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.

Happy Birthday To You, America!

Before I get into describing what Manny's is doing in conjunction with our country's Fourth of July celebration, I'd like to give a shout-out to our delivery department, and specifically our delivery teams.  These guys will be delivering anywhere between ten and fourteen homes a day.  Even in the middle of summer, when temperatures can frequently exceed ninety degrees, our drivers are still out there lugging 300-pound, 28 cubic foot refrigerators and concrete-block-laden front load washers into your homes.  It amazes me how they can keep up with their packed daily schedules with amazingly few issues or problems.  

On behalf of all of us, I thank you for your hard work!

Now back to the July 4th sales event:

I remember America's last birthday celebration, the Bicentennial of 1976.  I was fifteen then and played trombone for my high school band as well as my hometown Bicentennial Band.  Between the summer of '75 and summer of '76 I had the privilege of marching in, just to name a few, the Palmer Bicentennail Parade, the Monson Bicentennial Parade, the South Hadley Bicentennial Parade, the Wilbraham Bicentennial Parade, and so on, and so on.  At least the towns did a good job staggering their events and avoiding scheduling conflicts so that every other week or so a different city or town was celebrating.  It shouldn't be a huge surprise to hear that except for the few in which family was involved, I've religiously avoided parades for the rest of my life! 

People's entertainment tastes and choices have definitely changed in the last half-century, and parades just don't seem to have the same appeal anymore in general.  My city does have plenty of flags flying above city hall, and its annual July 4 firework celebration is still extremely popular.  Our 250th birthday is still being observed and commemorated in many ways.

And yes, holiday celebrations include retail sales events as well, and Manny's is no exception.  

For example:

• We have an array of discounts and promotions that can save you money on anything from a single washer to a complete kitchen suite.  
• We offer deferred financing on any purchase over $399.  
• We also have rebates on many purchases, especially on kitchen packages of two or more pieces.  To me this our biggest advantage over Big-box competition - many of our rebate promotions are exclusive to independent retailers.  In other words ... these are rebates that you would NOT get at a Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, etc. Depending on your individual purchase, this extra rebate can get as high as $600 or even more.   I've said this before, but I like to refer to these as our "Thank you for buying local rebates" !!

Right now we can save you hundreds of dollars on select refrigerators and laundry sets.  We can also help you put together your dream kitchen, recommending appliances that fit your taste, needs, and budget.  For examples of both, take a look at these deals from our July 4th circular:

 
We can also add a $500 rebate to the Gallery package (the first package shown on the second page,) or $800 in rebates on the Professional package to lower your bottom-line price even further!

I also want to remind everyone of our new Scratch and Dent outlet center, adjacent to our Westfield showroom.  Customer response has been enthusiastic and at times overwhelming -  sometimes we can't get the merchandise unpacked and tagged quickly enough!  

!

How much can you save, you ask?  A lot!!

How about a four-door counter-depth refrigerator with an ice and water dispenser and a convertible middle drawer for less than $1500?

Or, how about a slide-in induction range for under $1000?

(Sorry, but in both cases legal ramifications prevent me from printing the model numbers on these two deals.  Rest assured however; both pieces are name brand units that sell briskly at their regular price!)

Merchandise in Westfield is constantly flowing and changing, but as of this writing (Tuesday 6-23)  I have decent quantities of both the above pieces in our Westfield showroom.  

The majority of our pieces come with full manufacturer warranty, and in many cases have never been anywhere near a customer's house.  

So if you are in the market for a new appliance, give us a call, email, or stop in and visit us.   We currently have thirteen showrooms in three states (addresses and contact info are on the front page of our website), and we are all more than happy to help you make a purchase that will make you both proud and happy for years.

Finally...

Happy Birthday USA!

Is Your Refrigerator On Its Last Legs?

I've always wondered why we have a huge spike in refrigerator sales in summer months compared to cooler times of the year.  The spike seems to makes sense, as we all know the temperature is much warmer in July or August than in January or December.  Yet - refrigerators are inside - they aren't trying to work in your backyard in 90 degree heat!  So it shouldn't matter what the outside temperature is as long as your kitchen is that same 68 or whatever-temperature-you-prefer degrees.  Refrigerators should sell the same year-round, the way washers and dryers do, right?

