How Can I Save Energy in My Kitchen?

In my last post I gave an overview of energy efficiency in your kitchen appliances from a historical perspective.   The "origin story" of efficiency consciousness may or may not have been interesting to you - I hope it was! -, but I'd like to talk about some specific ways you can make sure the appliances you have in your home in 2026 run as inexpensively as possible.

Let's start with your refrigerator, easily the biggest swallower of your hard-earned electric dollars!    

Refrigerators, as I have mentioned before,  have been the focus of efficiency mandates since the 1980s, and even inexpensive refrigerators will save you hundreds of dollars vs. their ancestors.  A decent portion of these units also qualify for EnergyStar certification, which means they exceed an already very strict mandate by an additional 10%.

(by the way, do not confuse EnergyStar with the EnergyGuide you see on all fridges, washers, and dishwashers!  The EnergyGuide was implemented to help you see the difference in energy usage between models.  EnergyStar highlights models that exceed standard by a given amount (which varies from appliance to appliance.)

How can you make sure the fridge in your kitchen is operating at peak efficiency?  Take a look at the suggestions below:

• Check the thermostat settings on your fridge:  Ideally, the refrigerator (or "fresh food") section should be set at 37F, while the freezer is best at 0F.  These temperatures combine efficiency with food preservation, and almost all new models come out of the box pre-set at these temps.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer at least 3/4 full.  The more "air" being cooled, the harder the compressor has to work.
• Make sure the vents in the back of the compartments are free of obstruction.
• If accessible, clean the condenser coils in the back of the fridge.  This is especially important if you, like myself, have one or more pets in the house. 
  
  

This link from Nopec, a midwestern untiity conglomerate, adds a few more suggestions:

https://www.nopec.org/residents/energy-tips/refrigerator

Clothes washers, like refrigerators, have been the focus of many energy mandates in recent decades.  You can scroll down to my last blog for more specifics, but you can expect your modern washer to use about 50% less water and energy, while washing a larger - in some cases substantially - batch of your clothes.

Some suggestions to both save energy, while at the same time getting the most out of your washer:

• Use cold water cycles.  Today's detergents are formulated with enzymes that work great in cold water, and sometimes even better than in warm or hot temperatures.
•  For most loads, use the sensor option available on almost all washers, both top and front-loading.  For clothes that aren't heavily soiled, this will clean your clothes properly with a minimum of wear-and-tear on the fabric, as well as using the least amount of water.
• (If the clothes are more heavily soiled, then you would be better off using one of the "Heavy" or "Bulky" cycles, as more water and in some cases more aggressive agitation will do a more thorough cleaning job.  If the clothes aren't too soiled  however, these cycles are probably more washing and water than you actually need.)
• Follow manufacturers recommendations for loading size.  Normally, filling the tub more thatn 3/4 full can put too much stress on the suspension and motor, cutting into the washer's life expectancy.

Incidentally, don't think that more detergent is better!!  Not at all.  Two tablespoons of detergent for a normal sized full load is plenty, according to industry sources (and our service techs as well!).  More detergent doesn't get the clothes any cleaner, and can eventually leave a mildew film inside the machine.

I read several articles on this subject, but found this article by the New York Times to be the best (and with the fewest pop-ups!)

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/advice-washing-machine-tips/

Dishwashers have also beome much more water stingy and energy efficient.  Today's machines use less than five gallons of water from start to finish (about the same amount of water you're using in your sink in 1 1/2 to 2 minutes!), while doing a better job at cleaning your dishes, and cleaning a larger load than in the past. (I know, I know, they all take longer.  Unfortunately there's nothing I can do about that except to suggest a shorter cycle.)

To maximize both cleaning and efficiency, consider the following suggestions:

• Take advantage of the "turbidity" sensor pretty much all dishwashers have been using for the last 20 plus years.  This feature measures the cloudiness in the water, and finishes the cycle when the water is sufficiently clear.  On average this feature will take less time and water than a normal cycle - and will occasionally use a little more water when necessary for proper cleaning.
• Unless the dishes are especially caked, use the short cycle.  Just as with clothes washers, the heavy duty cycles are designed for cleaning tougher, more soiled dishes. Generally this cycle is "overkill" on everyday loads.
• Don't pre-rinse!  As I said above, so much more water is used when washing or prewashing in the sink.  You still want to scrape loose debris from your plates and bowls, but let your machine do the dirty work.
• Finally, if your machine has one of the filter traps that modern units utilize, be sure to clean it monthly; this will help your dishes come out as clean as possible.

