coverage.
Regardless of how careful you are, every homeowner has a time when something breaks down. While it can be expensive, most responsible homeowners work out a budget to keep repair and replacement costs aligned with their financial goals. A home warranty might be worth the cost for those who want to reduce the risk of unexpected expenses, such as first-time home buyers, homeowners on fixed incomes, or those who aren’t handy enough to fix or replace their appliances and systems.
Home warranty premiums, exclusions, and coverage vary widely. If you’re considering buying a home, ask the seller whether they have a home warranty and get the policy documentation before closing.
Look for a Store Discount
Appliances with minor cosmetic imperfections or certified refurbished models can be found for substantially less than their full price. You might also find appliances that were originally sold but returned to make room for a newer model—in these cases; you’ll often save even more if you shop around for open-box or clearance discounts at local retailers.
The best times to score deals on major appliances depend on the time of year, including holidays. For instance, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are popular appliance sales seasons, as are Black Friday and end-of-year clearance sales.
While it may be more difficult to haggle over larger purchases than smaller ones, CR members who tried negotiating for a better price in our 2021 survey reported a median savings of $119. Generally, you can compare prices online before heading to a store. Some sites can show you the prices for various appliance models at different stores. Lastly, look for deals at local, independent retailers that can often match online prices or offer additional perks.
Negotiate
While it takes practice to become a master bargainer, anyone can save money by learning the basics. According to a member survey conducted by Consumer Reports in 2021, 23 percent of large-appliance shoppers tried to negotiate prices, and two-thirds succeeded—saving them a median of $119.
Many retailers offer price match policies. You can even use online resources to compare prices among local stores.
Scoring a deal on smaller appliances like microwaves or space heaters may be easier. These products are on sale around back-to-school and during holiday weekends, when students need new appliances for their dorms and apartments.
When negotiating the price of larger appliances, be sure to point out small scratches or dents on the surface. These minor imperfections won’t affect performance and can yield 10% to 20% discounts. In addition, ask if the retailer has floor models that aren’t brand-new—they might be willing to discount them to clear out inventory and make room for new stock.