
Homeowners who'd rather stock up once than reorder every few months should look at this 12-pack, and MERV 11 rates high enough to catch pet dander and pollen without straining most standard HVAC systems. Buy Now at Home Depot

Swapping filters every 90 days keeps HVAC systems running efficiently, and having a 4-pack on hand means you won't be scrambling to buy one when it's time for a change. MERV 8 strikes a reasonable balance for everyday dust and allergen filtering without restricting airflow the way higher-rated filters can. Buy Now at Home Depot

Sizing this specific to 11.5" x 21" x 2" makes sense if your system calls for an odd measurement that standard filters don't cover, and MERV 8 is a solid middle-ground rating for everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone dealing with allergies or pets at home will notice the difference with MERV 13 filters, since they capture much finer particles than standard filters. The 2-pack means you've got a spare ready for your next scheduled change without an extra trip to Home Depot. Buy Now at Home Depot

Stocking up with a 12-pack makes sense for this odd 10" x 30" x 4" size, since it's not always easy to find sitting on shelves when you need a quick swap. MERV 8 covers standard household filtration needs without restricting airflow the way higher-rated filters can. Buy Now at Home Depot

Dual temperature zones make this a solid pick if your collection mixes reds and whites that need different storage temps, and the built-in design fits flush under a counter for anyone short on kitchen space. Buy Now at Home Depot

Homeowners with standard-sized furnace or AC systems in this dimension will want a filter that's easy to swap on schedule, and having two in the pack means you're covered for two change cycles without reordering. Buy Now at Home Depot

Small enclosures, 3D printers, and PC builds needing extra airflow are where this 3-pack earns its keep, since you get spares on hand once one fan starts rattling. Newegg's price for three works out cheaper per fan than buying single units elsewhere. Buy Now at Newegg
- Three 60mm axial cooling fans
- Dual-ball bearing for extended durability
- 12V DC power compatibility
- Compact 60x60x20mm design
- Optimized for inverter power supply cooling

Anyone managing allergies or living with pets will want a filter rated this high, and having three on hand means you can swap them out on schedule without an extra shopping trip. Buy Now at Home Depot

Swapping filters five at a time cuts down on how often you need to remember the task, and MERV 11 catches a solid amount of dust and pollen without straining most standard HVAC systems. Buy Now at Home Depot

This size and MERV rating suits homes with pets or allergy sufferers who need better particle filtration without straining airflow through the furnace, and the 4" depth means fewer filter changes than a standard 1" filter. Buy Now at Home Depot

Swapping in a fresh filter every couple months helps your HVAC system run efficiently, and having six on hand means you won't have to think about it again until next year. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone who wants to stock up and skip monthly store runs will appreciate having a five-pack on hand for regular filter swaps. MERV 8 handles everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow, making it a solid fit for standard residential HVAC systems. Buy Now at Home Depot

For quick touch-ups on curtains, upholstery, or wrinkled shirts, this compact steamer heats up fast and skips the bulk of a full-size unit, making it a good fit if you're short on storage space. Target carries the CS-100 for anyone who wants steam cleaning without committing to a larger appliance. Buy Now at Target
- 1000 watts of power for efficient steam production
- 12 ounce water tank capacity for extended cleaning
- 15 minutes of continuous steam output per tank
- Portable compact design for easy storage and maneuverability
- Model: CS-100

This compact oscillating fan works well for anyone who wants adjustable airflow at a desk or in a small room, with a remote so you don't have to reach over to change settings. It's priced at $50, matching its regular list price with no current discount. Buy Now at Best Buy
- 360-degree oscillation for total room cooling
- Remote control for convenient operation
- Programmable timer for energy-efficient cooling
- Three cooling modes for versatile airflow
- Compact design with powerful, rapid airflow

Update: The price has changed to $13.99 since this was originally published.
Anyone using a countertop faucet filtration system will eventually need replacement cartridges, and this 2-pack covers you for months without a new filter light stalling your water flow, at $3.50 off the list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Increases water pH for alkaline benefits
- Reduces chlorine, sediment, and odors
- Three-month long-lasting service life
- BPA-free and lead-free food-grade materials
- Compatible with PUR faucet filtration systems

Anyone dealing with hot, dry patios or garage workouts will appreciate the built-in misting function, which cools the air beyond what a standard fan can do. At $60, that's $240 off the $300 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Cools and humidifies air with ultra-fine mist
- 70-degree wide oscillation covers 120 square feet
- Quiet operation under 35dB for undisturbed sleep
- 0.7-gallon tank provides 11 to 22 hours misting
- 9 fan speeds and 3 breeze modes

This mini-split suits homes without existing ductwork where you need to cool or heat up to five separate rooms independently, with each zone adjustable on its own without running the whole system. The 21.5 SEER rating also means lower energy costs compared to older or less efficient units, which matters if you're running it year-round. Buy Now at Home Depot

This 2-pack works well for anyone whose cooler latches have cracked or snapped off from sun exposure and repeated use, saving you from replacing the whole cooler over one broken piece. Buy Now at Home Depot