Well, it turns out that your fridge is indeed working harder in the summer.  Kitchens are harder to cool than the rest of the house due to the heat generated by your appliances (like your fridge, for example.)  Humidity rises significantly.  We may not be aware, as the humidity is usually lower inside than out, but it's still much higher than in winter months.  Ambient heat, moisture, and condensation buildup - they all do add to a refrigerator's workload.  

Your older fridge might have been limping along for months, until that uptick in temperature and humidity is just enough to push the compressor past its literal breaking point.

This link expands on the above, if you're interested in a deeper dive into this phenomenon.

https://appliancerepairshymon.ca/why-refrigerators-break-down-more-often-in-summer/

So, moving on.  Let's say it's time for you to replace your refrigerator, whether by choice or necessity.

What should you be thinking about?

The most important question I will ask you is "how much space do you have to work with?"  And by space, we mean the amount of height under your overhead cabinet, the width allowed between cabinets, and even the depth your kitchen will allow (I'll explain why that's important below.)  And, please, please, don't tell me your refrigerator is "average size"; that doesn't help!  While ranges, dishwashers, vent hoods, and even laundry for the most part conforms to standard sizes, manufacturers make many refrigerator styles and in many sizes.  

Once we know how much space you have to work with, then it's time to narrow down the choices.  I'm going to go over each style (meaning where the freezer section is located), starting with the smallest and most economical and working my way up the "food chain".

(Real quick here:  When I say a fridge is 33 or 36 inches wide, they are really just a hair under that width.  They are designed to fit certain width categories.)

(One more thought: There are always a handful of outlier size models, but for the sake of not being too too long-winded I'll stick with the choices 99% of our customers will be facing.

First, the top-freezer model that many of us grew up with:

These are by far the most economical units.  They range in width from 28-33" (no full-width 36" units are currently in production), and in height from 64-68".  Most models still come in the older black and white colors in addition to the ubiquitous stainless steel.  

We can usually reverse the swing of the doors, which can be useful if your fridge happens to be on the left side of a wall (normally you want the doors to swing away from your prep area to allow cooking to flow more easily.)  Most do not come with icemakers, but one can usually be added on for $129-$149.  Price is generally between $600-$1000.

These are still great sellers in apartments, smaller homes, households on a limited budget or who see their kitchen as simply a "work area" and not, as is so often the case in today's open floor plans, the focal point of the house.  They also make great second, or "garage", refrigerators.

Next, we have the single door bottom freezer.

This is a small category these days, as the split-door "French Door" units have largely replaced the single-door.  Excepting a small handful of specialty units, these units are available between 30 and 33" inches wide, and 66-69" high.   They almost always have an internal icemaker in the freezer that utilizes a standard 1/4" waterline attached to the rear of the fridge. No manufacturer currently builds a single-door bottom freezer with an external ice/water dispenser (if you want a dispenser, then you'll have to step up to a French door model.) 

The price jumps significantly over top-freezers, generally in the $1299-$1999 range.  As I mentioned above, the popularity of the French door units the past fifteen-twenty years has impacted the sales of this category, and you will not find a lot of model choices from each brand.

Next we have the side-by-side models (freezer on the left, fridge on the right).

Once upon a time, in the seventies through the nineties, these units were the cutting edge of upscale kitchen fashion.  The invention of a convenient through-the-door ice and water dispenser, lots of shelves to assist organizing your food, and generally larger capacity units (33-36" wide, and 66-70" high) made this style very popular as households began focusing more attention on their kitchen.  

Today all but a handful of models still have a dispenser.  Prices can range from $999 to $1999, and many can still be found in black or white (stainless steel is still the rage!!).

So why did this style lose favor?

The biggest complaint:  the width of the compartments, or lack thereof - especially the freezer side.  On a full-width 36" wide unit, the shelves in the freezer are 12-13" wide.  If you have a smaller kitchen, with the older standard 33" wide opening (very common in New England, my own house included) that freezer width can shrink to a claustrophobic 10" wide!  Frozen pizzas, oversized Thanksgiving turkeys - these became iconic examples of "what can't I fit in my freezer?"  

