What the dealio, guys? Remember how we mentioned a few times that we’d like to upgrade to an energy efficient front loading washer and dryer sometime down the line when we saw a killer deal (we heard they pop up around February since new models are often introduced then)? Well, one found us a lot sooner than we expected. Yesterday actually.
We were walking through Lowe’s on Saturday when we noticed a sign that said 10% off all appliances. Not much of a deal, but enough to make us take a detour through the appliance section for fun. And while we were in that shiny-new-appliance-induced-euphoria, we noticed a big sign on an energy efficient Whirlpool Duet washer & dryer set that said $898 for the pair (marked down from $1198). Not a bad deal but not an earth-shatteringly amazing one either. But boy were they beauts.
We knew we liked Whirlpool Duet front loaders (they’re what we had for over three years in our last house). And they’d work in our new laundry room since they’re stackable. So we asked a salesperson if the 10% off offer that we noticed was valid on top of the posted $898 sale price for the pair. No dice. Since they were already labeled as an “in-store special” there weren’t any added price cuts they could apply. So we called it a day and went home.
The very next morning (Sunday), as if by fate, John got an email saying all Energy Star washer & matching dryer sets priced over $397 each were 20% off for a limited time (hooray for signing up for the Lowe’s mailing list when we moved). So we figured that it was worth calling Lowe’s to clarify if we could use the 20% coupon on the $898 set we had seen. Although in all honestly we went into it assuming they would say no…
… which they did. Boo.
Then we noticed that on lowes.com the exact same washer & dryer were marked down to $399 each ($798 for the set instead of the $898 in-store sales price we saw earlier). And it appeared as though the 20% email offer that John received would work on top of that online sale price. Score. But we’d always rather purchase things from our local store than order them online, so we called the store back and explained that we wanted to order the set online for $319 a pop thanks to the additional 20% off the $399 sale price that we found online, but we’d be happy to come in and order directly from the store if they’d honor the $638 grand total…
… which they did. Yay.
Why the change of heart when we mentioned ordering them online? If Lowe’s is anything like my old days in retail (I worked at Express on 34th Street in Manhattan for a few years during college) they’re working to personally hit a sales goal in each store every day, so they’d much rather you go through them than order something online since it’ll boost their daily numbers. Plus they’re probably allowed to honor online prices if you print out and bring them those e-promotions and show them what you could get on their website (although we did have to speak to a supervisor on the phone before getting the all-clear).
So that’s how we practically bought one and got one free (saving almost 50%) when it came to a new Whirlpool Duet front loading washer & dryer. We plan to stack them in our laundry room in the place of our existing not-front-loading-or-energy-efficient current set so we save a bundle when it comes to water and electricity (plus they’re a lot more functional thanks to the front loading washer capability along with the extra internal space and other brand-spanking-new features).
And while we’re on the subject of saving energy, guess how many clams our new set will cost to run per year according to the Energy Star tag? Fifteen bucks. A year. For all those loads of clothes and cloth diapers that we’re doing these days. Actually it’ll probably be around $9 for the year because their $15 estimate is based on eight loads of wash per week, and we usually get by with about four to five including Clara’s cloth diapers. You know how there’s that crass term for people who are obsessed with celebs? Star effers? Well we’re Energy Star effers. They’re just so much better than the old electricity and water wasters of the past- like the older stackable washer and dryer that we inherited with the house.
Speaking of those, since they’re still in great working order, instead of sending them off to a landfill we’re hoping to sell ’em on craigslist soon since we have to wait a week or two for the new dryer to come in and get delivered. And if nobody bites on craigslist we’ll donate them to the Habitat For Humanity ReStore (they do pick-ups, which makes things even easier). And we promise to share pics of the new ones (possibly with Clara playing Vanna White) when they arrive. Have you guys scored any after-holiday appliance deals? Or convinced a store to honor an online deal with some over the phone eyelash batting?
Psst- Thanks to a few smart commenters, we just learned that we can get a $75 rebate from the VA government for buying an Energy Star appliance thanks to this link, which would take our total down to $563. Squeeeeeeeee!
Christine B says
TO: Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
Most the time the pieces you need are too expensive. We had something drop our washer cracking a piece which lead to a leak. My hubby order the piece we need online for $5 and boom we were done. Hope the same happens for you!
