If you have a wheezing appliance that appears to be on its last leg, don’t delay in ordering a replacement.
Several “big ticket” appliances are in short supply and may be difficult to find, according to numerous reports.
Appliances that are disappearing fast include:
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Dryers
- Gas ranges
- Some microwaves
Many models of these appliances are on back order, meaning you might have to wait for some time before a new purchase arrives in your home.
The shortages appear to be directly related to the pandemic. John Taylor, senior vice president of LG Electronics USA, told NBC’s “Today:
“People are spending more time at home, and we’ve seen a record number not just for fridges but dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. If appliances are 15-20 years old, the more people they use them, the more likely they need to be replaced.”
The shortages stretch back months. NPR reports that as the coronavirus impacted key hubs for the shipping and manufacturing of parts and appliances — including the U.S., China and Mexico — factories slowed down.
Falling supply and rising demand resulted in the appliance shortages we see today. In addition, retailers have had a tough time gauging demand levels for appliances, which leads them to be caught shorthanded when demand unexpectedly rises.
In August, the New York Post reported that this year’s Labor Day sales lacked their usual pizazz thanks to a lack of inventory.
For example, last year, GE offered promotional pricing on about 330 appliance models. But the number fell to 25 this year, the Post reported.
Wait times for new appliances can be extraordinarily long. Howard Glickman, appliance adviser at Airs Appliances in Philadelphia, told Today that he has back orders for refrigerators from May that have not been filled. Some deliveries are not expected until February 2021, he says.
So, if you think you will need an appliance in the next few months, the time to shop might be right now in the expectation that you might have to wait to receive it.
Before you settle on a model, check out “Homeowners Say These 2 Kitchen Appliance Brands Are Best.”
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