Buy Appliances Cheaper by Timing Model Changes: Seasonal Price Drops in Japan
Prices, point rates and sale details in this article were checked by the mottoku editorial team against each service's official site and API (as of the last update). Always check the official sites for current prices, stock and campaign terms.
"It's cheap because it's bonus season" is only half right
Buying appliances during the summer and winter bonus seasons saves you money—that part is true, but if you misunderstand why, you can still lose out. Price tags don't drop because people's wallets are fuller. They drop because manufacturers release new models and want to clear out the older ones left on the shelves (called 型落ち, "previous models"). Appliance prices follow the manufacturers' product cycles, not shoppers' budgets. So rather than focusing on the month bonuses are paid, knowing when the new version of the exact appliance you want comes out tells you far more accurately when to buy.
The tricky part is that each category changes models in a different month. Air conditioners, fridges and TVs all have different "new model months" and different "previous model bottom-price months." Using the big bonus sales seasons as a starting point, this article goes into the generation-change habits of each major category—air conditioners, refrigerators, TVs, PCs, kitchen appliances and vacuums—and lays out what to target in each season and how to choose between new and previous models. Prices change all the time, so please check the current price at each online store or shop before buying.
Roadmap for this article: once you understand how prices fall when new models replace old ones, the goal is to learn a category-by-category calendar: previous models tend to hit bottom in autumn to early winter for air conditioners, around summer for fridges, and at year-end for TVs and PCs. The trick is not to lump everything together as "it's June" or "it's December."
Each category has its own "new model month" and price bottom
New appliance models come out at roughly the same time every year. When a new model is announced and released, the previous generation becomes a 型落ち model, and its price falls as stock runs down. The bottom price usually comes "a few months after the new model launches, just before the old stock runs thin." Here's a rough guide by category.
| Category | When new models usually appear | When old models usually hit bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioners | New high-end models from each maker in autumn to early winter | Late autumn to just after New Year, once new models are all out and demand has dropped |
| Refrigerators | Large models in autumn; some sizes in spring too | Early summer to summer, after the spring moving season |
| TVs | New lines announced in spring, all out by summer–autumn | Last year's models cleared out from year-end sales through fiscal year-end |
| Laptops | Makers refresh with new CPUs in spring and autumn | Right after new models launch, and at fiscal year-end |
| Kitchen appliances & vacuums | Irregular (sometimes every few years) | Right after a successor launches, and at seasonal changeovers |
As the table shows, "summer bonus = cheap air conditioners" isn't always true. High-end air conditioners get new models in autumn, so what you see on sale during the summer bonus season is "a special price on the current model heading into peak season." The real bottom price for previous models often comes from late autumn to just after New Year. On the other hand, in the height of summer stock is thin and installers are busy, so rushing to buy usually means paying more. Keep in mind that each category's "peak demand" and "previous-model bottom" don't line up.
What to target—and avoid—in the summer bonus sales
Sales from many retailers cluster around the June summer bonus. But it's not as simple as "summer appliances are cheapest in summer." Right before peak demand, prices actually tend not to fall. To shop smart in summer, look at it this way.
Air conditioners: before the heat wave, or in autumn after demand drops
High-end lines like Mitsubishi's Kirigamine, Daikin's Urusara X, Hitachi's Shirokuma-kun and Panasonic's Eolia improve every year with self-cleaning, dehumidifying and airflow control, but this is a category where going one generation back usually still gives you plenty of basic cooling and heating performance. If you're aiming for a summer deal, buy in June–July, before the real heat arrives. Once August peaks, installation can be weeks away and prices stop falling. If you want the true bottom price on a high-end model, you can also skip summer and wait for previous models in autumn or later, once the new ones are all out. The total cost of an air conditioner varies a lot depending on the unit price, standard installation fee, and whether extra piping or a dedicated circuit is needed, so always compare using quotes that include installation.
Refrigerators: previous models are a good target around summer
Large fridges get new models in autumn, so from early summer to summer, after the spring moving season (March–April) calms down, last year's models start coming down in price. Things like capacity and the layout of the vegetable and chilled compartments don't change much between generations, so you'll likely be happy with a previous model. If you're replacing one, measure the delivery path (the width of the entrance, hallway and stairs) first, and include the recycling fee and collection/transport fee in your total.
