First, there’s a noise. You ignore it because no one wants to buy a new washer while the old one still works. Next, you notice that clothes aren’t drying properly. No problem. The machine is getting older. Throw that load back in again. Finally, the washer stops working, half filled with water, of course, and your old dryer can’t handle those sopping wet towels.
Back yards, garages, and junkyards across America are filled with broken washers and dryers used past their expiration date. Sadly, the “frugal” launderers who owned them shelled out top dollars for replacements. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. First, pay attention to the warning signs. Then, you can plan to upgrade on your terms, not the major appliances stores.
The day after your washer or dryer breaks down is not typically a good day to buy a new one. On the other hand, large appliances like washing machines are significant investments that need to be shopped for and preferably bought when they are on sale.
If you pay full price, you’re looking at around $2000 for a decent setup. Hit the right sale day, and you can bring that down to under $1200. You may be surprised to hear it, but there are best times to buy appliances. So, what exactly are the best times to buy a washer and dryer? Let’s take a closer look!
Watch for Washer and Dryer Warning Signs
You’ll get the best deal if you choose when you buy a new washer and dryer. However, if either of them “dies” unexpectedly, you’re faced with a more challenging situation. Avoid the stress (and the additional expense) by watching for the near-death warning signs your machines are sure to send you.
Here’s what to look for with your washer:
- Noise: This could result from worn pulleys or belts, which is a quick and cheap fix, but it’s also a sign your washer is on the way out. Before you call the repairman, check the balance of the machine. Most washers have adjustable feet. If the device is out of balance, it will rock and make noise. Adjust the feet or elevate one side to fix it.
- Leaking Water: Check for broken hoses first. There are two that come through the back, one for hot water and the other for cold water. If that’s where the problem is, it’s an easy fix. If not, you could have a blown seal or internal hose problem. Those problems are signs to start shopping for a washer.
- Bad Smell: Older front-loading washing machines tend to develop an odor that could permeate your clothes. These machines weren’t built to properly self-clean, so mold builds up. If you start to smell something funky, get rid of the device. This was a common defect in machines manufactured in the early 2000s. Check with the appliance store where you bought it. You may be eligible for a settlement.
- Age: Sometimes washers die of old age. The life expectancy of a washing machine is roughly eleven years. To be safe, assume the ten-year mark is when you need to start searching for an upgrade. Washers get more energy efficient every year, so buying a newer model is never a bad investment.
If you bought them both simultaneously and your dryer breaks down before your washer, be prepared to upgrade both. You’ll get a better deal for the combo, and chances are the washer is not too far behind on the expiration list. Don’t hesitate on the dryer upgrade. Older dryers are the primary cause of 15,000 house fires each year. Newer models don’t typically catch fire.
Best Time To Buy a Washer and Dryer
You can get a good deal on almost anything during Black Friday sales. Washers and dryers are no exception. New models are released in September. By November, those sticker prices are decreasing, and retailers are looking to sell high volumes before the major holidays. So does that make November the best month to buy a washer and dryer? Not necessarily.
Memorial Day holiday weekends are the best time to buy a new washer and dryer. The unofficial beginning of summer is when appliance stores and retailers reduce prices to move out last year’s model to make room for new models in September.
So they mark down all the older models to get them off the floor. Therefore, keep that in mind when you decide to buy appliances.
After Memorial Day appliance shopping, the summer months are good times to buy a washer and dryer, but your choices may be limited. By the time July rolls around, you’ll find a scattering of assorted models on the showroom floor, most of them older or not popular brand names. Be careful of the latter. The price might be correct, but parts could be hard to come by if it breaks down.
Labor Day holiday weekend is when you start to see new models come out. That means last year’s models can be had for rock-bottom prices if there are any left. Some “experts” will tell you this is the best time to buy a new washer and dryer. I can’t entirely agree.
You might get a better deal, but appliance purchases are better on Memorial Day. So don’t wait if you don’t have to.
Other Times to Buy a Washer and Dryer
Other times to buy a new appliance include:
- Cyber Monday: This is one of the best times to buy an appliance online. Cyber Monday is an e-commerce shopping holiday between Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It is one of the biggest shopping days of the year and great for making a major purchase. For example, you can get the best deals and buy a washer and dryer for less than the full price.
- Spring Time: After the fall and shopping holidays, the spring season is another excellent time to buy appliances, particularly April. Retailers offer the best price at this time because they want to clean out floor models. So, check for price alerts and compare prices with other retailers.
- New Year’s Day: Retailers often have some excess inventory left from the holiday shopping season. So, they organize sales on New Year’s Day in a last attempt to sell off older models to make room for new inventory. So capitalize on the special promotions during this period.
- President Day: You can find a lower price for washers and dryers during President’s Day. During this time, sales would likely surge, so ensure you do your due diligence by engaging in comparison shopping to get the best deals.
Don’t Get Stuck at the Laundromat
According to a study conducted by The Simple Dollar, the average cost of doing a load of laundry at the laundromat is $3.12. In comparison to that, the cost of doing laundry at home is $.97 per load. That’s a savings of $2.15 per load. Think about that for a moment. If your washer and dryer break down, it’s more expensive to go the laundromat route.
Further details in this study reveal that an average washer/dryer combo in 2020 will cost you roughly $1300, so the break-even point is approximately 600 loads of laundry based on the math above.
How many loads do you do a month? The numbers tell the story. So don’t get stuck at the laundromat. The best time to buy a new washer and dryer is right now.
Final Thoughts: Best Time To Buy a Washer and Dryer
When your washer or dryer (or both) gives out, it comes time to buy replacements. Maybe you want to get ahead of it, though, and replace them before you become stuck! Either way, now you know the best time to buy a washer and dryer. Buying at the right time means you can save big!
Are you looking to upgrade or replace some other household items? If so, you may also enjoy reading our guides to the best time to buy a mattress and the best time to buy furniture.