Nadia says
Wow! Score! Last year the hubby waited in line, at 2:00am, on Black Friday to get the door buster deal of $549 for BOTH a Kenmore washer and dryer! I was home with a 6 month old and and couldn’t go, which I was actually pretty bummed about! Haha, the thrills of a deal-seeker I guess! This year on Black Friday we got a new stainless Maytag french-door fridge, dishwasher AND range for about $2,500! We had budgeted 5k for appliances for our kitchen reno so we were super stoked!
Felicity says
To Madelaine – after a load of laundry leave the washer door open and open the soap drawer until it’s dry. We always leave the washer door slightly open and it’s never had a mildew issue. I think it was a Real Simple or Martha tip.
Jordan says
I forgot my question from my earlier commment…..do you guys plan to always respond to comments from your posts? (just asking out of curiousity factor only….i find it quite fun for me and amazing on your part)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jordan,
We’re up to about 4-5 hours a day just answering questions- but we’re going to do our darndest for as long as we can!
xo,
s
Melissa @HOUSEography says
Great deal! I am doing my research now and am leaning towards the LG because ours are on the second floor and I love the anti-vibration technology. BUT, another deal you can take advantage of is Virginia’s energy efficient rebate which gets you $75 when you buy an energy efficient washer in state! Lots of other rebates for other appliances as well.
Here’s the link – http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/arra.shtml
YoungHouseLove says
SWEEEET! THANKS FOR THE INFO MELISSA! We love a deal…
xo,
s
Margo says
hi!! long time reader and first time poster – also native richmonders! my husband and i ordered this same unit a few years ago (LOVE IT!!) and also have a tiny house (row house in the fan) where we stacked them. a few things to keep in mind… the length of the hose you’re going to need to get it vented (we had to find a super long one at pleasant’s because we actually had to angle them to make them fit). we also needed to buy the stacking kit (it’s around $20) but didn’t know that until the installation guys got on site… boo. anyway… we love reading about your adventures and steal ideas all. the. time. we’re also avid DIY’ers in our tiny house!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Margo,
We grabbed a stacking kit while we were there and already have a long hose that we’ll use from our old washer/dryer so we should be all set. Fingers crossed. Thanks so much for the tip!
xo,
s
Brenna says
I guess you sold the other set with your house? And this deal makes mr want to purchase some front loaders today!! When we bought our current set (in ’06), front loaders were still pretty pricey and the hubby wouldn’t go for them :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Brenna,
Yup! We knew we’d miss them but we thought we’d go a while longer before upgrading. Surprise!
xo,
s
Eva says
Slightly jealous :o) I wish I had your patience and determination!
On a side note, I have had a stack-able Whirlpool washer/dryer combo for about 6 years, and I have never had any issues with the gasket. If the clothes are left in the tub too long (24hrs+…don’t judge, we get busy!), they do tend to smell mildewy.
J'Anns Boutique says
Amazing deal! I rarely happen upon stuff like that :-(
http://jannsboutique.blogspot.com/
Not So Glamorous Housewife says
Wow, that is insane. Great looking appliances though. I’m also surprised that I am drooling over appliances at this point in my life. Y.H.L. you are spoiling me.
Lindsay @ A Walk in the Closet says
WOW! What a big different some research and persistence can accomplish!
Looks like you guys are well on your way to meeting your new year’s resolutions. Perhaps this isn’t coupon-clipping, but it’s definitely the same idea.
Congratulations on a good deal and a smaller imprint on the environment!
cristina s says
I need this coupon! I was just in the stores this weekend trying to buy a stackable washer/dryer!! I signed up for their email list but no coupon for me :(
great job guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Cristina,
It seems as if they have a similar promo mentioned on their site (see it at the top of the page here). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Christine says
You guys rock! I found your site over Christmas break and now I am obsessed. My husband is threatening to block it as I am on here so much (smile)!