Small appliances that are easy to grab in summer: for fans, circulators and portable coolers, one option is to pick up next summer's unit in clearance sales from September onward, once peak demand has passed. But if you need one now because of the heat, don't wait for a price drop—buy when you need it. Protecting yourself from dangerous heat matters more than price.
Categories where the winter bonus and year-end sales pay off
The December winter bonus and year-end sales are one of the biggest selling seasons for appliances. This is where TVs, PCs, and heating/kitchen appliances really shine. After New Year comes the fiscal year-end (February–March), so last year's models keep getting cleared out from year-end into early spring.
TVs: a previous-year high-end model is the smartest buy
TVs are a category where technical progress is easy to see, and the type of premium panel—OLED, Mini LED, quantum dot (QLED)—makes a real difference to picture quality. On the other hand, panels themselves don't change dramatically in a year; new models mostly add features or update the processor. That's exactly why last year's high-end models, which drop in price from year-end through fiscal year-end, are a great target. On the same budget, a high-end model from one generation back often satisfies more than the latest mid-range model. When choosing, work backward from the specs you actually need—for example HDMI 2.1 and VRR/ALLM support if you game, and a screen size that suits your viewing distance. Don't forget that going bigger can change delivery and installation.
Laptops: check the configuration and generation, then buy at fiscal year-end
New PCs with new CPUs come out in spring and autumn, so older configurations tend to get cheaper right after new models launch and at fiscal year-end. But even more than with appliances, "previous model = instant bargain" isn't guaranteed, because CPU generation, memory size and SSD type make a big difference to how fast it feels. For everyday use an older generation is enough, but the key to avoiding regret is never compromising on the memory and storage you need. Decide the configuration you need based on your use (office work, study, video editing, gaming), then pick a generation at a good price.
Heating and kitchen appliances: right after a successor comes out
Heating appliances like kotatsu, heaters and humidifiers move around the winter peak season, while kitchen appliances may only change models every few years. Older models tend to drop together right after a successor is announced, so if you have a model in mind, checking the new and old generations will help you decide faster.
New or previous model? Draw the line by category
Previous models aren't automatically a good deal. For fast-evolving categories and mature categories, the answer is the opposite. Roughly, the dividing line looks like this.
| Decision | Typical categories | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Previous model is enough | Refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, rice cookers, fans, etc. | Basic performance is mature. If the old model has the features you use, the price drop is pure savings |
| Consider new models too | TVs (panel/processor), PCs (CPU generation), robot vacuums (mapping, automatic dust emptying) | The experience changes by generation. Is there a new feature you need? |
| Earn it back through energy savings | Air conditioners, refrigerators and other large appliances that run long hours year-round | A new model's energy efficiency can sometimes recover the price difference through lower electricity bills |
Robot vacuums, for example, have rapidly adopted features in the past few years like laser (LiDAR) room mapping, automatic mop cleaning, and automatic emptying of dust into paper bags. In categories with this kind of "makes the whole chore easier" progress, it's worth going for the convenience of a newer generation rather than saving with an older model. On the other hand, for mature products like rice cookers and microwaves, the previous top-end model is often the best value. Draw the line not by "it's the newest" or "it's cheap," but by the features you'll use every day—that's the core of choosing well.
Thinking about energy savings "per year" can change your decision. Air conditioners and fridges use power all year, so if there's a big efficiency gap between new and old models, you may recover the price difference through a few years of electricity bills. Compare the annual power consumption and energy-efficiency labels in the catalog, and think about total cost assuming long-term use. Electricity cost estimates vary with how you use the appliance, so treat them as a rough guide, not a certainty.
Win on "total cost," not the sticker price
With appliances—especially large ones—comparing only the sticker price leads to wrong decisions. Only when you line up the "total," including what you actually pay and the points or rewards you get back later, can you see which store is really cheapest. For large appliances, these are the main things that affect the total:
- Delivery, setup and installation fees: standard air conditioner installation, washing machine setup, wall-style TV stands, etc. A cheap unit can end up more expensive after installation.