Again, the New York Times came through with a fantastic article on dishwasher performance.  Take a look below.

https://one5c.com/how-to-make-dishwasher-more-efficient-137208308

Finally, I want to touch on two appliance categories, Electric ranges and Electric dryers.  While the DOE doesn't provide EnergyGuides on these two categories (two many usage variables and consistent technology being the main reasons), a number of models have appeared in recent years displaying the EnergyStar logo and certification.

What makes a dryer E-star qualified?  

These dryers utilize moisture sensors to determine when your clothes are dry to eliminate overdrying (and increased energy use), and have lower heat "eco settings", which take longer but save energy. They also tend to shut the dryer off when the clothes are adequately dry, but not quite as dry as older models.

In addition, ductless dryers use even less energy.  Just be aware that, like dishwashers, cycle times on the dryer will be longer (30-45 minutes) compared to ducted dryers.

How about E-star qualified ranges? 

The EnergyStar certification is based on total overall electric usage of the range, including the electricity used during idle times (In case you weren't aware, all plugged appliances and electronics consume energy even when not in use.).  Also, making the step to an induction-powered range versus conventional radiant heat usually qualifies for the E-star rating (besides being sooooo much easier to cook on, and often qualifying for local electric company rebates!)

I hope this helps you at least a little bit.  If you've any questions, feel free to reach out to me (dlunden@hotmail.com), or by contacting any of the sales professionals at our thirteen locations (addresses and contact info on the front page of our site.)

Appliance Energy Efficiency - A Brief History

In 1973, the USA and other countries received a rude and unexpected awakening concerning their energy consumption.  In October of that year, largely as a result of the "Yom Kippur" war between Israel and Egypt, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (famously known to this day by its acronym "OPEC"), a loose confederation of oil-producing nations that had formed an uneasy alliance in an attempt to wrest control of global oil pricing from petroleum corporations, raised their prices 70%.  Two months later they increased the price of oil another 130%.  The result was the first so-called "Energy Crisis".

Some of the results:  Daylight Saving Time was extended through the winter because studies showed that adjusting the time period in order to catch the most sunshine decreased energy usage nationally by 1.5%.  Giant clocks over the entrances to local banks shut down.  Speed limits were lowered to 55mph on Interstate highways.  Long lines at filling stations became commonplace.  

The "crisis" passed, only to be followed by another similar event in 1979.  Overall, the price of crude oil increased tenfold (that's 1000%!) between 1973 and 1980.

I don't mean this to be a history lecture!  I mention the above because this period was probably the first time the public's consciousness became aware of energy consumption.

(By the way, the formation and squabbling of OPEC makes for an interesting read.  If interested, this article gives a great overview, and is the source of my data above.)

https://www.britannica.com/money/OPEC

The appliance industry has become gradually but steadily more efficient over time.  In 1979 the D.O.E.  (Department of Energy) began mandating minimum efficiency standards for appliances, and has steadily tightened those standards over the past decades.  Appliances that use compressors (refrigerators, air conditioners), dishwashers, and clothes washers are all rated by the DOE for energy efficiency.  This rating gives the consumer a simple and easy way to compare the efficiency of one appliance to another.  The EnergyStar program was introduced in 1992 in an effort to highlight the most efficient products in each category.

(Additionally, I don't want to ignore the "big picture" benefits!)

 Some of those benefits include: Reduction in the depletion of natural fuel sources, less dependence on "third parties" to keep our household and nation running, reduction in waste, cleaner air, just to name a few.

I'd also like to stress that ALL appliances are dramatically more efficient than their predecessors!

For examples: 

• An Energy Star-qualified refrigerator purchased today will use as little as half the energy of a comparable model manufactured in 1990.  
• An Energy Star clothes washer on the market today uses on average 10-20 gallons of water (depending on the chosen cycle) per wash load.  Older non-HE (high efficiency) washers used 30-45 gallons per load.  That's literally thousands of gallons saved per household per year! (And that doesn't account for the fact that today's washers hold, on average, 50% more clothes than their 1990s ancestors, so the real savings are even more dramatic!)
• An Energy Star-rated dishwasher uses 3-4 gallons of water per load, while pre-1994 models used 10-15 gallons.  Overall electric use has also declined dramatically (from 3 kW per load to 1.2 kW).  And, as with clothes washers, today's dishwashers have been "hollowed out" inside to allow the loading and cleaning of larger loads of dirty dishes.

