Shopping for new home appliances is rarely a fun experience. Unless you are remodeling a kitchen or have been planning the purchase of new kitchen or laundry appliances for some time, the need for a new refrigerator or washer probably came as something of a shock. Fortunately, if you are shopping for new appliances, understanding the following can make the experience a little less painful, if not enjoyable.

• Plan a Budget - There is no way of getting around it. Buying new appliances for your home is going to cost money. While many people opt for used appliances to save some green, there is no guarantee that the appliance will last or what effect it will have on your utility bill. Whether you are replacing a worn range or remodeling your entire kitchen, planning a budget will keep you from going overboard when you make your appliance purchase.
• Buy Energy Efficient - While many people look only to the sticker price when they purchase new home appliances, the energy efficiency of the unit is as important, if not more important than the initial cost. When shopping for new appliances you should look for Energy Star models if they are available and read the EnergyGuide Label. This will give you valuable information about the yearly cost of the appliance you are considering.
• Does it Fit - One of the biggest mistakes shoppers make when choosing new kitchen and laundry appliances is picking a model that is either too large or too small for the space. Whether you are buying your new appliances online or from a local dealer it is important to take accurate measurements before making the purchase. This will save you the trouble and the cost of having to ship the appliance back to the store to get another model, or worse, construction costs to make the appliance fit.
• Features Cost Money - Yes, features are nice. But when you're shopping on a budget you need to ask yourself if that water and ice dispenser is an honest necessity. Every extra included on your new refrigerator or washer, whether it is a sliding ice bin or 19 program settings, will add on to the final cost of the appliance in question. Refer back to your budget and find an appliance that meets both your needs and the needs of your bank account.
• Understand the Warranty - One factor that needs to be considered but is often overlooked when shopping for home appliances is the warranty. Before making your purchase as the retailer not only the length of the warranty and what is covered, but also what is not covered. Another thing to consider is if the retailer or manufacturer offer an extended warranty. The extra cost up front could far outweigh the potential future cost if something on the appliance fails after the initial warranty expires.

Understanding not only what is available but also what you can afford is the key to making your appliance shopping less stressful. This is especially true if your shopping because of an unexpected failure. Whatever the case, it is important to remember that everything breaks. Even the most reliable appliances. Stepping back, accessing your needs and separating them from those pesky wants can help you make a more informed decision.