- Extra work: a dedicated circuit or extended piping for an air conditioner, delivery-path issues and so on can add on-site charges.
- Recycling fee and collection/transport fee: refrigerators, washing machines, TVs and air conditioners are covered by the Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法). When replacing, include the cost of disposing of the old one.
- Extended warranty: for expensive or heavily used appliances, warranty coverage is part of the real cost.
- Points and campaigns: compare the effective price after subtracting what you get back later.
In other words, the same "¥XX" can mean something completely different depending on whether installation is included. Electronics stores offer the peace of mind of handling installation, trade-ins and recycling all in one place, while online stores tend to compete on unit price and points. You can't tell which is cheaper until you line them up by "total including installation". Judge by the amount that finally leaves your wallet, not the big number on the price tag.
Model number suffixes, "tatami" ratings and APF: where to look on a spec sheet to compare old and new
When you try to choose by model year, the first wall you hit is "I can't tell what's different between these two seemingly identical products." Product pages are full of numbers and symbols, but only a few matter for deciding whether to buy. Here we sort out, by category, the specs that people buying around model-change cycles should actually check.
Model numbers are made of "series + year + grade"
Model numbers from Japanese manufacturers can usually be broken into a few chunks. For an air conditioner, for example, there are letters for the series, numbers for the capacity (often matching the recommended room size in tatami), and one or two characters indicating the model year. That "model year" character is the quickest clue to whether something is a previous model.
The confusing part is that each manufacturer marks the year differently. Some advance a letter each year, some include the last two digits of the year, and some only change the final symbol. On top of that, models made exclusively for electronics chains get a different suffix, so the same product may not show up in search results. So instead of memorizing whole model numbers, it's practical to line up two generations in the same series and see which characters change. Manufacturer websites often keep a list of past models, so checking the sequence there quickly tells you how many generations back from the latest the product you're looking at is.
If you see products whose model numbers differ only in the last character, they're most likely either different model years or a spec variant for a particular electronics chain. Check the "release date" (発売日) or "release year" (発売年) field on the spec sheet to tell which.
An air conditioner's "for 6 tatami" is a central guide, not a maximum
The official format for air conditioner room sizes actually shows two numbers together, like "mainly 6 tatami (5–7 tatami)" (おもに6畳（5〜7畳）), reflecting different conditions for wooden Japanese-style rooms and concrete Western-style rooms. The smaller number is a guide for a south-facing wooden Japanese-style room, the larger one for a Western-style room in a concrete apartment. In a well-insulated home, it may handle rooms close to the larger number, but a west-facing top-floor room or one with big windows may feel underpowered even at the smaller number.
What matters for timing is that higher-capacity models sell more slowly, so previous models stay on sale longer. In the popular small-capacity range, old models disappear as soon as new ones come out, but fewer people buy the large-capacity ones, so older years stay in stores longer. If you're after a larger living-room air conditioner as a previous model, this time lag works in your favor.
Look at APF and annual power consumption as "differences"
An air conditioner's energy efficiency is shown as APF (Annual Performance Factor); the higher, the more efficient. It's listed alongside "annual power consumption" (期間消費電力量) in kWh, a guide to how much electricity it uses in a season. Comparing models in the same series just one year apart, these two figures often barely change. On the other hand, between different grades (high-end vs. standard), there's a clear gap.
In other words, the efficiency gap comes from "grade," not "model year." You might worry that a previous model will cost more in electricity, but the right comparison is with "this year's model of the same grade," not "this year's top model." Get this wrong and you'll be pulled toward new models more than you need to be.
Fridges: "rated capacity" and "food storage capacity" are different
Fridge spec sheets list several capacity figures. Rated capacity (定格内容積) is the size of the interior space itself, while food storage capacity (食品収納可能量) estimates what you can actually fit, accounting for shelves and door pockets—the latter is smaller. The big number in catalogs is usually rated capacity, so when comparing brands, only compare the same type of figure.