With savings averaging hundreds of dollars per year per household, what's not to like about today's energy-conscious appliances??

Well, truth is, I do hear a few common complaints:

"Cycle times on clothes washers and dishwashers are longer!"  Yes, they are, and other than using a shorter cycle there really isn't much one can do about it.  It may not seem intuitive, but that longer cycle on your appliance is actually using a LOT less energy than its predecessors.  I would suggest finding solace in the fact that you are washing larger loads (especially in clothes washers), and that the reduction in your electric bill is significant.

"Today's appliances are more expensive!"  Not really, in terms of "real dollars".  As an example, in 1995 Manny's advertised an 18 cubic foot refrigerator, a top freezer with the old wire shelves, for $599. In 2026 dollars, that $599 translates into $1312.  That same refrigerator sells today in the $650-$800 range, and you could probably time your purchase to find a model at $599.

(my source for the inflation number above is the US Inflation Calculator:)   https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1995?amount=599

Is the average purchase price of a refrigerator today more than $599?  Of course it is!  Larger, prettier, brighter, better-controlled refrigerators are commonplace, and one can spend as much as $2500 (or more) for a four-door counter-depth refrigerator with an ice-and-water dispenser.  Many of us are buying nicer, larger, and more stylish fridges today, as the kitchen has morphed from a utility area in older homes to a showcase in many modern homes.  I can show similar examples in other appliance categories, but I do want to try and dispel the idea that we're paying more today than yesterday - we really aren't!

"Today's appliances cost more to repair".  I think that's true to some extent.  Just as with automobiles, the changes in engineering over the decades have resulted in fewer parts that can be easily accessed and replaced by the average person.  Almost all appliances use some sort of circuit board technology, and yes, a board can be expensive to replace.  Is it sometimes cheaper to replace than repair?  On an appliance more than 6-7 years, the answer may well be "yes."  (I'll delve into this more in a future blog.)

Overall, try and take comfort in the fact that your next appliance purchase will be made on a unit that functions better, and uses (in many cases) dramatically less energy.

And ... oh yes, check with your local utility company!  Many offer rebate incentives on Energy Star appliances as an incentive to purchase a unit as eco-friendly as possible.  I wish all utility companies offered these incentives, but sadly programs do vary from state to state, and even from one provider to another.  There's no downside in checking, however!

As always, you can reach out to any of the sales professionals in our thirteen showrooms if you have any questions (locations and contact info are on the front page of our site).

Are You Considering Purchasing an Appliance Online??

If you're over 35 or so years old, I'm sure you remember going to Blockbuster on a Saturday night, browsing through aisles of videotapes, ultimately deciding which of one or more VHS tapes to bring home.  You might also remember the launch of Netflix (in 1997 - I looked it up), as the DVD format allowed them to create a business model in which you could order one or more discs and have them arrive in your home a couple of days later, which you then mailed back inside the included special envelope.

You're probably also aware that Blockbuster is now extinct, a victim of the VHS tape cartridge becoming as irrelevant as a Polaroid camera, and that Netflix had the foresight to reinvent itself as a leader in delivering streaming services (including original content) to your home through your smart TV. 

These are just two examples of how consumers' purchasing habits change with time.  Billions upon billions of dollars are now spent on purchases that are made completely online.  You can do your grocery shopping 100% online with your favorite local supermarket, or use one of the mega-retailers like Amazon or Walmart. One of my sons lives in Minnesota.  I've been able to order a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant without flying out to Minneapolis.  Who ever thought you would be able to purchase an automobile without ever leaving your living room?  Not me!

Major appliances can be a bit trickier to purchase online.  Customers often come into our store, open the door of a range and turn the burner knobs to get a sense of a particular appliance's feel, or open a refrigerator and gauge the durability of the door bins.  The ability to "touch and feel" an appliance that will be in your kitchen for the next decade (hopefully!) is often part of the buying process.

