They're New and They're Fabulous!

Lowest price winner!

As you might remember, I not only hated the look of my refrigerator, but it started to break down on me. These reasons alone had me out searching for new appliances, but the Cash for Appliances program made the whole thing even sweeter. Let's look at how I did budget-wise:

Samsung Bottom Mount Refrigerator

List Price: $1,078.19

Refrigerator part: +$11.97

Lowe's Energy Star promotion (10% off): -119.81

Delivery and install: +0

In store cost with 8.25% sales tax: $1,050.40

Texas Cash for Appliances rebate: -$240

Texas Cash for Appliances Recycling rebate: -$75

Austin Refrigerator Recycling rebate: -$50

Adjusted total cost for refrigerator: $685.40 (It met all of my requirements and the price fell waaay below my $1,000 budget.)

Not only was the federal government bribing me to upgrade my energy-sucker, but I learned that my city (Austin) also offers incentive for green upgrades. I scheduled them to come out and haul my refrigerator on Saturday and for my their troubles, I get a $50 check! Make sure that you check for these types of programs in your area.

Thrifty tip: If you miss out on the Cash for Appliances program in your area, make sure to check and see if your state has plans for an Energy Star tax-free holiday. Texas has one Memorial Day weekend.

Extra thrifty bonus... I'm going to save an estimated $150-200 off my yearly energy bills with an Energy Star refrigerator. My new fridge should pay for itself in 3-4 years!

Whirlpool Gold Dishwasher

List price: $599

Lowe's sale price (19% off): -$113.81

Parts: +$14.98

In store cost with 8.25% sales tax: $458.90

Delivery: +0

Install: +$99

Texas Cash for Appliances rebate: -$110

Texas Cash for Appliances Recycling rebate: -$75

Adjusted total cost for dishwasher: $372.90

Extra thrifty bonus... I'll save around $40 per year with the new dishwasher  so it should pay for itself in 9 years. Okay, not as impressive, but still a good buy. I think the fact that we won't have to go upstairs to get away from the loud noises when it's running will make up for the difference :).

I feel  really lucky to have scored two rebates through the Cash for Appliances program  (especially when I run into angry people in the appliance department...). I wasn't actually planning on replacing my dishwasher so soon, but I couldn't resist the extra savings! As you can see, I didn't go for the cheapest model possible. With the savings, I went ahead and got something that I've been eyeing for the past few months:

Say hello to my new Whirlpool Gold convection oven! This model was exactly what I was looking for and had the extra $100 rebate incentive through bulk purchases with Whirlpool Gold. I can't tell you how excited I am for the five burners, even cooking, and self cleaning feature!

Whirlpool Gold Gas Range:

List price: $999

Lowe's sale price: -$100

Parts: +$32.98

In store cost with 8.25% sales tax: $855.09
Delivery: +0
Install: +$200 (this includes a $75 gas line safety upgrade that I might not need)
Whirlpool Gold bulk rebate: -$100
Adjusted total cost for range: $955.09 (I splurge too sometimes, but don't worry... I promise I'll use that convection oven's even cooking for all it's worth!)

Total appliance savings: $983.62 edit: $1,013.62* how can I leave out the $30 we're getting back by using the rewards credit card?!
*This number doesn't include all of the savings from pricing out all of the stores. I would have paid much more by going through a different store.

In my opinion, upgrading appliances can be a very thrifty choice if:
*You're faced with large money-saving incentives or deals.
*The upgrade ends up paying for itself.
*The upgrade will help to sell your home.
*You'll make a significant impact on the environment.
*The purchase benefits charity.

Are you on the hunt for new appliances? What features do you look for in your appliance purchases?

PS I'm linking up to one of my favorite blog parties:

Speaking of parties, I hope to see you come back here for the Garage Sale Challenge on Tuesday, April 27th!!