Installation figures need separate attention too. Besides the unit's width, depth and height, the specs list the clearance needed for heat release, the space needed in front to open the doors, and the minimum width the delivery path must have. It's not unusual for external dimensions to change by a few millimeters between years, so if you buy a previous model, check the dimension drawing for that year.
Washing machines list washing and drying capacity separately
Drum-type and top-loading models with drying functions list "washing capacity" and "drying capacity" separately. Drying capacity is usually much smaller, so you can't dry everything you can wash in one go. Spec sheets show them together, like "wash/spin capacity / drying capacity," so if you want to wash and dry in one cycle, choose based on the smaller number.
Also check standard water usage and run time per cycle. Newer years sometimes improve water saving or quick courses; if these two figures differ, that's a real reason to choose the new model. If they're the same, what changed is likely the design or app features.
TVs: "panel" and "double-speed" labels
With TVs, the number in the model name often indicates screen size in inches, which is easy, but opinions split over panel type and image processing. Besides LCD vs. OLED, LCD specs list the backlight type (direct or edge-lit) and whether there's local dimming. These technologies don't change much from year to year, so this is an area where a previous model gives you the same experience.
Be careful with "double-speed" (倍速) labels, though. Panels that genuinely have a high refresh rate and ones that reduce motion blur through image processing are sometimes described in similar words. If smooth motion for sports or gaming matters, check the panel's figure (Hz) on the spec sheet. If that's the same, the difference from higher-end models is mainly in audio and the picture engine.
The "energy-saving standard achievement rate" (省エネ基準達成率) and the stars on the unified energy label are relative ratings within the same category and size range. Comparing only stars between products of different sizes doesn't mean much, so match capacity or screen size first, then compare.
"Manufacturer warranty" and "installation warranty" are listed separately
Warranty info near the bottom of the spec sheet usually lists the manufacturer's warranty for the unit separately from the warranty for installation work. For air conditioners and large appliances, problems caused by installation, such as refrigerant piping or water leaks, are covered by the installation warranty. A common worry with previous models is "since it's old stock, will the warranty be shorter?" but the manufacturer warranty generally starts from the purchase date. However, conditions for extended warranties differ by retailer, and some exclude certain model numbers or set a sign-up deadline. For extended warranties with a sign-up deadline, it's safest to complete the paperwork right after buying.
Buying appliances online: tactics by category
Online shopping isn't just "the place to find the cheapest store." How well online buying works depends on the type of appliance. Tactics focused on appliances are more useful than general debates about "which mall is best."
Large appliances (air conditioners, fridges, washing machines, etc.)
Because installation, setup and taking away the old unit are involved, this is a category where choosing only by the lowest unit price easily costs you more in total. When buying online, always check whether setup, standard installation and recycling collection are included, and whether you can confirm the delivery date and delivery path. For peace of mind, compare both price and installation/service with an in-store quote from an electronics store.
Mid-sized appliances (TVs, PCs, kitchen appliances, etc.)
Model numbers are clear and easy to compare, and points and fiscal year-end sales make a real difference. The same model number appears across many stores and malls, so it's easy to compare the effective price (unit price minus points). Keeping an eye on year-end sales, the fiscal year-end and each mall's big sales events makes it more likely you'll hit the lowest price.
Small appliances (fans, small kitchen gadgets, vacuums, etc.)
Prices are low, so shipping makes up a relatively large share. The key points are the total including shipping and what reviews say about initial defects and durability. Buying next season's unit during off-peak clearance sales also works well.
Point rates, annual fees and campaign conditions vary by period and membership rank. Even when it says "X% back," conditions often apply, so check the current terms on each service's official page. Going over budget because you're counting on points defeats the purpose. Decide by whether the effective price fits your budget.
Preparing so you don't miss the lowest price
With appliance sales, "acting once the sale starts" is too late. Decide on the exact model, know the going rate, and have a target price—whether you've done this makes a difference even in the same sales season. Get ready in this order.
- Narrow down the appliance and your "must-have features"Decide on capacity, size and essential features, and check whether older models have them (i.e. whether a previous model is an option).
- Research new and old generations of that modelKnow the differences between the current and last year's model and when the next one is likely out. This settles whether to aim for a previous model or wait for the new one.