Your options:  Either buy a second fridge or stand-alone freezer for the basement. Or... you can switch to a French Door model!

Enter the French door unit.

It was the early 00s when Amana introduced a 36" wide French Door unit. (Actually, Sears was able to flex its then-considerable muscles and contracted a one-year exclusivity head-start under their old Kenmore label!) It featured over 25 cubic feet of space, a built-in icemaker, gallon storage, and a third drawer in the fridge for snacks and trays.  The layout of the unit's interior, combined with the symmetrical style of the unit's front, made the French Door an instant hit with consumers, and within a few years other manufacturers responded with French Door units of their own.  

Since then we've seen refinements.  Ice and water dispensers are now available on a lot of the models (Be aware that due to the logistics of trying to freeze ice in the 37 degree refrigerator compartment vs. the 0 degree freezer, these units do store less ice than side-by-sides.)  A fourth drawer can be found on certain models to increase storage flexibility and storage.  Also, these units keep getting larger in volume; some manufacturers make units with as much as 31 cubic feet of space - all staying within the "contemporary kitchen" 36" opening.

Of course, bigger means bigger! As capactity grows, so does the depths of these units. Some of these 28-31 cubic foot models can suddenly turn into behemoths when delivered, as some models can extend as far as 37" from the rear wall.  This is why I mentioned at the top to check your depth limitations!!

The depth of a full-size fridge has also created more of a market for shallower, or "counter-depth" models.  This shallower style has been around since the 90's, if not earlier, but traditionally was marketed for its aesthetic value - by protruding into the kitchen as far the fridge would give a sleeker look to the kitchen.  In recent years we have been selling more of this category, sometimes for the design aesthetic, but sometimes simply because full-depth units don't always look right in a particular kitchen!

A couple of thoughts on the counter-depth category: (there are a handful of side-by-sides available, but the CD market is primarily French door these days.) 

1. Counter depth is really "counter plus the door" depth!  The unit's case will line up at about 24" deep - the same size as a normal cabinet.  The fridge door will extend out another approximately 5". You'll still get that more upscale look, however, as the "reveal" beyond the cabinet is only the door, not the unit's side!
2. You will pay a little more, although not as much more as in the past, compared to a similar full depth model.
3. Most of these units require 36" in width (a handful are 33" wide, but that's definitely a "niche" market.)  Also, unlike full-depth fridges which are designed so that the hinge and door "clear" the overhead cabinet, you will have to take the height of the hinge cap into account if you have a full-depth, 24" standard overhead cabinet (If you have a 12" shallower cabinet, no need to worry!).  Therefore, you will want to double-check your available height - some of these models will rise just above the standard 69-70" high opening!

I know this can be a lot, especially if you're a first-time refrigerator buyer.  If you're confused or have questions, fear not!  You can discuss your individual needs and preferences with any of the sales pros you'll find in any of our showrooms (addresses and phone numbers on the front page of our site.) You can also email me directly at dlunden@hotmail.com

P.S. (in case you were wondering, I've used this email since the 90s when a quote to a customer from David@Mannystv.com was delivered to her junk mail, and I couldn't explain to her how to retrieve my email... or that I was telling the truth and had indeed sent her the quote.  Long story short - I lost that customer!  True story.)

"Taking stock" for a Moment

It occurred to me a few days ago that the third anniversary of this blog has passed.  It was just over three years ago that I was asked to write a blog about Manny's and the appliance industry in general. I've really enjoyed putting these pieces together. I've been happy to see readership (or what the Digital Marketers call "hits") slowly but steadily increasing over time, and the feedback I've received has been generally positive.

When I started writing this, I decided early on where I wanted to focus, and also what I would avoid. 

For example, I didn't want to "rate" or compare appliances between brands.  If you're looking for that type of comparative analysis, such as one finds in Consumer Reports, hundreds of sites will provide that service (some of more value than others.)

I also decided not to place too much focus on segments of the market such as luxury appliances or double-wall ovens that appeal to a relatively small percentage of the public.  I have discussed these categories a few times, but only as an "overview."

