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Purchasing large appliances can be a major investment, but knowing when to buy can lead to significant savings. Whether you’re in the market for new refrigerators or other home essentials, planning ahead can help you take advantage of discounts retailers offer throughout the year. Seasonal sales, holiday weekends, and Black Friday Appliance savings can all influence the price you pay. Let's explore the best times to buy appliances and get the most value for your money.
Why Timing Your Appliance Purchase Matters
Many of us wait until an appliance reaches the end of its life before considering a replacement. While this approach can seem practical, it often leads to impulse purchases made out of necessity, which rarely result in the best deals. By planning your appliance purchase in advance, you can benefit from discounts offered at specific times of the year. Retailers often clear out last year’s models, and strategic planning can help you find luxury refrigerator brands or other high-end appliances at lower prices.
The Best Months to Buy Large Appliances
May: Memorial Day Sales
Memorial Day marks the start of significant appliance sales, making May an ideal time to shop for new appliances. Many retailers concentrate their promotions around this holiday, offering discounts on kitchen appliances, washers, dryers, and more.
July: Independence Day Deals
The Fourth of July is another popular time for appliance sales. Electronics, home improvement, and department stores often run promotions that extend beyond the holiday itself. This period is particularly advantageous for purchasing air conditioners and refrigerators, with deals sometimes stretching into August.
September to October: Fall Clearance Sales
As the fall season approaches, many manufacturers introduce new appliance models. This is when retailers begin clearing out older inventory, offering discounts on items like refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. Labor Day weekend typically features some of the best sales, often including free delivery or additional discounts on major appliance purchases.
November to December: Black Friday and Year-End Clearance
Black Friday is the shopping event of the year, with retailers offering deep discounts on a wide range of products, including appliances. These deals are often announced ahead of time, giving shoppers an opportunity to prepare and budget. If you miss Black Friday, sales typically continue into December, culminating in year-end clearance events. By this time, retailers are eager to sell older models to make room for new stock, which can result in significant markdowns.
Optimal Retail Holidays for Appliance Shopping
- Memorial Day (May): Kick off the summer with appliance sales and rebates, particularly on kitchen appliances and laundry machines.
- Independence Day (July): Find promotions on summer-related appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators.
- Labor Day (September): A prime time for fall clearance, with discounts on various large appliances.
- Black Friday (November): The best opportunity for year-end deals, including various types of refrigerators and high-end appliances.
- Cyber Monday (November/December): Online retailers offer additional discounts, sometimes extending Black Friday deals.
If you do need to buy at other times of the year, try to time your purchase with a holiday weekend. Most retailers have sales corresponding to virtually all the holidays. Even minor holidays can provide an excellent opportunity to get a deal, but just be sure to comparison shop, as some sale prices are not necessarily the lowest around.
Shopping Tips Based on Appliance Types
Refrigerators
Most new refrigerators are released in the summer, with discounts beginning in May. When choosing between a counter-depth vs standard-size fridge, consider both price and available space in your kitchen. Opting for last year’s models during seasonal sales can help you secure a luxury refrigerator at a lower price.
Dishwashers
Discounts typically occur in September and October, with the possibility of further markdowns in January if inventory remains. This is the best time to buy a dishwasher that meets your household's needs without overspending.
Washers and Dryers
These appliances—including both gas dryers and electric dryers—also experience turnover in early fall. Even if you only need one, consider buying a washer and dryer together for combination discounts, which many retailers offer year-round.
Alternative Strategies for Getting the Best Appliance Deals
Shop Proactively
Instead of waiting for your appliances to break down, plan for their replacement in advance. By tracking the life expectancy of each appliance, such as knowing that a refrigerator lasts about 12 years, you can budget for a new purchase and start looking during sales seasons.
Comparison Shopping
Before making a purchase, compare prices both online and across multiple retailers. If you find a better deal elsewhere, you can use this information to negotiate with your preferred store.
Take Advantage of Rebates and Tax Credits
Energy-efficient appliances may come with rebates or tax credits, further reducing the overall cost.
Make the Most of Your Appliance Purchase
Purchasing large appliances, whether it's a kitchen appliance or other household appliances, is a significant investment. However, by timing your purchase around key events like an appliance sale during a holiday weekend or the holiday season, you can save considerably. Retailers often offer discounts on both new models and older models during these times, making it easier to find the right home appliance at a lower price. Additionally, comparison shopping for both large and small appliances allows you to take advantage of the best deals available. Being proactive and informed is key when purchasing appliances. Check out Town Appliance’s latest offers to find the perfect addition to your home.
Source:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Federal Tax Credits: Heat Pump Water Heaters. ENERGY STAR. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits/heat-pump-water-heaters.