- Get a feel for normal pricesCheck current prices online and in stores from time to time, until you have a gut sense of "at this price, I'll buy."
- Get total-cost quotesFor large appliances, compare totals including installation, recycling fees, shipping and points. Put in-store and online side by side.
- Set your target price firstDecide in advance "I'll buy if it drops to this," so you don't hesitate on the day—and avoid waiting so long it sells out.
Steps 2 and 5 matter most. Without knowing the generational differences, you might jump on an overpriced current model "because it's the newest," or pick an old model missing features you need "because it's cheap." Without a target price, you'll get carried away by the sale and overspend, or keep waiting "in case it drops more" until the stock is gone. Doing your research is the biggest saving of all.
Common mistakes in appliance sales
In the same sales season, some people end up with regrets while others get great deals. The difference usually shows up in situations like these.
- Rushing to buy an air conditioner just before peak demand → In August, prices and installation slots are both tight. Aim for before the heat wave, or a previous model in autumn.
- Buying "the latest mid-range model" and missing previous high-end ones → For TVs and PCs, last year's high-end model can be more satisfying on the same budget.
- Choosing a store by unit price alone → The total including installation, recycling fees and points can flip the result.
- Ordering without measuring the delivery path and installation space → It may not fit through the entrance or stairs. For fridges and washing machines, measure the size and path first.
- Sticking to previous models in fast-evolving categories → For robot vacuums and the like, newer generations' convenient features can be worth it.
- Waiting too long because "it'll drop more" → Buy when it hits your target price. For essentials in peak season, factor in busy installers too.
Money and safety notes: ① Don't buy appliances you don't need just because "it's a sale" or "it's bonus season." Decide what you want, your budget limit and your target price in advance. ② When prices drop varies by product and year, so know the usual price and check current prices online or in stores before buying. ③ Refrigerators, washing machines, TVs and air conditioners are covered by the Home Appliance Recycling Act. Dispose of old appliances through official channels and include the fees in your total. When installing large appliances, also watch out for tipping and secure them properly. ④ Watch out for suspicious emails, SMS and fake sites (phishing) claiming "limited-time special prices" to ride on sales. Sites with extremely low prices are especially risky, so buy from official apps, official sites or trusted authorized retailers, and don't carelessly enter your login or card details.
The unit alone won't run—what you need at the same time, and what can wait
The most frustrating outcome in an appliance sale is grabbing the unit at its lowest price, only to delay using it because the other arrangements weren't ready. Large appliances in particular only start working once the unit, installation, disposal and power setup all come together. Here we separate "things you need to decide on the day you buy" from "things you'll be urged to buy but can do later."
Decide these first or everything stalls: installation, and removing the old unit
The most overlooked step with air conditioners is removing the existing unit and the accompanying recovery of fluorocarbon refrigerants (フロン類). Air conditioners and fridges are covered by the Home Appliance Recycling Act, so taking them away requires the proper procedure. If you order only the new unit and try to arrange collection of the old one separately, in busy seasons the schedules may not match and things can slip by weeks. Checking when you buy whether "removal, collection and new installation" can all be done on the same day helps you avoid waiting in midsummer or midwinter.
Here are some extra installation needs that often only come to light on the day.
| Situation | What you may need in addition | When you can check |
|---|---|---|
| The outdoor unit can't go on the ground | Wall brackets, rooftop stand, or two-tier stand | Before ordering, from photos of the installation spot |
| No piping hole, or it's in the wrong place | Drilling work, decorative pipe cover | Before ordering, by looking at the wall |
| The outlet shape is different | Voltage change, new dedicated circuit | From the shape of the existing plug |
| The piping needs extending | Extra piping, longer decorative cover | Estimate from the distance between the indoor spot and outdoor unit |
These may not be included in "installation included" (工事費込み) prices. What's included varies by retailer, so the safest approach is to confirm in writing before ordering what standard installation covers (standard piping length, whether vacuuming of the lines is done, whether removing the old unit is included). Pinning this down lets you compare sale prices with other stores on equal terms and see whether they're really cheap.