I also decided not to get negative and wouldn't trash brands, competitors, or particular products.  (I actually wrote a pretty scathingly negative piece on a certain brand about a year ago, but shelved it.)

My goal has been to try and help the majority of our customers; someone who is looking for a mid to upper level appliance, who is trying to make a good decision that fits his or her taste, requirements, and in many cases their budget.  I've tried to bring up the very questions we would be asking if you came into our store (space limits on a refrigerator, fuel type for laundry or cooking, how you plan on using the product, to name a few), and also have tried to show the process involved in putting together a kitchen package.  Hopefully that has helped you to be better informed about the purchase you are making, be it a single replacement piece or an entire kitchen.

I've also tried to point out some of the advantages that working with a local retailer like Manny's can offer, specifically better product knowledge and customer service, fast reaction times when it comes to delivery (or if issues develop as well!), and pricing that is at least competitive, and often more aggressive than those ubiquitously located "Big Box" stores.

Wrapping this up, I'd like to thank the 35,000 or so people who have wandered onto this blog for your time and interest!

                                                ***

As anyone who gets exposed to the onslaught of advertising currently found on TV, radio, social media, and the Internet probably knows, Memorial Day sales are in progress.  In past years these sales have often extended right through the July 4 holiday period, which has traditionally been one of the two biggest promotional periods of the year (Black Friday - really Black November these days- being the other.)   Right now, discounts from manufacturers in every appliance category are passed down to retailers like Manny's, and business for us (and yes, for other retailers as well) increases from mid-May through early July.  

Unfortunately, anyone who listens to or reads the news is all too aware of the pressure on retail pricing the last year or so.  Whether it's my iced coffee at Dunkin', the cost of filling my car with petrol, or the price of staples such as beef in a supermarket or restaurant, prices have been slowly creeping upward.

The appliance business has been subject to the same increases in materials, shipping, and  in some cases, tariffs.  Personally, I've been pleasantly surprised at how minimal the increases have been; if you had asked me at this time last year I would have predicted more substantial increases than what we've seen.

Having said that, these "upward pressures" continue, to the point that several manufacturers have cautioned us to be careful when quoting the end dates on any of our promotions.

So, what are we at Manny's doing to combat this, you ask?  Well, we aren't passively sitting by and watching!

We've been aggressively reaching out to manufacturers (GE, Frigidaire, LG for example) to get special deals on appliances that we can then pass on to our customers at prices that in some cases blow away our competitors!

I'll give two examples:

These one-piece stack laundry units can be found in our Westfield scratch and dent outlet.  None of these units has ever seen a customer's home!  We have been able to negotiate with our distributor and several manufacturers to purchase large quantities of units that had either box damage or (very) minor cosmetic damage.  These units all come with their original manufacturer's warranty, and have been priced anywhere from a third to half of normal retail!

Here's another example: 

Shortly we will be receiving dozens of Electrolux front load washer - dryer pairs.  The washer is a full size 4.5 cubic foot capacity with a reversible door, shorter than average cycle times, and are EnergyStar qualified.  The dryer (we'll have both electric and gas) will be a giant 8.0 cubic foot capacity with multiple temperatures and even a steam refresh setting.  We're going to be selling these sets for an incredible $999 for the pair!! ($1099 for the gas dryer, as gas dryers are always $100 more industry-wide than their electric twins).  Quantities will be limited of course, but if this set fits what you're looking for, than these pieces are the proverbial "no-brainer"!

As always, Manny's offers rebates on kitchen packages, and we often have rebates that are exclusive to independent retailers that are not available to the Big Box retailers.  I love pointing these out to my customers, as they are literally a "Thank you for buying local" rebate that we provide in addition to the national manufacturer rebates!

Now, since Covid-19 we have only seen rebates on multiple piece, or "suite", purchases.  Well, not any more!! Beginning May 13 we're proud to offer $100 to $150 rebates on our most popular Kitchenaid dishwasher models. Kitchenaid has always been known for the quality, performance, and quietness of their dishwashers (in addition to being U.S. made and built!).  Again, this rebate is only available to local, independently owned appliance retailers.