Congrats on the new washer and dryer. We just bought a new set and live in VA too. Wanted to let you know (if you don’t already) that the State of Virginia has a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace old appliances with new Energey Star® appliances. You can get a $75 rebate on your new washer (dryers don’t qualify). Go here for the details: http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/arra.shtml
It was pretty easy – just need to fill out a form & send a copy of receipt. We received our check in about 6 weeks. Good luck and thank you so much for all the entertainment & wonderful ideas!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for that tip Christine! We definitely plan to check it out!
xo,
s
Irene says
I have the Maytag Bravos set as Amy. They are just about spot on for water consumption as front-end washing machines. We purchased for similar reasons from repair people we know in the business. Luckily we had the space that I know a lot of people don’t.
cristina s says
Thanks for your response.
In case you need a deal on appliances: Home depot has free stainless steel upgrade on Maytag appliances plus 10% off appliances plus free delivery and haul away… I combo’d those offers for the kitchen :)
Abby says
Which one is the matching dryer? Can you provide a link? We currently have a gas dryer…wondering if we will be able to pull off a “matching set” and get another gas dryer. Thanks for your help!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Abby,
Here’s the link: http://www.lowes.com/pd_274807-16533-WFW9150WW_0__?productId=3263897&Ntt=whirlpool+duet+dryer&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNs%3Dp_product_price|0%26Ntt%3Dwhirlpool%2Bduet%2Bdryer
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Amy Wolff says
What is a stackable kit? How much is it?
We are planning on stacking our washer and dryer also and wondered if you had to buy a kit.
We do have the frontloader washer and dryer and have HAD MAJOR problems with the washer. Had to replace the whole electronic panel, the bellow because the water leaked all over the floor, and it always smells. BUT I am stuck with them since they costs so much money to buy!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amy,
We just asked what we needed at the counter and they sold us the kit. It was around $20. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
linds says
i almost spit my coffee out at energy star f-ers. this is why you guys are my favorite decorating blog :)
Becca says
Madelaine-
I think the mildew issue happens if you leave the washer door shut all the time when not in use. I’ve had my (Whirlpool Duet–they’re awesome!) front loader for over a year now and haven’t had any mildew issues. All I do is leave the door ajar. Not standing open–just unlatched. My dad had some mildew build-up in the detergent tray on his washer but cleaned it out once and I don’t think it has come back.
Mama Marchand says
Deals make me so happy! You certainly found an incredible one! I wish that that deal had been around when we bought our basic w/d for our home. They’re so prettty …
Mommy G [40 Weeks and then some] says
You guys are amazing! You always find great deals! Great job guys. I can’t wait to see the after pics of your laundry area. :)
Lori says
Your such an inspiration! I recently found you while surfing for ideas for our playroom. We are both teachers so we live on a tight budget that is getting tighter after state cut our salary, but thankful we are still working. I always get depressed when I want to remodel cause I feel like I need to win the lottery to be able to do what I really want. You are showing me that we can have a great house that looks like we make a million bucks(ha ha) thank you for your house and home ideas!
leah says
Nice Score!!! We got a new over the counter microwave at Home Depot the day after Christmas for $178 from $350! Total Score. Love those after Christmas sales and specials. Yay. We had been looking forever, and it matches our appliances perfectly.
Val says
Arrghh! We have such a dilemma now!! Our current non-energy-efficient washer and dryer were craigslist buys and are only a couple of years old, unlike our ancient kitchen appliances which are all from the seventies. So we don’t really NEED this deal, but it is sooo tempting! Staying focused is so hard…
YoungHouseLove says
Eye on the prize Val! Save that money to put it towards those much needed kitchen appliances since your washer and dryer are already pretty current! Good luck!
xo,
s
Shirley says
What a great score on something that you were looking for! Congrats!
Susan @ Retro Restyling says
Love the front loaders and the Whirlpool ones are like the Cadillac’s of washing machines and dryers. I have LG front loaders and had an issue with the mildew smell for awhile too (I don’t have a clean button on mine) but after having a service guy come out he said basically all I had to do was run bleach through it on really high heat at least once a week and never ever leave anything in it for long periods of time. Plus I’m meticulous so I constantly have always wiped the door down and the rubber door jam thing every time I’m done with my loads and that helps too. :)
carolina says
Wow! Great job! I am much more hopeful that I will own a washer and dryer one day! haha. Bookmarking this post!