Yet, in 2025 approximately 87 billion dollars were spent on online-only appliance purchases!  Frankly, that number surprised me; I thought the number would be lower, but I found that dollar figure was consistent through multiple websites.  

Less surprising to me was the fact that over 62% of consumers research appliances online before going into a store to purchase.  Personally, I've learned when beginning to interact with a new customer to ask whether they had seen any particular product online that piqued their attention.  Most of the time, the answer is "yes".  At that point quite often my customer will then open their phone and show me a particular piece.  Researching different appliances online is a huge time saver for many people.  When I started selling major appliances in the mid 90's it was common to see a customer come into the store multiple times. The first visit might be to research alternatives and get a sense of price, often followed a few days later by a return visit to purchase.  Online research has replaced that initial visit for many consumers.  These customers have not only narrowed their search, but also have a good sense of what their planned purchase is going to cost.

Here at Manny's we recently upgraded our online page and ordering "platform".  We wanted to make it easier to find the information that is important to you.  We also made the actual purchase simpler, and have increased the security of the actual transaction. 

Whether you choose to make the actual purchase online or in one of our stores, we hope you'll find our site easier to navigate as you research.  

I'd like to offer a few suggestions to someone beginning that research process.  If you're not sure what you should be asking or looking for, here's where I suggest you start:

Refrigerators :  Know the space in your kitchen!!  Refrigerators vary in height, width, even depth.  It's important to know the width available in your kitchen, as well as the height of the cabinet over your refrigerator, and even the width of the doorways leading into your kitchen.  Sometimes we run into situations where a customer has confirmed the space available for their fridge, but we are unable to fit the unit through an in-between doorway.

In short, measure twice, even three times, and deliver once!

Ranges.  They are generally the same size (29 7/8", built for a standard 30" opening.)  Please realize that we are not allowed to disconnect or reconnect a gas line.  If your range is electric, you'll need to purchase a power cord that matches your dedicated electrical outlet.  If your range is gas, know that stoves come out of the box set for natural gas. If you have LP gas a different set of orifices must be used. This "conversion" should always be done by a professional!

Dishwashers:  Dishwasher deliveries do not include the installation of the unit.  Manny's does provide installation service, but an additional fee is involved (in this case if you do decide to order the unit through our website, a flesh-and-blood sales professional will reach out and discuss installation options with you.)  

Over-range microwaves:  As with dishwashers, delivery does not include the installation or taking down the existing microwave.  Again, we will contact you to discuss those options as well.

Air Conditioners:  Know your window size!!  Also, confirm the voltage of the outlet you plan on using before making the final purchase!

Laundry:  We will set up your new washer for you, provided you purchase a set of hot and cold fill hoses from us (manufacturers stopped including hoses in washers sometime around 2010).  Electric dryers, as with electric ranges, require the purchase of the appropriate power cord.  And again, we do not connect or disconnect gas appliances; that applies to a gas dryer as well.

(Also, realize that today's laundry products are usually larger in capacity than even a generation ago.  Be aware of this and (please!) double-check the depth of the location you plan on placing your laundry units.  Front-loading washers (and their matching dryers) are generally 3-5" deeper than top-loading style units, so double-checking your depth is even more critical!)

So whether you plan to sit on your couch or in front of your computer and take advantage of the convenience online purchasing offers, or if you are one of those 62.7% of consumers who use the Internet as a research tool prior to heading out to your nearest Manny's, we will keep doing our best to make this process as convenient as possible.  

And, as always, if you are unable to find answers to your questions online, we encourage you to reach out to any of the sales pros at any of our thirteen showrooms.  We're always ready and happy to help you out!

Garage ready freezers?? Heat pump dryers?? What are these all about??

On March 11, 2020 a customer of mine ordered a small GE chest freezer.  We did not have the unit in stock, so I ordered the freezer from GE directly.  I told the customer it would take 5-7 days, and he was satisfied with that.

The arrival of the freezer did not exactly go according to plan. On March 13, 2020, as you might remember (or maybe you're trying hard NOT to remember!) the country effectively shut down.   My customer received his freezer on November 29. He was one of the lucky ones. This wasn't atypical at the time; it took literally a couple of years for the industry's freezer inventory to catch up.

No, I don't miss those two years between 2020 and 2022 at all!

I had several consecutive inquiries about purchasing freezers this weekend, which is what prompted me to remember the above story.  As I don't believe I've ever blogged about freezers, I decided it was time.

