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Major Appliance Shopping Tips

When it’s time to purchase a major appliance, you no doubt want to make an informed decision and find the best deal.  Knowing that, I’d like to offer the following shopping suggestions

• Ask around. Most likely someone you know already owns—or chose not to buy—the very appliance you’re considering.  See what they have to say about it—and why.
• Go online. Use the web to gather pre-purchase info.  Visit manufacturer sites as well as product-review sites like ConsumerSearch.com and Buzzillions.com. Also consider a paid subscription to ConsumerReports.org to access expert ratings and buying advice.
• Sign up. It can also pay to register on retailer or manufacturer sites to receive alerts about rebates and upcoming sales.  It helps if you sign up online for deal finders like PriceGrabber.com and FatWallet.com, which can help you, track down the best price in your area.
• Time purchases. If you can wait and don’t mind buying last year’s model, grab a deal once the new models début.  According to Consumer Reports, that’s September/October for most appliances; May for refrigerators.  And don’t forget about Black Friday and holidays too.
• Plan ahead. If you want to build in ample time to find the best deal before buying is a must, know the age and expected life span of your appliances and plan accordingly.  Repair techs, home inspectors, and manufacturers can be helpful sources for this information.
• Calculate costs. As you comparison shop, it can be very helpful to factor in more than just price.  Consult the Energy Guide Label for annual operating cost.  Ask about delivery and installation costs.  Then take them all into account as you make a decision.
• Prioritize features. To avoid making impulse buys, make a priority list of “must haves” and “would be nice.”  This makes it easier to resist budget-busting bells and whistles.
• Measure carefully. To avoid unpleasant surprises at installation time, measure the height, width, and depth of the opening, and measure the old appliance for reference. This is true with the new washer and dryers on the market today. The sizes for these appliances have increased over the past 5 years.

And, to be sure the appliance is the best fit in terms of operation and upkeep, review the manual and read the warranty before finalizing your purchase.