Kitchens and homes dealing with fruit flies or gnats benefit from a plug-in trap like this since it works passively in the background without chemical sprays or bait that leaves a mess. It's a practical option if you want a fix you can just set near the problem area and forget about. Buy Now at Amazon
- Traps fruit flies, gnats, and mosquitoes 24/7
- Non-toxic and odorless pest control
- Covers up to 400 square feet
- Reusable design with three replacement glue cards
- Discreet, modern aesthetic blends into indoor spaces
Household Appliances: The Basics
If you’re looking for your next vacuum cleaner, heater, air conditioner, humidifier, or dehumidifier, look no further! DealNews posts great deals so you can find cheap household appliances.
A Quick Guide to Vacuum Cleaner Buying
Purchasing a vacuum should be simple, but now that there are so many options, you might find yourself second-guessing your choices. Check out some of these tips and details from this buying guide from Kohl’s , or check out this guide from the DealNews Blog .
Vacuum Cleaner Types
- Canister vacuum cleaner
- Works best on hardwood or small carpeted surfaces
- Consists of a suction hose and separate unit with motor and receptacle
- Upright Vacuum
- Great for large carpeted surfaces
- Uses motorized beater brush to loosen and remove dirt
- Bagless and bagged models available
- Many include attachments for various uses like dusting
- Best for multi-surface (i.e., hardwood and carpeted) homes
- Handheld Vacuum
- Great for small areas
- Small and typically battery-powered
- Stick Vacuum
- Lightweight and battery-powered
- Includes motorized brush
- Better for hard flooring than carpets
- Most are bagless
- Also known as “sweeper vacuums”
- Robotic Vacuum
- Autonomous vacuum that uses sensors to clean
- User selects settings like cleaning time and floor type
- Typically not as powerful as other vacuums
- Pet Vacuum
- Specialized upright vacuum cleaner
- Detachable beater brush
Bagged vs. Bagless
When purchasing a vacuum cleaner, a common question is whether you should purchase a bagged or bagless model. A couple of details to help with your purchase include:
- Allergy Concerns: Bagged vacuum cleaners release less dust into the air, making it more allergy friendly.
- Cost: Although bagless vacuum cleaners have filters that will eventually require cleaning or replacement, the cost impact of not having to replace the bag each time the dust compartment is full makes bagless vacuum cleaners a bit more cost-effective.
Common Vacuum Terms
Agitator: Brush at base of the vacuum that moves debris up to be suctioned into a bag or canister.
Belt: The belt causes the brushes to rotate and process debris.
Cleaning path: The cleaning path is determined by the width of the base of the vacuum cleaner — the wider the base the larger the cleaning path.
Filtration: Filtration systems help remove dust mites from floors and furniture. This is ideal for reducing household allergens.
HEPA air filter: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are extended-surface filters that capture up to 99% of all dust particles.
Motor: Measured in amps, watts, and volts, the motor power determines the suction of the vacuum. Greater suction power means you spend less time cleaning your floors.
Motor protection system: A safeguard that protects a vacuum motor from overheating.
Retractable cord: An feature that automatically winds the cord for storage in the machine.
Self-propelled motor: A feature that propels the vacuum on its own for easier maneuvering.
Blog Articles About Household Appliances
What to Look for When Buying a Fan
Find a Vac That Doesn't Suck: The Ultimate Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Don't Sweat It! 9 Tips for Getting Air Conditioning on a Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ceiling fans save money?
Running a fan is significantly cheaper than running an A/C unit because you can target rooms you're utilizing instead of your entire home.
However, a more important question is whether a fan meets your cooling needs. A fan alone may or may not keep you cool, so the trick is to use the fan in conjunction with your air conditioning. Fans do not actually cool the air, so if you’re stuck in an 85-degree room you’re just having 85-degree air blowing on your skin.
This trick can save you hundreds of dollars each year, so in short, yes, fans definitely save money! Check out this blog post for more info!
Do air purifiers work?
A machine that quietly hums in the background while cleaning your air may sound too good to be true. But if you’re an allergy or asthma sufferer, a quality air purifier may be worth the investment.
This study concludes that air filtration through HEPA purifiers are useful for allergy sufferers, but notes the effectiveness is limited to one room instead of a whole house. While air purifiers are limited in what they can clean from the air (dust, smoke, pollen), the added relief can aid those who have tried many other solutions.
It’s important to note that air purifiers are not very effective, if at all, in cleaning out mold or VOCs that accumulate in the air from adhesives, paints, or cleaning products.
Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier: Which do I need and why?
Humidity regulation, whether by a humidifier or dehumidifier, helps with comfort levels in your home. According to Richmond’s Air Heating & Air Conditioning , a good humidity level for the home is between 35% and 45%. You can measure this with a hygrometer or you can try a few tricks like the one found here for low humidity measurements, or here for high humidity measurements.
High and low humidity can each create different issues in your home and body. Low humidity can damage your furniture, floors, and doors, causing them to crack. It can even cause caulk or glue to shrink, creating gaps that allow air to leak out. Worse, high humidity affects sleep , and exacerbates breathing problems like asthma by creating a breeding ground for mold and other allergens .
Low humidity is also problematic, causing dry skin, nasal irritation, and even spreading the flu .
A Georgia girl with three years of experience in IP Law and grounded in understanding marketing and consumer motives. When she's not working with the fabulous staff of DealNews, you can find her whining at rowing practice and browsing the Hot Deals on the site.