Freezers normally come in two styles, upright and chest.  As a general rule, chest freezers are better for long-term storage, while uprights are more convenient for day-to-day use.

Let's start with chest freezers:  They come in a large variety of sizes,  anywhere from 3.5 cubic feet in volume (roughly the size of a large dorm refrigerator) to 22 cubic feet (slightly over six feet wide), with lots of choices in between.

Chest freezers are almost always manual defrost.  Manual defrosting is actually better for the long-term shelf life of your food than automatic defrosting, as that slight defrosting of a freezer three times a day can cut into the extreme shelf life (say, over 9-12 months) of your food.   Of course, this does mean that with a manual defrost freezer you'll have deal with the inconvenience to emptying its contents occasionally and thawing the unit out,  usually once every 12-18 months.  On the other hand, chest freezers tend to be less expensive than the more popular uprights.

Upright freezers outsell chest freezers approximately four to one nowadays.  Our customers seem to prefer the convenience of both easier access to their food and the automatic defrost feature.  Sizes range from 4.3 cubic feet (about the size of a dishwasher) up to 22 cubic feet (about six feet tall, two feet nine inches wide).  Smaller uprights will still be manual defrosting like chest freezers, but beginning with the 13 cubic foot size and up auto-defrost becomes the norm.

Size and style are by far the most important considerations when it comes to purchasing a freezer.  I find most people  prefer the auto-defrost models if available.  One other noteworthy feature to be consider would be whether you need a  "garage ready" unit.

What is "garage ready", you ask?  

Units with this feature can still maintain the zero degree temperature necesary to properly freeze food even when the outside temperature drops as low as zero (as opposed to traditional compressors, that have a hard time controlling temperature when the ambient temperature drops below 50 degrees.) They also have sturdier compressors that are built to not burn out from overuse in hotter garages, and will operate properly in more extreme temps, say 110-115 degrees.  If you plan on placing the freezer in an unattached garage, you might want to consider this option.

 

Finally, we've recently seen the introduction of "convertible" uprights, meaning that you have the option of using the appliance as either a freezer or a stand-alone refrigerator.  As "refrigerator only" models have always been scarce in the appliance industry, having an option to acquire more fridge storage has an appeal to some of our customers.

"Should I wait for a sale?"  I've found that freezers generally don't fluctuate much in price from month to month.  Even during the "louder" promotional periods (Black Friday or July 4 for example), freezer prices tend to stay the same.  In other words, there really isn't any reason to delay a freezer purchase in order to wait for a discount - buy the freezer when the time is right for you!

On an entirely unrelated subject, I've also been getting a lot of questions about heat pump, or ventless dryers.   Traditionally ductless dryers were common only in certain applications (8th floor of a Boston high rise, for example) where carving a four inch diameter hole in a wall simply isn't feasible.  With concerns about energy usage more and more in the public's consciousness, we've been receiving an uptick in questions about ductless, heat pump operated, dryers.

GE's all-in-one laundry unit

"Just how does a heat pump dryer operate?"  I refer you to this informative link on LG's website.

https://www.lg.com/us/home-electrification/heat-pump?srsltid=AfmBOoqewVnwQekGwKLBnOBh7l_JkiqfDFialZrEwCAX4BJ_pBbCOzP0

All sounds great, right?  Well... there a few drawbacks you should be aware of when making your purchase decision:

• drying times will take significantly (45-60 minutes) longer.  (see exception below.)
• you will pay a few hundred dollars more for these dryers
• because of the newness and sophistication of the technology, repairs tend to be more expensive.

In the past few years GE and LG have introduced a newer style, full size front-loading "all in one" unit.  These units have addressed the drying time issue for the most part, and also have the advantage of being able to operate on a standard household plug (as opposed to a dedicated 40 amp oversized outlet.), These units do cost more (in the $2000 range) as opposed to more traditional pairs ($1200-$1500 for a typical top-loading set, $1500-$1800 for a front-loading washer pair.)

While ventless dryer sales are still a small percentage of the laundry market, the industry does expect this segment of the market to grow.  More and more consumers are paying attention to energy output and sustainability.  In addtion, many utility companies are offering rebates on heat pump dryers, which should help to address the difference in price.

