Best time to buy major appliances: fridge, washer, stove

Verdict: Wait for a holiday weekend or the fall sales if the old one still works. If it has failed, buy now and compare the full cost.

Major appliances are a different kind of purchase. They are expensive, last years and are hard to move. That makes the total price more than the tag. Delivery, install and haul-away can change which offer is best.

Dates change each year, so use this as a pattern and check the retailer.

When are appliances usually cheaper?

In general:

• Holiday weekends. Appliance stores often run sales on long weekends through the year. Spring and late summer are common.
• Fall. New models arrive and old ones are cleared.
• November sale season. Some of the widest sales of the year, with bundles on sets.
• Right after the holiday. Floor models and leftover stock can drop.

Ruling: If you can wait, aim for a holiday weekend or the fall event.

Is a bundle a good deal?

A set of appliances can come with a bundle price or a "buy more, save more" offer. It is only worth it if you need every item. If you need one, buy one. Do not buy a washer and a dryer because the price is lower if you only need a washer.

A worked example

These numbers are round and made up. A washer is $700. A dryer is $600. A bundle price is $1,150. If you need both, you save $150. If you need only the washer, the bundle costs $450 more than you need.

Ruling: Buy what you need, not what the bundle needs.

What is the full cost?

Add delivery, install, haul-away of the old unit and any parts. Ask what is included and what is extra. Parts like a dryer vent kit or a water hose are often sold separately. Some stores offer free delivery on larger orders.

Measure before you buy. Check the space, the doorway, the stairs and the hookups. A great price on a unit that does not fit is not a deal.

Ruling: Compare total cost, not tag price.

Is last year's model fine?

Usually yes. Appliances change slowly. Features like extra settings or a screen often do not affect how well it works. A one-year-old model is typically cheaper. See last year's model vs the new model.

Check the warranty and the model number. Some stores sell "sale-only" models made for events. These can have fewer features than the regular line.

When should you not wait?

If your fridge has stopped keeping food cold, buy now. Food loss and repair calls cost money. If your washer leaks, stop using it. If you are unsure about repair vs replace, ask a qualified technician for a quote. Some repairs cost less than a new unit.

For a price check, use how to check price history before you buy. For other big items, see best time to buy a mattress without overpaying.

What are common mistakes?

• Not measuring the space.
• Ignoring delivery and haul-away costs.
• Skipping the warranty details.
• Buying a bundle for one item.
• Forgetting the return policy on large items. Some charge a restocking fee.

How long do appliances usually last?

Many last ten years or more, though it varies by type and use. A longer life means a higher price can still be a good buy if the unit is well built. Read the warranty and check what is covered. Ask the store about repair support in your area.

Ruling: Buy for the next ten years, not the next ten days.

What about energy and water use?

Look at the energy label. A more efficient unit can lower bills over time, though the saving varies. These numbers are round and made up. If one fridge costs $50 more and saves $10 a year in power, it pays back in five years. Some utilities offer rebates, so check with your provider.