Buying a new appliance should be an exciting upgrade for your home. At Judd & Black Appliance, we want to make sure you find the perfect fit without any frustrating surprises. That's why we're highlighting the top five appliance buying mistakes people make and why taking a little extra care during the process can save you time, money, and headaches.
Appliance Buying Mistake #1 – Size Matters
That sleek, compact appliance might look appealing, but will it truly meet your family's daily needs? Choosing based solely on aesthetics or price without considering capacity can lead to ongoing frustration. Buying an appliance that's too small means constant limitations. An undersized refrigerator will be perpetually overcrowded, potentially leading to food spoilage. A washing machine that's too small will require more loads and waste energy. Consider your typical usage patterns and think ahead about any changes to your household size in the future. Here are a few helpful guidelines:
Refrigerator: Aim for 4-6 cubic feet of fridge space per person. A family of four generally needs 20+ cubic feet, while larger families should consider 25+ cubic feet or a separate freezer. Your cooking habits and grocery shopping frequency also affect your needs. Always measure your space before buying.
Washer and Dryer: Smaller households (1-2 people) need 2.3 to 4.0 cubic feet for a washer with a matching dryer, while larger households (3-4 people) need 4.0 to 5.0 cubic feet, and even larger families (5+) need 5.0 cubic feet or more or even an additional machine.
Choosing the right size from the start will save you time and prevent unnecessary hassle.
Appliance Buying Mistake #2 – Not Measuring Your Space
Oh no! The installer says your new refrigerator doesn’t fit in its spot! This is a common issue that can be easily avoided by carefully measuring your space beforehand. Appliances come in a lot of sizes, and even a small miscalculation can lead to significant problems. Not accurately measuring the height, width, and depth of the installation area can result in costly return shipping and restocking fees, as well as delays in getting the appliance you actually need. Remember to account for door swings, ventilation requirements specified by the manufacturer, and any necessary clearance for connections or cabinets. Grab a measuring tape and be precise – measure two or three times, buy once!
Appliance Buying Mistake #3 – Not Knowing Your Connection Type
You've found the perfect appliance with all the features you want, but do you know whether your home has the correct electrical or gas connections? Overlooking these crucial details can create installation nightmares and even safety risks. Appliances have specific power requirements (like 110V or 220V for electric models) and use either natural gas or propane. Attempting to connect an appliance to the wrong power source simply won't work and can cause damage. Connecting a gas appliance to the wrong fuel line without proper conversion is extremely dangerous. Before buying, always check the appliance's specifications and confirm your home's electrical voltage and gas type. If you don’t know your connection type, consult a qualified electrician or gas technician. Confirming compatibility is essential for a safe and successful installation.
Appliance Buying Mistake #4 – Missing Out On Rebates
Rebates can lead to significant savings for you. Before you buy, check for offers from the appliance manufacturer and your local utilities, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Snohomish Public Utility District (SnoPUD). They often have rebates on energy-efficient models (like ENERGY STAR), saving you money upfront and on future bills.
Appliance Buying Mistake #5 - Forgetting to Register Your New Appliance
You've got your shiny new appliance home and installed – fantastic! But there's one often-overlooked step: registering it with the manufacturer. Appliance registration is your key to warranty protection. If something goes wrong during the warranty period, your registration acts as proof of purchase, making repairs or replacements much smoother. It also allows manufacturers to contact you about important safety recalls, if needed. Plus, some brands offer exclusive benefits or extended warranties to registered owners. Don't miss out on these valuable perks – take a few moments to register online or by mail after installation.
Now that you know the top 5 appliance buying mistakes, you can head into your next appliance purchase with greater confidence and avoid potential headaches. At Judd & Black, our experienced team is always available to answer your questions and help you find the perfect appliances for your home. Visit us today at one of our five Northwest Washington appliance showroom locations.