Fridges and washing machines: avoiding "can't use it today"
For fridges, checking the delivery path comes first: the usable width of your front door, hallway corners, stair landings, and the heat-release space needed around the installation spot. If it doesn't fit, the crew will simply take it back that day. Also, if it was carried on its side, you'll often be told to wait a while after installation before plugging it in, so you may not be able to move food in on the day you buy it. Plan backward, including time to empty out the old fridge.
For washing machines, the hurdles are the size of the waterproof pan (防水パン), the position of the drain, and the shape of the water tap. If your existing tap is an old type, you'll need a special joint, which doesn't come with the unit. Drum-type machines are heavy and deep, so even if they fit inside the pan, the door may not open or may hit the washroom door. On many models, the door's opening direction (left/right) can't be changed later, so decide on the location and how you'll move around it before choosing a model number.
In apartment buildings, a waterproof pan may be required to prevent leaks to the unit below. Building rules (管理規約) may also require you to notify management of installation work, so checking the rules before swapping a large appliance helps you avoid rescheduling the installation.
Power: things you shouldn't run off an extension cord
Avoid powering high-wattage appliances through extension cords or power strips. Microwaves, toaster ovens, rice cookers, drum washer-dryers and heaters should generally be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Air conditioners come in 100V and 200V depending on capacity, with different plug shapes. If you choose a 200V model, you'll need a voltage change and dedicated-circuit work, so if you're aiming for a higher-capacity previous model, have that included in the quote too.
On the other hand, low-power devices like TVs and recorders are fine on a power strip if needed. Just keep in mind that products advertising lightning surge protection are only meant to reduce damage, not fully protect your devices.
Things that can wait / are lower priority
Some items recommended alongside your purchase in-store or in your cart don't need to be bought right away.
- Multiple replacement filters or cartridges: there's time before you need to replace them, and consumables for older models stay available for a while even after a model change. Stock up once you know how often you use them.
- Expensive TV cables: anything that supports the standard needed for 4K broadcasts or high-refresh-rate signals is enough. What matters is whether it meets the standard (the supported bandwidth); a pricier cable won't necessarily give a better picture.
- Washing machine risers: needed if the drain sits directly under the unit, but not with some waterproof pan shapes. Installers can often decide on the day, so buying one in advance often means it goes unused.
- Third-party universal remotes: worth considering only if you lose the original remote.
- Smart-home hubs: if the appliance has built-in Wi-Fi, you may be able to control it from an app without a separate hub. Check the spec sheet for connectivity first.
Things worth taking care of on the day you buy
- Sign up for an extended warrantyRetailer extended warranties may need to be applied for at purchase or within a set period afterward. Miss the deadline and you can't join later. Also confirm at this point whether your model number is eligible.
- Arrange the recycling ticket and collection/transportFor items covered by the Home Appliance Recycling Act (air conditioners, TVs, fridges/freezers, washing machines/clothes dryers), applying for collection at the same time as ordering the new unit lets everything happen on one installation day.
- Record the measurements of the installation spotNote the width, depth and height, plus the minimum width of the delivery path and the outlet's location and shape, so you can decide instantly if you need to switch to a different model later.
- Check the deadline for reporting initial defectsEach retailer sets a period for accepting reports after opening. It's safest to run the appliance through its functions right after installation and check for strange noises or leaks.
When you're aiming for a previous model, it pays to lock in the other arrangements first. Once older-year stock runs out, it doesn't come back, so instead of "ordering once the installation date is set," the order "finalize the installation work you need, then order the moment the stock price moves" makes it easier to catch the bottom price.
FAQ
Are air conditioners really cheaper during the summer bonus season?
"Summer specials" are often sale prices on current models heading into peak season, and the real bottom price for previous models tends to come from late autumn to just after New Year, once new models are all out. If you need one now, aim for June–July before the heat arrives; in the August peak, prices and installation slots are tight. Compare not just the unit but the total including standard installation, extra piping and a dedicated circuit.
When is a good time to replace a refrigerator?