Alanna L. says
You guys got a steal!! That’s awesome! I was so excited to see this post because we’ve been on the market to purchase a new washer/dryer set.
I called Lowes and was immediately shot down. They said the online price of $399 already includes the 20% off. How in the world did you get them to honor an additional 20% off? I’m jealous. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Alanna,
Hmm, we’re sure it’s a store to store thing (so not everyone will honor the same deal) but in our case we talked to the lady in our appliance dept on the phone and then she put us on with a manager and he just said to bring in the promo (we printed it) and he saw the $399 price online and honored the additional 20% off for us. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Pammy says
Darn! We could use a new dryer (and washer) but we have gas, and those are much more! Oh well, good for you guys!
Miranda says
I’m with Alanna, I just called my local Lowe’s and was immediately shot down. I even told them my friend in VA did it! :) How did you get the additional 20% off!?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Miranda,
We promise there’s nothing we’re not telling you! We’re assuming it’s a store to store thing, which might explain why some managers will combine the 20% promo with the $399 price while others won’t. We wish everyone would be as kind as the manager that we chatted with at our local store, but our method was just to read the language on the promo to them (and bring it with us as a print out) and show them the $399 online washer & dryer prices and he agreed to match it in the store if we came right down that morning and paid right away. Which we did!
xo,
s
Mandi says
Energy Star effers . . . . that actually made me LOL :-D!! Congrats on the great deal!
Anita says
Looks like you guys are well on your way to the ‘saving money’ resolution for 2011. Way to go!! :)
Mindy says
Wow. I love reading about a great deal! A lovely duo. BTW, I’m a long-time reader, first time commenter. :) I love your posts and am excited to see how you revamp your new house! It’s adorable! Our house was built in 1977 (you wouldn’t believe how many mirrors we have–our living room could be a dance studio, lol), and while we won’t be doing any major renos anytime soon, I’m looking forward to making it as cute and homey as I can this year. Thanks for the inspiration!
Deb says
OMG ,hows this for timimg ,I want a new washer and dryer and have been looking at the same set you bought for months but once I saw your set in your new home I knew you would be on the hunt for a new set and I would let you do all my leg work for me for the best value and bingo ,today its here and verifies the value of what I have been eye-balling for months ,thanks for sharing so soon ,now I will wait until Feb. to see if I can push the envelope on the floor models ,lol .
Irina@CanDoGal says
That is a phenomenal deal, and what’s amazing is you somehow had the foresight to hold out for a better price. They are sleek lil’ beauties, aren’t they? It’s true, on-line prices, in my experience, tend to beat store prices, and I always check online first before making a store purchase. And as you say, you can usually find coupon codes, too. Just a few days ago, I finally bit the bullet and ordered a sink and toilet, which was about 40% off retail price, even with the shipping, thanks to a little on-line persistence.
Mandi says
Hey, maybe you guys have asked/thought about this: I’m a front-loader set girl myself, and I have them side by side on pedestals. I’ve always wondered if you can stack on a single pedestal, or if that makes the top set too high (…or if maybe the pedestal can’t hold all that weight? That might vary by maker though.)
The pedestals are kinda pricey, IMO . . . but I am not getting younger, and they are more ergonomic like this . . . and I utilize the storage under there for extra supplies. I’m big on living stocked-up, but tidy.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Mandi,
Good question! We have no idea. For a shortie like myself the pedestal might make the dryer harder to reach- but for someone tall like John it might be nice. Maybe try calling the manufacturer after googling their number to see if they can hold that weight? Just to be sure they don’t advise against it!
xo,
s
Shelley says
How is the cloth diaper laundry with a Duet?We have a duet sport and I’m due with our third in April. This will be my first time cloth diapering and I’m worried about a wash routine with a front loader. I’ve heard that it can be difficult because of the low water issue? Would you mind sharing your wash routine? I don’t have an add water feature so I’m wondering if this will be difficult. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Shelley,
It’s great! Which is why we’re happy to get them again. No issues at all with not having enough water or anything! You can read about our wash routine here. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
rochel says
No big purchases yet in 2011. But, when my family was in town last week, we scored great tickets to an NBA game. My hubby and kid brother spent 3 hours looking for cheap tickets. They found $35/ticket seats. My mother, a true bargain hunter, emailed the stadium and managed to get 4 tickets (dad couldn’t come) for $90 plus 4 ball caps. It never hurts to ask for a better price. A sale is a sale.
amy good house says
Here’s another Amy with the Maytag Bravos washer/dryer!