These are meant to be just a few examples of the ways we're attacking price increases.  We're always trying to find ways to offer extra value to our customers.  

So whether you're looking to replace an old appliance or considering upgrading/renovating/remodeling your kitchen, please reach out and speak to any of the sales professionals. We have showrooms in three states; addresses and contact info is on the front page of our website.

What Would We Do Without Air Conditioning?

(Note:  In case you're simply looking for help sizing an air conditioner, I have provided a chart at the end of this blog.)

I flew out to Vegas to visit my son, his wife, and his new home last week (and no, he's not a gambler; one can simply buy a lot more house in Nevada than in neighboring California!)  

While the weather during my visit was tolerable, staying in the 70-80s, he told me that the temperature can easily reach 100 degrees this time of year, and can approach 120 degrees in the summer.

As one who has lived in the northeast his entire life, where the temperature surpasses 90 degrees only occasionally, I started to think about what it would be like to live in a city like Las Vegas or Phoenix without air conditioning.  It's easy to see why so many of our southern cities didn't grow and prosper as they do now before advances in technology allowed comfortable climate control (at least while indoors!)

Today, I think we all take air conditioning for granted in our homes, our automobiles, and in retail stores.  Climate control wasn't always that ubiquitous, however.  Movie theaters began offering air conditioning, or "Refrigeration", in the mid 1920s as a tool to lure customers in during the stifling hot summer months.  Residential air conditioners began to appear in the early 1930s, but were well out of the price range of most consumers.  

After World War II window units became more affordable (see the link below). Central air handlers became more common in the 1970s, especially on newer homes.

This link elaborates on the history of residential air conditioning.

https://www.kycomfort.com/history-of-residential-air-conditioning/

Personally, I recall fondly my first years, in the mid-late 90s, as an appliance salesman.  Window units were becoming more affordable and accessible to consumers.  On the first heat wave of the summer, people would rush to stores to purchase either extra units for single rooms in the house, or sometimes buy their first unit.  Business for air condtioners on those first hot days was busier than the crowds you see today on Black Friday!  As a salesperson whose livelihood depended on his sales volume, I learned to keep a close eye on the temperature even on my days off, and was sure to go into work if the thermometer passed 90 degrees!

Times have changed.  Units became even more affordable, and more available.  Most homes have one, and often multiple, air conditioning units.  Those frenzied crowds of years ago no longer exist.  Also, today you aren't limited to an appliance store to purchase a window unit; I've seen them in supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and even dollar stores!  As a result, several prominent air condtioner brands, Panasonic and Carrier come to mind first, dropped out of the residential a/c business.

And while it is true that commodity level units with name brands you may have never heard of can be bought at discount locations, Manny's is still able to offer excellent value on the brands that we do sell.  Our brands tend to be quieter, have stronger fans to push air through your room more evenly, and are manufactured by brands known for their quality.

We also have access to specialty units (through the wall, sliding window, portable)  that are not nearly as available elsewhere.  Maybe even more important: we can also provide the necessary expertise to answer questions regarding size and installation to help ensure that your new air conditioner performs up to your expectations.

If you are considering a purchase, I've summarized the important considerations below. 

First, this link provides a useful guide to help "size" your space:

https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=35138

NOTE!! These guidelines are meant to apply to a single room space!  

(If you are trying to cool multiple rooms or floors, the sizing gets trickier.  Ideally, you should consider buying a separate air conditioner for each space in your home.) 

For example, I have four units in the ranch that I own:  three small units for each bedroom, and one larger unit for the kitchen/dining room/living room.   Cold air doesn’t “travel” well; it naturally sinks as it moves away from the air conditioner.   If you have no choice but to use one large unit for multiple rooms, ceiling and stand-up fans help move the cold air into the farther rooms.  You want to keep the cool air moving!

Room air conditioners come in BTU sizes anywhere from 5000 BTU (ideal for a small bedroom with the door closed) up to 32000 BTU suitable for, say, waiting rooms or large office spaces.  Physical dimensions vary as well; generally the larger BTU models will of course be larger physcially.

