Empty Nesters Renovation Idea #10 - New Appliances

 

10. Invest in new appliances.

Even if they’re not redoing the entire kitchen or laundry room, empty nesters are happy to upgrade their appliances to more modern versions. Over the years, they’ve likely accumulated a hodgepodge of appliances, holding onto the items that still work while the kids are at home.

Now that there is less worry about somebody misusing the appliances, empty nesters may feel more confident in upgrading their washer and dryer, dishwasher, fridge and stove. They may also want to add or replace their garbage disposal, espresso machine, stand mixers, and other smaller kitchen appliances in colors and designs that give their homes a more cohesive feel. 

Shop Wisely if Buying Appliances Outside of the Recommended Times.

 

If you’re forced to buy outside of the time frames above, due to budget restrictions or an appliance emergency that calls for an immediate replacement, keep these shopping tips in mind to maximize your savings.

Ask a retailer to sell you a floor model, this strategy can save you as much as 15 percent off the list price.

Offer to buy a discontinued appliance or a slightly damaged appliance  to increase your savings by up to 30 or 40 percent, respectively. 

When shopping for damaged appliances, choose models that are free of cracks in glass control panels (these are expensive to replace), are backed by a manufacturer’s warranty, and have been given a once-over by a sales associate to ensure the appliance is in working order and has all the parts indicated in the manual. 

Comparison shop to take advantage of price-match and/or lowest price guarantee programs. And don't forget to scour online at sites Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for savings on secondhand appliances available locally. You can also browse scratch-and-dent online retailers to get an idea on the savings before visiting your local appliance stores.

When is The Best Time to Buy New Appliances at a Discount

 

Solved! The Best Time to Buy New Appliances at a Discount

Save money on popular appliances by purchasing big-ticket items at the right time for bargains.

In the next few blog posts we will look at the best time of year to buy small and large appliances?

Keep an eye on how your appliances are functioning. You want to get the most out of them, especially large appliances, but you don't want to wait until the totally fail. Then, you would be forced to pay the going rate at the time they break down, and if you believe in "Murphy's Law", you will end up paying full list price. Budget-conscious homeowners should buy appliances during the specific months that historically see reduced prices. Whether shopping in-store or online, the ideal time to purchase depends on the type and model year of the appliances you have your eye on.

It also helps to know the average lifespan of various appliances. Use these average lifespan guidelines to help determine when it’s time to start looking for a new one.

Major Appliances:

Dishwashers typically last 9 years

Washing machines typically last 10 years

Dryers typically last 13 years

Refrigerators typically last 13 years

Electric ranges typically last 13 years

Gas ranges typically last 15 years

Electric ovens typically last 13 years

Gas ovens typically last 15 years

Seasonal Appliances:

Central air conditioner typically last 15 years

Electric furnaces typically last 15 years

Gas furnaces typically last 18 years

Electric boilers typically last 13 years

Gas boilers typically last 21 years

Small Appliances:

Toaster ovens typically last 5 years

Drip coffee makers typically last 6 years

Microwaves typically last 9 years