As always, feel free to reach out to any of the sales professionals if you have any questions on the above.  Addresses and phone numbers for all thirteen Manny's showrooms can be found on the front page of our website

 

As I write this (July 30) the annual Massachusetts tax holiday weekend is still 9 days away, but we're already busy prewriting quotes for customers. If past years are any indication, each day between now and August 8 will only get busier!

(For specifics on how we go about "pre-writing" an order for you, scroll down a bit to my 7-17 entry.)

Now, please don't take this the wrong way, but -- we really would rather you don't come into the store that weekend!! 

No, if it's possible, try to come in early.  Not only will we be able to spend more time with you, but we try to order merchandise on a "first come, first served" basis, minimizing the chance of the inevitable temporary stock-outs that can hinder your delivery time turnaround.

We're trying our best to stock up extra merchandise as we prepare for the extra business!

We now also have a better idea of the deals the manufacturers are offering us (you can find a copy of our current flyer linked on the front page of our site).

I'm going to use the three-piece GE stainless steel package on the front page of our circular as an example of what you can save right now (in addition to the tax savings, of course!)

Right now, as per our ad, you can purchase a decent, albeit basic, three-piece package (refrigerator, range, dishwasher) for $1817 (vs. a regular price of $2727.)  This package gets you a top-freezer style refrigerator built for a 30" wide space, a decent but not overly feature-loaded electric range, and one of our more popular basic dishwashers. (Please note that I've included links to product info on our website.)

GTS18HYNRFS Refrigerator  https://www.mannystv.com/refrigeration/top-mount/top-freezer-refrigerators/ge-appliances/GTS18HYNRFS

GRF400SVSS Range   https://www.mannystv.com/cooking/ranges/freestanding-smoothtop-electric-range/ge-appliances/GRF400SVSS

GDT550PYRFS dishwasher  https://www.mannystv.com/kitchen-cleanup/dishwashers/built-in-dishwasher/ge-appliances/GDT550PYRFS

If this kitchen suite isn't exactly what you have in mind (and to be honest, nearly everybody tweaks and customizes the advertised suites), we can use this set as a baseline and adjust accordingly.

For example, if you need a gas range vs. electric, we can get the equivalent model GGF400PVSS for $70 more.  https://www.mannystv.com/cooking/ranges/30-free-standing-gas-range/ge-appliances/GGF400PVSS

If you want a larger refrigerator, we offer the GTS22KYNRFS  for $899, or $200 more.  https://www.mannystv.com/refrigeration/top-mount/top-freezer-refrigerators/ge-appliances/GTS22KYNRFS 

If you have a larger kitchen and can fit a contemporary-looking French door model like the popular GFE26JYMFS, you can get that for an upgrade of $1200.    https://www.mannystv.com/refrigeration/french-door/french-door-bottom-freezer-refrigerators/ge-appliances/GFE26JYMFS

Or, let's say you'd like a quieter dishwasher with a stainless steel tub v.s. plastic, and a third rack.  The GDT670SYVFS is a great seller, and would only cost you $649, or $230 more.   https://www.mannystv.com/kitchen-cleanup/dishwashers/built-in-dishwasher/ge-appliances/GDT670SYVFS

All these combinations will still fully qualify for the tax savings!

Also, be aware of package rebates that are available only to independent retailers like Manny's!  Buying two or more qualifying appliances (they need to be the same brand) will kick in extra cash after the sale!  Not every model qualifies, but most of them do.

So, yes, we strongly encourage all our customers who plan on taking advantage of the Bay State's tax holiday to visit our showroom as far in advance as possible.  We're ready and eager to help you out!!

It's That Time of Year Again!

Andrew Beyer is a respected author of several popular books on Thoroughbred racing, and for decades has been the horse racing columnist for the Washington Post.  Once, when asked about his job, he explained, "The Post lets me go anywhere I want, and lets me write about anything I want, with one exception.  On the first week in May, I have to be at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby."

**Just in case you were curious, Beyer is held in such high esteem in the racing world that his writing about "speed figures" (a number that compares the quality of races run on different tracks at different distances to one another)  became so popular the horse racing universe calls these numbers "Beyers".**

Well, the same applies to me and this blog.  I have a lot of freedom to write pretty much whatever I want appliance-related, but when the beginning of August rolls around, I write about the Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend.