Note!!! - We want to "size" your unit correctly - bigger is not necessarily better!! Air conditioners dehumidify at the same time that they're cooling.  Oversized units can actually cool a room too quickly.  

The result:  a room that can be cool but still feel "clammy".

Where is the unit going?

The most popular type of unit is the traditional window unit, which is designed to fit into a double-hung window with expandable flaps to fill the window space. 

(A word of caution here:  Window widths vary, as do the widths of air conditioners!  Knowing the width of the inside sill of your window will help us make sure the unit you select will actually fi

Other types of units include:

**Portable units: these can wheel around and duct hot air and humidity out of the room with a hose that is roughly the size of a dryer vent.  Hint: when using these, try and keep the body of the unit as close to the exhaust window or hole as possible.  The longer the exhaust duct extends, the less efficiently the performance. 

            (One more thought on portable units:  I sometimes get phone calls from customers inquiring about portable a/c units that do not require outside ducting.  Sadly, this is not the case. The simple physics involved in the conditioning process do require that the heat generated by the air conditioner be ducted outside the area being cooled.)

**Through-the-wall units: these can be mounted into “sleeves” built into a wall in a person’s home.  You will frequently see these in condo and apartment complexes. 

**Window units with a “slide-out chassis”: these are usually larger BTU window models.  The slide-out feature allows for ease of window installation, and can also be adapted for through-the-wall installation.

 A word or two about these through the wall units:  They are very common in condominium or apartment complexes.  These units are designed to fit into a solid rectangular "sleeve" built into a wall; the sleeve itself is often already installed, and if not a sleeve can be purchased at a nominal charge.  These units exhaust, or "breathe", through the back.  Wall-sleeve units are usually built to last longer than a typical window unit.  They are also more expensive, so be forewarned!

Typical "wall sleeve

And no, please don't try to shove a unit designed for a window into your sleeve in an effort to save money!  

A normal window ac exhausts its heat through side vents; in a solid sleeve the unit can't exhaust properly, and will eventually overheat and malfunction (and in some cases void the original manufacturer's warranty).

What type outlet do I need? 

Nowadays most air conditioners up to 15,000 BTU can run on a standard 15 amp circuit (the type of plug you use for lamps, televisions, etc.)  Larger units require larger amp circuits.  Check the outlet type in your wall before buying!

Another note about the back breathing through-the-wall units:  Occasionally, especially in older developments, we run into a 230v outlet (today's units are much more efficient so the standard 115v outlet can accommodate more powerful units).  With that in mind, GE and Frigidaire both offer 10,000 and 12,000 BTU units that can be plugged into that 230v plug (the prongs in the outlet will be horizontal instead of vertical).  So, check your outlet!

115V ON LEFT, 230V ON RIGHT

How quiet will my unit be?

Even "quiet" air conditioners are going to make noise!  The pricier units (and "pricier" may only mean a few extra dollars) are usually quieter than so-called basic units, but no room air conditioner is going to be silent!   Also, take note that decibel ratings for air conditioners are not standardized (as with dishwashers, for example) so manufacturer claims for noise - or lack thereof - should be taken as guidelines only. 

Air conditioning vs. dehumidifiers

If you only need to dry out an area (such as a basement), a dehumidifier is usually the better choice.  Keep in mind that dehumidifiers do NOT cool the area - in fact they will make the area a little hotter- but are very effective at removing moisture.

Still have questions?  No problem; give us a call or stop in and visit any of our showrooms (phone numbers and addresses can be found on our front page).  Our sales professionals will be happy to answer your questions, and help you pick the right unit for your particular situation!

Helpful Hints to get the most out of your appliances

Today's appliances can offer features and performance that would have been unthinkable a generation ago.

Refrigerators, washers, and dishwashers use a fraction of the electricity their elders required.  Stoves burn hotter, simmer better, and offer more oven capacity.  Dishwashers clean without needing you to prewash and use less water start-to-finish than handwashing requires in two minutes.

To maximize performance and life of your kitchen appliances, it helps to apply occasional care and maintenance.  Below, I'd like to share answers to some commonly asked questions.

