Appliances are a big expense, whether you're moving into a new home, looking to upgrade, or dealing with a freezer on the fritz. But by knowing the best time to buy appliances, you can save hundreds of dollars on refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and more. Here are the best times to buy appliances—and where to look for deals.
When is the best time to buy appliances?
Fourth of July and Black Friday sales
The best time to buy appliances is often during Fourth of July and Black Friday weekend sales, says Justin Sherman, a merchandising and media manager at New England Appliance and More, Inc. in Braintree, Massachusetts. "Fourth of July and Black Friday are when you are likely to get the best deals of the year," says Sherman. And, he adds, discounts aren't limited to a certain kind of appliance then; deals run "across the board."
President's Day and Memorial Day sales
Appliances also go on sale during the President's Day and Memorial Day holiday weekends. Retailers tend to offer "smaller deals" during these holiday weekends, says Sherman. But it's still worth the wait for these seasonal promotions if you're thinking about buying a new major appliance.
When new models are released
"New models are typically released in September and October for most appliances, such as washers, dryers, and dishwashers," says Jason Hallam, vice president of merchandising for the appliance division at Lowe's.
That can be a smart time to look for deals.
"When manufacturers roll out new models, stores give discounts on the models that are being replaced," Sherman explains. "They need to move inventory off the floor to make room."
During the off-season
"The off-season can be a great time to buy new appliances because prices will likely decrease when the demand is lower," says Hallam. "Replacing your air conditioner during winter could be ideal since fewer people are considering that appliance during the colder months."
Similarly, Sherman suggests buying smaller appliances like dehumidifiers in the dry season, when they're likely to be on sale. That's instead of buying during the rainy season when basements tend to flood—and demand is high.
In cold weather
"A lot more building goes on during warm weather, when people are putting additions on their houses and having work done," says Sherman.
That demand tends to push prices for appliances higher in the warmer months. You can save by waiting for cooler weather or other times when there's less new home construction and renovations.
End of season
The end of the season can also be a good time to buy appliances. "It's not so much that the manufacturers are offering better prices—it's more that the retailer has a bunch they didn't sell," Sherman says.
This can apply to smaller appliances, like air conditioners, too. "If it's the end of the summer and we still have a lot of air conditioners, we'd like to not have them sitting around until next summer," Sherman says. "We'll probably offer some sort of discount or percentage off."
End of year
Kicking off with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the holiday season is another good time to look for sales. "There's a big push at the end of the year to sell," as companies strive to hit their sales goals, says Sherman.
When is the best time to buy major appliances?
Certain holiday sales, the end of a season, and the end of a year, are some of the best times to buy major appliances. But different appliances have different sale timelines. New refrigerator models, for example, debut in late spring, while new models of dishwashers, washers, and dryers are typically released in the early fall.
When is the best time to buy a refrigerator?
The best time to buy a refrigerator could be in May, when new models are released and older models go on sale, says Hallam. Look for Memorial Day sales to potentially get the greatest deal on a refrigerator.
When is the best time to buy a dishwasher?
The best time to buy a dishwasher tends to be during September and October, when vendors want to make room on the floor for newer models, according to Hallam. Try for extra-deep discounts during Labor Day sales. Black Friday, even though it's in November, might offer great deals too if any older models are left.
When is the best time to buy a washing machine?
The best time to buy a washing machine is also in September and October, when older models go on sale so retailers can make space for newer models to be displayed in stores. And the deals could bleed into November.
"Retail-specific holiday deals, like those during Black Friday, allow shoppers to save big on new appliances since many new models roll out in the fall," says Hallam.
When is the best time to buy a dryer?
You guessed it: Just like dishwashers and washing machines, the best time to buy a dryer could be during September and October, says Hallam. That's when older-model dryers typically get marked down as new ones arrive in stores.
When is the best time to buy an air conditioner?
The best time to buy an air conditioner could be during the winter, when dropping temperatures in many parts of the country cause fewer people to consider replacing the appliance. During the colder months, items like air conditioners aren't in demand, so prices tend to be lower.
Other ways to save on appliances
While knowing the best time to buy appliances is key to your money-saving strategy, you can pay even less with these money-saving opportunities.
Consider scratched and dented appliances
Sometimes products become slightly damaged while on the assembly line or during shipping or warehouse storage. Because of cosmetic imperfections, like dents or scratches, these appliances are often sold at a discount, Sherman explains. Keep in mind these are usually brand-new products—not preowned or refurbished (although some stores might offer those as well).
Choose an older model
If you don't need the latest and greatest, check out last season's lineup. Appliances made a year earlier likely offer many of the same basic features, or at least those that are most important. So think about your needs and priorities and whether the newest release is really worth the extra cash.
Look for energy-saving options
Depending on your household income, you could be eligible for government rebates on energy-efficient appliances. The Inflation Reduction Act offers up to $840 in rebates for low- and moderate-income households that buy energy-efficient appliances, including a heat pump clothes dryer or an electric stove, cooktop, or range.1
Individual states are responsible for running these rebate programs. To see if rebates are available where you live, visit the website of the US Department of Energy.
On top of those rebates, ENERGY STAR appliances could save you money over time by reducing the amount of energy you use (even though some of these appliances might cost more up front). An ENERGY STAR clothes washer, for example, uses about 20% less energy and about 30% less water than a regular washer.2 Over its lifetime, buyers could save about $550 in energy costs, according to ENERGY STAR.3
Check out manufacturer rebates
Manufacturers often offer rebates that "throw you a few hundred dollars, and in some cases, up to $1,500," says Sherman. He adds that smaller, independent, or local stores might have rebates that the national big-box stores don't offer.
"Sometimes, there are incentives to encourage people to buy from the little guy," says Sherman.
Ask about price matching
Some bigger stores will offer to match a competitor's price if a customer finds the same item for less at another store. So be sure to shop around and save any pricing proof.
Join rewards programs
Loyalty programs can save you money. By signing up, members can earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on eligible purchases. Members might also receive exclusive offers and free shipping deals, says Hallam.
Bundle your buying
If you're in the market for more than one appliance, buy them at the same time. By bundling, you can save more money than if you buy them separately.