I cant say enough about it. It is a top-loader washer without the agitator. It only accepts HE detergent. I can really fill it up with a lot of laundry at one time. And the dryer does have a sensor that will adjust to the needs of the load. Never thought I would be so excited about laundry (I used to pay our laundromat to wash and fold when we were in a washer-less apartment!)
jennifer says
great find guys!
without necessarily revealing numbers, do you all have a baseline on your savings account that you strive not to dip below and then spend wisely within that range on bigger purchases like this? i know you usually have save for bigger items/projects, but since this seemed slightly unplanned i was wondering how you decided if you could pull the trigger on it financially? thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jennifer,
Yes, we always have a baseline for our savings account that we never dip below (it’s there for emergencies which seems especially poignant now that we have a daughter to support) so we look at our balance in savings, are sure that it’s well over our “must-have” zone, and go for it. Since we pay our credit cards off entirely in the month that we make purchases, we must have the money or we don’t buy the item. Even if it’s the best deal ever.
xo,
s
dana says
Holy bargain hunting batman! That’s an awesome start to the year.
Samantha says
“Energy Star Effers” is hands down the funniest thing you’ve ever said. Congrats on the deal!
Julie says
For people having issues getting the discount – try ordering online and then picking up in store. We did that with a dining room light a few weeks ago. There was a coupon code online and it wasn’t on sale in the store. I ordered online, said “pick up from store” and it was waiting for me 30 minutes later for $50 less than the one sitting on the shelf!
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip Julie! Thanks for sharing that idea!
xo,
s
Leslie says
Excellent! I thought I heard a squeel coming from the East :) LOL
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says
What a great deal!!!!! I’m glad I already get the lowes emails — now if only they would tier sale items with the military discount — then i’d be saving mucho! =)
LOVE the washer dryer!!! so jealous =)
xoXOxo
Katie says
@Madelaine,
We had a mildew issue with our Samsung stackable washer. It was really disgusting- all our clothes and especially towels smelled just awful after washing. I now wash all loads with a splash of vinegar and a couple drops of an essential oil, then leave the washer door open while the clothes are drying. Works like a charm! Hope it helps!
michelle says
I only see the washer you guys are referring to. Do you have a link to your dryer?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Michelle,
Here you go: http://www.lowes.com/pd_274821-16533-WED9150WW_0__?productId=3263899&Ntt=whirlpool+duet+dryer&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNs%3Dp_product_price|0%26Ntt%3Dwhirlpool%2Bduet%2Bdryer
xo,
Lindsay says
After sitting on the phone with Kenmore (our energy-efficient front-loader washer is giving us some noisy trouble) for 25 minutes today…I’m very jealous. Especially considering what we paid for our washer/dryer set (closer to the $1000 for the pair) one year ago. OUCH. Congratulations! It looks like my husband and I need to start classes at the John and Sherry School of Saving.
Lesley says
just ordered our new washer and dryer!!! I sooo do not tell my husband about these little tid-bits.. last night when we were hanging curtains to “cheat” our window.. he said.. ughhh that “lovestoryhouse” web site!!! haha, I had the laptop out reading him the post and showing him the pictures.. I heart you guys!!!!! Keep it up =)
Christina says
Wow! Sweet deal! I’ve been doing the spin cycle by hand since last summer (well sort of…I put a knife in the slot with the lid open, spin like crazy and then slam the lid as fast as I can to keep the machine spinning. It finally died (along with my shoulder) and I was sick of ringing the clothes out in the sink and hanging them on the line in 20* weather. Did I mention we have 7 kidlets? (Lots o’laundry done in this casa!) We, too, hit Lowes this weekend and got the 20% off already on sale, but it never occured to me to check here first. Blasted Wretch! I could have saved another $70 if the store would have honored it. Ugh. But thanks to the tip, I think we might get a $150 rebate on the energy efficient ditty. After my husband confirms this, I might do a happy dance in your name…Cheers!