1)  How do I clean the stainless finish on my refrigerator (and other appliances as well)?

A little caution here:  Not all stainless finishes want to be treated the same!  Basically, fingerprint-resistant finishes require less maintenance, but also different cleaners.  For example, you do NOT want to use the spray-on stainless cleaners (such as Twinkle).  You also want to avoid ammonia-based products (Windex, for example) as that can wear on the surface coating over time.

This three-minute video discusses an easy yet thorough method for cleaning both types of stainless steel and stresses the differences between them.

https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/article/how-to-clean-stainless-steel-appliances-video?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=NE_SPD_Bing_DSA_Product_Category_SB&utm_term=searspartsdirect&utm_content=1206164894057775_&utm_device=c&placement=&msclkid=8f9531f6101912cd342f581b78ebcb9c

2) What's the difference between "self-cleaning" and "steam cleaning" my oven?

Let me start by explaining what happens when you use the more traditional self-cleaning cycle  (I'm condensing here from a Google AI explanation).

• Uses high temperatures to burn off food residues and grease.
• Converts debris into ash, making it easier to wipe away.
• Typically takes several hours to complete the cleaning cycle.
• Requires the oven to be locked during the process for safety.
• Reduces the need for chemical cleaners, promoting a healthier cooking environment.

The biggest concerns I hear about the self-cleaning process are the high (exceeding 800 degrees Fahrenheit), and the cycle length.  Also, if you don't use a vent hood you'll definitely want to open some windows and employ a fan or two to push the odors out of the house!

In the last decade, manufacturers have begun offering steam clean cycles as an alternative to the incineration of self-cleaning.  Today some ovens only offer steam clean, some self clean, while others offer both.

So what exactly does steam-cleaning do?

Steam penetrates baked-on grease and food particles by softening their structure. You prime the oven with water, press the steam clean button, and the oven will heat just hot enough to convert the water into steam. Steam loosens the debris, causing it to lift away from the surface. The steam also sanitizes by killing bacteria and mold. After about 20 to 30 minutes of steam exposure, the buildup becomes easy to wipe off with a damp cloth.

Sounds simple, right?  Customers who use it appreciate the time and energy savings.

Now, most manufacturers suggest you run this cycle every 2-3 months.  My suggestion: use it a couple of times a month, and use it shortly after a messy meal.  You don't want to let the oven debris build up too much, or the steam procedure may not be effective.

3)  What's the proper temperature setting for my refrigerator?

This one's easy and quick to answer.  Traditionally, you want your refrigerator, or "fresh food" compartment, to be at 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and your freezer at zero.  If the fridge side is running even a little colder than 37, you may find your produce freezing.  On the other hand, raising the temperature even a couple of degrees will speed the decay of dairy and meat products.

Just as an aside - if you have an older fridge, or you're just concerned whether the freezer is keeping proper temperature, check the consistency of your ice cream products!  If the freezer section is running even a little above zero degrees, your ice cream will be noticeably softer.  If you have a stand-alone freezer, which usually keeps food at approximately minus 15 degrees, soft ice cream can be an important warning sign!

4) Do I really have to clean my dishwasher filter?  (If you ask my wife, I should have led off with this question!)

The simple answer: yes, you do.  These filters perform an important function; they trap food particles and prevent these particles from possibly reducing performance (or even damaging your dishwasher.)  

Manufacturers usually suggest cleaning the filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage.  My suggestion: clean the filter monthly, or even more often if you use your dishwasher frequently.

The actual procedure for cleaning varies from brand to brand.  The link below from Whirlpool is typical:  Note - it's not that difficult!

https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/fixing-removing-and-replacing-dishwasher-filters.html

I do hope one or more of these answers have helped you.  If you have similar questions you can email me, or call and speak with any of the sales professionals at any of our locations spread across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

Recent Innovations in the Appliance Industry

When a new car model is launched, or when the latest generation of high-definition television or smart phone is rolled out, manufacturers usually accompany the introduction with as much fanfare as possible.  TV ads, sponsored sporting events, short videos that pop up in your social media, smiling celebrities and influencers...an all-out multimedia blitz ensues to get you and other consumers psyched about this new product.