Large models get new versions in autumn, so last year's models tend to come down in price from early summer to summer, after the spring moving season (March–April) settles down. Capacity and the layout of the vegetable and chilled compartments don't change much between generations, so you'll likely be happy with a previous model. If replacing, measure the delivery path (entrance, hallway and stair widths) and include the appliance recycling fee and collection/transport fee in your total.
For TVs, is a new mid-range model or last year's high-end model better?
On the same budget, last year's high-end model often wins on satisfaction. Panels don't change drastically in a year, and new models mostly add features or update the processor. Last year's high-end models tend to drop from year-end sales through fiscal year-end. Choose by working backward from the specs you actually need—HDMI 2.1 and VRR/ALLM for gaming, and a size that suits your viewing distance.
Is buying a previous-model laptop a good deal?
It's not as simple as with appliances, because CPU generation, memory size and SSD type make a big difference to how it feels. An older generation is fine for everyday use, but don't compromise on memory and storage. Older configurations tend to get cheaper right after new models launch and at fiscal year-end, so decide the configuration you need based on your use (office work, study, video editing, gaming) before picking a well-priced generation.
Should I choose a new or older robot vacuum?
This category evolves fast, so the convenient features of newer generations are worth going for. Laser (LiDAR) room mapping, automatic mop cleaning and automatic dust emptying into paper bags—features that make the whole chore easier—have spread over the past few years. If you want them, lean toward a new model; if you don't and basic cleaning is enough, a previous model will do. Draw the line by the features you need.
Is it cheaper to buy appliances in store or online?
It depends on the category. For large appliances like air conditioners and fridges that involve installation, setup and taking away the old unit, electronics stores can win on total price including installation and peace of mind. For mid-sized appliances with clear model numbers, like TVs and PCs, comparing online side by side using the effective price (unit price minus points) works well. Either way, the surest approach is to line up totals including installation, shipping and points before deciding.
Should I wait in case the price drops further?
Don't wait too long. Price drops are only a tendency, and while you wait, previous-model stock can sell out or the model you want can disappear. The trick is to set a target price—"I'll buy if it drops to this"—and buy when the current price reaches it. Especially for peak-season essentials like air conditioners, waiting until the last minute means busy installers, so deciding early is safer.
What safety issues should I watch for when buying appliances in a sale?
Watch out for suspicious emails, SMS and fake sites (phishing) claiming "limited-time special prices" to ride on sales. Sites luring you with extremely low prices are especially risky. Buy from official apps, official sites or trusted authorized retailers. Install large appliances and dispose of old ones following safety and recycling rules, through official channels. It's also important not to carelessly enter your login or card details.
If only the end of the model number differs, are the products different inside?
It may be a different model year, or a spec variant made for a particular electronics chain. To tell, compare the release year on the spec sheet and the key specs (capacity or room size in tatami, power consumption, panel type). If the release year is the same and only the suffix differs, it's usually a variant with adjusted accessories, color or some features.
Will a previous-model air conditioner cost me more in electricity?
Not much, as long as you compare the right models. Energy efficiency differs more by grade (high-end vs. standard) than by model year. Within the same series, models one year apart often have nearly identical APF and annual power consumption, so compare both years' figures directly on the spec sheets.
Can I put food in a new refrigerator on the day it's delivered?
It depends on how it was delivered. If it was carried lying on its side, you'll often be told to wait a certain time after installation before plugging it in, so it may not start cooling right away. Once the date is set, start reducing what's inside a few days ahead, and have ice packs or a cooler box ready on the day so frozen food isn't a problem.
If it says "installation included," will there be no extra charges?
Not if the job fits within standard installation, but extended piping, decorative pipe covers, drilling the wall, outdoor unit stands and voltage changes can fall outside it. The scope differs by retailer, so before ordering, check the standard piping length and whether removal of the old unit is included. Then you can compare stores on equal terms.
Do I have to ask the store where I bought the new appliance to take away the old one?
For items covered by the Home Appliance Recycling Act, asking the store you're buying from is the least hassle, since removal and installation can be done on the same day. But you can also use your local municipality or a designated collection site, so if the installation schedule doesn't work, check your municipality's guidance.
* This article is for reference only. Sale dates, point rates and campaign terms can change, so check each store's official page for the latest details.