Tag Archives: Cash for Appliances

Appliance stimulus rebates available again for a limited time

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The rush for appliances was so great, we made the news a few times.

Remember the appliance stimulus — sometimes known as Cash For Clunkers Appliances — that happened a couple years ago?

We saw a huge response to the mail-in rebates offered by the state government on refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and washers.

But not everyone got to take advantage of the limited rebates.

And what about those who need new dryers and stoves, too?

So, this year, we created our own appliance stimulus rebates.

Beginning now, you can reserve a Appliance Stimulus Rebate at Warners’ Stellian, good Feb. 25 through March 4.

What’s different?

  • We decided to included non-Energy Star products so people could get rebates things like ranges/stoves, dryers, ovens and cooktops that didn’t qualify for the government appliance rebates – even vacuums
  • You’re not limited to just one rebate, which means you can get up to $1,600 total in rebates. Buy a laundry pair and get rebates on both the washer and dryer (and grab an extra $50 on qualifying pairs!). You are, however, limited to one rebate per appliance category with the exception of cooking; for instance, you can get a rebate on both a cooktop and wall oven.
  • Most major brands are participating, though we can’t offer rebates on UMRP products (see store for details).
  • See more details here

You must register for a rebate online so we can e-mail you a confirmation page. Print it out and present it at any of our 7 Minnesota kitchen showrooms, and we’ll help you get a super good appliance deal on something you’re just going to love putting in your home.

Here we go again!

Missed last year’s ‘Cash for Appliances’?

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We WERE the news for a couple days.

My appliance career peaked too early, last March to be exact.

The apex of discount appliances happened March 1, 2010 when the “Cash for Appliances” appliance rebate reservations began in MN.

The appliance stimulus, as we refer to it, promised money back on refrigerators, freezers, washers and dishwashers.

I was in heaven for that week. People got as excited about appliance deals then as we are every day here.

Many tried to take advantage of those appliance rebates, but only about 30,000 got to cash in their appliance “clunkers.” Many others were left without the appliance deal and are still waiting to replace.

Our appliance sales remained good in the months that followed, don’t get me wrong, but people still asked about the possibility of getting a big rebate for replacing an appliance. And we missed having a appliance rebate stimulus, too, frankly.

So we made our own 🙂

Beginning now, you can reserve a Appliance Stimulus Rebate at Warners’ Stellian, good Feb. 26 through March 6.

What’s different?

  • We decided to included non-Energy Star products so people could get rebates things like ranges/stoves, dryers, ovens and cooktops that didn’t qualify for the government appliance rebates.
  • You’re not limited to just one rebate, which means you can get up to $1,200 total in rebates. Buy a laundry pair and get rebates on both the washer and dryer (and grab an extra $50 on qualifying pairs!). You are, however, limited to one rebate per appliance category with the exception of cooking; for instance, you can get a rebate on both a cooktop and wall oven.
  • Most major brands are participating, though we can’t offer rebates on UMRP products (see store for details)
  • See more details here

You must register for a rebate online so we can e-mail you a confirmation page. Print it out and present it at any of our 7 Minnesota kitchen showrooms, and we’ll help you get a super good appliance deal on something you’re just going to love putting in your home.

Here we go again!

Laundry Efficiency Tips

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Did you know that Energy Star washers use 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less waster than their counterparts?

Don’t stop there, though. These guidelines will help you save energy, water and money:

Don’t Use Too Much Detergent

You’re only helping Procter & Gamble when you pour in those heaping cups of laundry soap. The owners’ manual provides instructions on the proper amount of soap to use. Using too much soap also can shorten the life your clothing, which could get expensive.

Keep Venting Dry and Clear

We recommend cleaning your dryer vent a few times a year (see Dryer not drying? Check the vent). Otherwise, it could get blocked up, causing your dryer to take longer to do its job. And remember to clean your lint filter after every use.

Try Cold Water Washing

About 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes in an average washer is for heating the water. Need we say more? If you have tough, oily stains, even switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load’s energy use in half. Otherwise, you’d be surprised how well cold water cycles clean these days.

Don’t Overdry Your Clothes

Instead, use a moisture sensor (if you have one) to automatically stop the dryer once it’s finished. Note: Separate towels and heavier cottons from lighter weight clothes to ensure proper drying when using a sensor. If you don’t have a moisture sensor, use the cool-down cycle to finish drying clothes using the residual heat.

Wash and Dry Full Loads

Full loads of laundry mean fewer loads of laundry, which mean less energy, water and money used, too. If you must wash a small load, remember to set the water-level to match.

What are your tips for saving money on laundry?

HOW TO: Shop the Warners’ Stellian Warehouse Sale 2010 like a pro

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This blog post, originally published last November, remains one of my most-viewed posts. So I’m reposting it — with a few edits — because like I say, this ain’t no Macy’s clearance rack.