Let's face it.  My industry, Major Appliances, simply isn't as sexy as the latest turbo-powered hybrid SUV, or the n-teenth generation of the iPhone.  

This doesn't mean that new and exciting innovations aren't happening for your kitchen!

Bluetooth-enabled washers, ranges, and fridges have entered the market in the past decade.  Washers and dryers are now available in a variety of non-white colors.  Ovens preheat faster. Cooktops generate more heat.  

I know, I know... none of this has the buzz of electronic or automobile product launches.  Still, I'm going to talk about some recent innovations you might not be aware of.  Who knows, maybe one of these appliance features may get you nearly as pumped as the next gen of camera resolution on your phone?

First:  Did you know that all-in-one laundry, meaning a washer and dryer in one machine, is now available?

GE and LG rolled out these all-in-ones a couple of years ago.  Both brands offer full capacity (4.5-5.0 cubic feet, which is the typical volume of contemporary washers), moisture sensors to determine when the clothes are dry, and an approximately two-hour complete cycle time.  

Perhaps more importantly, both machines can be installed in parts of the house that hitherto could not accommodate a washer and dryer!  The dryers work on 110v (the same outlet as a lamp or laptop).  Also, there is no need to vent the dryer outside  Now basements, in-law apartments, and urban high-rises, to name a few places, can have the convenience of a full American-sized, full-size, Energy-Star rated laundry unit.

(Want some more information?  I blogged about this a couple of years ago - click on the 8-20-23 blog from our main page.)

Next, let me talk about induction ranges and cooktops.

Frigidaire Gallery range with pizza oven

Electric induction tops are the perfect solution for someone who wants the control of gas but cannot run a gas line into the kitchen.  Water boils 2 1/2 - 3 times faster than your older gas range, so you can have the control everyone loves on a gas cooktop but with so much more speed!  For those who own an electric range, stepping up to induction gives you much faster cooking and instant cool-down—now your saucepan's temperature drops to a simmer immediately! 

Two other benefits that many of our customers love:  

Safety - since the pan and surface cool immediately, there is much less chance of fingers getting burnt or spills burning into the surface.

Efficiency - Since the cooking vessel becomes the heat source, much less heat is lost.  In fact, many utility companies offer rebates to consumers in an attempt to encourage the transition to induction cooking.

Yes, induction technology has been around for decades. But...

What's new and really exciting is the price! 

At the end of 2025, both GE and Frigidaire brought free-standing (meaning a traditional shaped range with a back) induction ranges for the first time in years.  More importantly, both companies advertised induction ranges for less than $1000!  Prior to that, induction stoves were priced somewhere in the mid-teens and up.  It's now easier than ever to make the switch to this truly amazing technology!

(I expanded more about induction cooking, as well as the technology involved, last Thanksgiving (10-29-24).  Feel free to check that entry out if you're interested.)

Finally, let me discuss one more innovation:  Craft Ice.

LG 29 cu.ft. French Door fridge with craft ice

Over the years, customers have asked me if there was any alternative to the ubiquitous crescent-shaped cubes dispensed by both internal and external refrigerator icemakers.  My answer was always a "no."

Well, recently LG introduced a line of French Door and Side-by-Side refrigerators that make ball-shaped, clearer ice (think of the ice cubes you get in your restaurant or lounge beverage).  The cubes tend to be larger and denser, which means slower melting time and non-diluted beverages.  Now you can enjoy the subtle features of, say, a high-end scotch or fresh-squeezed lemonade longer!

This link explains a bit more about the benefits of craft ice. 

https://applianceupdate.com/what-is-craft-ice-in-refrigerators/

These are just a few examples of ways appliance manufacturers are innovating to get consumers excited!  From the convenience and flexibility of the all-in-one laundry unit, the speed and affordability of induction tops, to ice cubes designed for the more discriminating palate, companies keep looking for ways to put pizazz in your kitchen.

If you have questions on any of these (or other) features, please reach out to one of the sales pros in any of our locations.  Phones and addresses can be found on the front page of this site.