This year, the chosen weekend is August 8th and 9th.  This will be the twenty-second time the Bay State has given its residents a tax break on purchases up to $2500.  That dollar figure is important!  Of the nineteen other states that offer a tax break this time of year, no one, absolutely no one, offers a tax break on purchases anywhere near that amount!

In the early 2000's many states chose to give their residents a bit of a break on sales tax for a weekend or two in August.  The intent was to help consumers with their back-to-school purchases, and give retailers a jolt in what might be a quiet time of year otherwise.

(And here I take pause and recognize that to residents of New Hampshire, a tax-free weekend means zilch.  Purchases are always tax-free in their state!)

I still have no idea what conversations occurred in 2004 behind closed doors that caused the Mass. State House to come up with that $2500 figure; most other states' programs have $50 to $200 limits on purchases.  I imagine this stimulus helps get a few more consumers out to stores, and also helps keep those purchases in their respective states.  The (probably unintended!) result of our $2500 limit in Massachusetts is that our entire annual business cycle has been turned inside-out.

Here in Mass., the tax-free weekend has become a behemoth that seems to get bigger every year.  It's not Black Friday and the days leading up to it that are our biggest business days.  Not even close!!  

Customers start asking a month or more in advance questions like "Is there going to be a tax free weekend this year?"  (yes!)  "Should I hold off my purchase until that weekend?"  (the answer varies.) 

Retailers open early and stay open late. Employees brace themselves and hold on for dear life as consumers swarm into our showrooms ready to make purchases coinciding with the tax holiday.  Who can blame them?  Who wants to pay taxes if they don't have to, right?

So first, let me go over the ground rules as put forth by our fine state:

1) The purchase must be made, and - very important!! - paid in full during the two-day window of August 8-9.  (If you want to finance your purchase through a Manny's credit card, that counts as paying!)

2) The purchase must be either picked up at a Massachusetts store, or delivered to an address in the state.  Yes, that means to our non-Mass. customers I'm very sorry, but unless you can pick up your purchase we legally cannot waive the tax.

3) The no-tax purchase limit is $2500.  The good news: that limit is per piece.  If your entire order exceeds the $2500 limit, you can still pay no tax on each item that is individually $2499 or less.

4) You can take delivery or pickup your purchase at any time (remember, due to space constraints 98% of our product is NOT available for immediate pickup.)  As always, we will schedule delivery with you on a mutually workable date, or have your item ready for pickup within a few days.

A note of caution:  if you come into our stores that weekend, please be patient.  We will take care of each of you as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Also realize that by the close of business August 9th Manny's will be 2-4 weeks out on our deliveries, and we historically experience about 25% temporary stockouts.  Everybody from the store level up to our distributor tries to bulk up inventory, but it's physically impossible to pre-order enough goods to keep up with the avalanche of business we've learned to expect that weekend.

So if you want to get to the front of the crowd and minimize possible delays in shipping, we encourage everyone to come into our store ahead of time and pre-order.  This way, not only will we have more time to help you pick out the perfect product, but you will be less likely to have to wait for one of us to be free, and will increase your chance of a faster, fully stocked delivery.

This is the process Manny's has devised to give us the best chance of taking care of everyone:

1. You can come into any of our Mass. stores before the weekend.
2. We help you pick out products as we normally would.
3. We "prewrite" the order, taking all necessary information in the form of a "Quote."
4. You allow us to make a copy of your credit card info (or leave us a check, but personally I much prefer not having to handle a post-dated check!) so that you don't have to come back into the store on the weekend.
5. Sometime in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday August 8, about the same time that the morning birds begin chirping, we stagger into the store, giant coffee in hand, and start processing these charges.  By processing the charge on the weekend, we can legally save you the tax.  
6. We convert the Quote into a Sale, email you an invoice (it will look just like your quote, except that the receipt will say "Invoice" instead of "Quote" in the upper right-hand corner of the receipt. 

Be assured!  This is the legal way to beat the worst of the crowds, and for us to take better care of our faithful customers.

Each day for about two weeks leading up to that weekend, our business grows.  The earlier you can get into our stores, the better - for you as well as us!

(As always, please reach out to the sales pros in any of our Massachusetts locations if you have any questions!)

Note:  As I write this, manufacturers are still finalizing promotions and discounts to coordinate with August 8-9.  I will update this blog when we get closer to D-day, once we have more specifics.