What is it with us Midwesterners and our deal-bragging? You know: upon receiving a compliment, we gloat about the gasp-worthy low price we got it for — unsolicited. Perhaps it’s because we fancy ourselves pro deal hunters.

But our Extreme Warehouse Sale this Saturday (7-5:30) and Sunday (10-5) is no Macy’s clearance rack. I’m talkin’ big-ticket items at huge discounts: you need to prepare a bit. The savings are so hot, all sales are final.

Luckily for you, I’ve compiled the secrets of the pros — tips that will prepare any appliance rookie for the big league.

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It’s a warehouse, not a playhouse. Bring a stroller!

Before the sale

Measure your space
Don’t learn the hard way: there is no “standard” in appliance sizes. Use a measuring tape on the available space — not the existing appliance — and write down dimensions to bring to the sale.

Also, measure the width of the doorways and staircases the appliance will need to travel through.

Know your fuel type
You’ll need to know whether you have a gas or electric hookup when buying a dryer, a range or a cooktop.

Consider your hinges
For example, some refrigerators on sale will be left hinge only. Wouldn’t it be terrible to find a great deal on a fridge only to get it home and not be able to open it? Also know what side you want the hinges on a front-load washer and any type of dryer, in case there’s an option.

Do some research
We’ll have more than 2,000 appliances available at the start of the sale, so have something in mind to avoid frustration. The best tip? Know what you like and don’t like about your existing model. Check out our Web site for more ideas on what features are important to you.

If you’re purchasing as part of the Minnesota Trade-In & Save Appliance Rebate Program, check out qualifying Energy Star models.

The day of the sale

Buy a MN rebate-qualified product
If you’re shopping for a refrigerator, freezer, washer or dishwasher to submit a state appliance rebate, let your salesperson know that so they can help you find a qualified Energy Star model.

Bring a hauling vehicle
Usually, we offer free delivery on purchases $499 and above, but this sale is anything but usual. Our warehouse is full of products, so we encourage customers to take their purchases with them the day of the sale. We’ll help you load it up and everything.

If you’re picking and a new refrigerator or freezer as part of the MN rebate program, bring your old refrigerator or freezer for us to recycle as well as your “Proof of Demanufacturing” forms for us to sign.

If you do choose to have it delivered, it’s $75 and you must take delivery within 30 days. Application forms for the state rebate program must be postmarked within 30 days of your rebate reservation date.

Know your schedule
We’ll arrange for delivery and any installation for built-in appliances (available for additional charges) at the time of sale. We’ll call you the day before the delivery with an AM/PM estimate and our crew can call you before they arrive if you need to meet them at your house.

Pack a stroller
Our warehouse is a warehouse. It’s clean and safe, but it’s also big and crowded and without a play area. Strollers work well to keep small children nearby when you’re shopping the selection. We’ll have cookies and water on hand, as well as children’s areas with movies and coloring books near the checkout areas.

After the sale

Submit state rebate application
If you have a rebate reservation or waiting list reservation for a dishwasher or clothes washer, you can send in your application form along with a copy of your receipt immediately after the sale.  Those who purchased a refrigerator or freezer and dropped off their old unit should have our warehouse crew sign their “Proof of Demanufacturing” form and send that in along with their completed application form and receipt.

Those receiving delivery of a refrigerator or freezer for the rebate program should have our delivery crew sign their “Proof of Demanufacturing” form when we haul away their old unit for recycling. That form then should be sent in with the rebate application and receipt.

Receive delivery/install time estimate
You’ll receive a call with an AM/PM estimate the day before your scheduled delivery and/or install.

Apply for manufacturers’ rebates
You could qualify for even more savings by manufacturers’ rebate. Once you receive your product, you can fill in the serial number (the delivery crew can help you locate this) on your rebate forms and submit them promptly, as they expire. Be patient, as rebates can take 12 weeks to process.

Read your manual
Knowing your new product can help you save time and improve the quality of your cooking and cleaning. Stow it somewhere memorable to refer to for troubleshooting and general operation questions.

Don’t ignore accessories
If you get a dishwasher, buy rinse aid to help dry your dishes. If you buy a smooth-top electric range, you’ll want cooktop cleaner to keep it looking new. The water filter in your fridge will need to be replaced every six to 12 months. And please, for the sake of your breathing, don’t overstuff your vacuum bags!

Visit my blog
Every Wednesday, I attack the FAQs plaguing our industry. Hard-hitting questions like, “Why is my washer smelly?” and “How do I clean stainless steel?” It’s also an easy way to reach me if you need help. Plus, you’ll be the first to know about the next Extreme Sale!