Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford
When your appliances break down, it can strain your budget. But there are ways to save money and stretch your budget further.
One easy tip is to purchase appliance bundles, which often cost less than individual items. Another is using energy-efficient appliances that will save you money on operating costs.
Shop Around
Many retailers offer price-matching policies that match a competitor’s prices. This is a great way to get the exact appliance you want without spending more than you should. This also allows you to avoid getting talked into upgrades or features you don’t need.
Another way to save when shopping for appliances is to buy them as a package. For example, you can often save on a stove and refrigerator by buying them together. Additionally, many stores will offer discounts on appliance packages and other promotions, such as rebates and scratch-and-dent deals, click here for more information.
Buying new appliances can be tempting, especially when the old ones break down. However, taking a step back and analyzing the situation is important. Planning and using the tips above can save money and avoid debt. Plus, you’ll have more cash for other household expenses or even a vacation. The extra cash will also help you establish a savings account. This will give you peace of mind and help you recover financially.
Check the Efficiency Rating
Appliances are a necessity in every Seattle home, but they draw a lot of electricity and can raise your utility bills. To save money, look for appliances with a high-efficiency rating.
To determine how efficient a product is, look for its CEE or ENERGY STAR label. These labels are present on almost all appliances and rate their energy consumption in kW per cycle, 100 cycles, or annum.
A higher efficiency rating is better, but the best way to know how efficient an appliance is is by checking its actual electricity consumption. You can do this by reading the power tags on your appliances or using a home energy monitor like a Kill-A-Watt meter.
Also, avoid purchasing appliances with bells and whistles. These extra features might seem cool, but they can increase your electricity bill significantly. Instead, opt for a simple model with the necessary functions to reduce electricity consumption. Buying your appliances on sale is also important to save as much as possible. Retailers often offer seasonal sales, such as Black Friday and Christmas.
Look for 0% Interest Deals
The average appliance purchase is a big financial investment, but it doesn’t have to be. If you follow a few smart strategies, you can spend less on your appliances and save thousands in energy costs over the long haul.
For example, national retailers often offer price-match guarantees. They can even extend this to in-store appliances, albeit with some fine print and exclusions. This can save you money, especially if you’re looking for a certain model or are in the final stage of your research and negotiation.
Other retailers offer rebates on appliances bundled together in the same transaction. They may offer 5% or 10% savings when you purchase four appliances from one brand.
Some stores also offer rent-to-own programs, where you lease an appliance instead of buying it upfront. Depending on the terms of your agreement, you’ll make weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payments until you own the appliance. Unlike a personal loan, these lease-to-own agreements typically don’t require a credit check, making them accessible to consumers with bad credit. But beware of hidden fees, as these can easily wipe out any interest savings you can achieve.
Negotiate
Even if you’re a reluctant haggler, this tried-and-true strategy can help you save a bundle on major appliances like washers and dryers. It’s especially useful at traditional retailers that still adhere to a commissioned sales model, where employees are pressured to meet quotas. A polite but firm counteroffer is often worth 5% to 10% off the sticker price.
It’s also a good idea to shop around—some deals are seasonal, with discounts peaking in September and October as manufacturers prepare to release newer models or over holiday weekends. And don’t forget that shopping online using multiple browsers can effectively compare prices and find the best deal.
Of course, sometimes unexpected expenses can wrench your finances no matter how well you budget or plan. When this happens, getting a loan can be a fast and easy solution that allows you to cover your expenses while saving money for the future.
Get a Loan
The price of household appliances can be very high, making financing a popular choice. However, it’s important to understand the interest rates and fees when choosing an appliance financing option. Personal loans typically have lower interest rates than credit cards, saving you money in the long run.
Another common financing method for appliances is the rent-to-own option. This lets you lease the appliance and make weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payments. After a set amount of time, you will own the appliance outright. The drawbacks of this type of financing include steep fees and long-term debt that can be difficult to pay off.
If you have excellent or good credit, you may be able to qualify for in-house appliance financing at the retailer where you’re purchasing. This usually requires a minimum credit score of 580 or more, but requirements vary by store. In-house appliance financing can also be more affordable than renting to own through a third party. It’s always a good idea to shop around to find the best options.