
Anyone repairing a central AC system will appreciate having a direct replacement board on hand rather than waiting on a full diagnostic from a technician, since a faulty frequency conversion motherboard often mimics bigger compressor or unit failures. Buy Now at Newegg
- Frequency conversion motherboard for air conditioner outdoor units
- Model: A010259

Stocking three separate candy compartments makes this a practical pick for playrooms, offices, or small business setups where you want variety without buying multiple machines, and it's currently $23 off the list price at Home Depot. Buy Now at Home Depot

Solar charging makes this a practical pick for patios, decks, or yards without a nearby outlet, since it recharges during the day and works through the night on its own. At $59.98, it's essentially the same as the $59.99 list price, so don't expect to save anything by buying now. Buy Now at Amazon
- 4500V electric grid eliminates flying insects instantly
- Dual solar panels with 12-hour 4000mAh battery
- Smart automatic light sensing for night operation
- Covers up to 1/2 acre area
- IPX5 waterproof design for all-weather outdoor use

Garages, workshops, and patios without central air stay noticeably cooler with this, and the Wi-Fi control means you can adjust settings without walking over to the unit itself. Buy Now at Amazon
- Cools 1200 square feet with 40-foot airflow reach
- Quiet 51dB motor for tranquil environment
- Wi-Fi enabled remote control via Portacool CoolSync
- Durable roto-molded housing with integrated cord management
- 40-gallon reservoir with automatic shut-off and water alerts

Anyone tired of boiling pots or juggling microwave bags for bottle cleanup will appreciate having a dedicated sterilizer that dries everything too, cutting the process down to one machine instead of several steps. Buy Now at Target
- Sterilizes and dries up to six baby bottles simultaneously
- Uses hot steam to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria
- Features four drying time settings with HEPA air filtration
- Includes removable basket for bottle parts and accessories
- Operates with automatic shut-off function when cycle completes

This suits anyone tired of buying bottled water or hauling jugs, since it distills water right on your counter for drinking, cooking, or topping off appliances like CPAP machines and irons. It's priced at $56.87, about $10 off the $66.90 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Distills 6 gallons of water daily
- FDA and CE certified materials
- Durable 304 stainless steel construction
- One-touch operation with auto-shutdown safety
- Upgraded aluminum fan for efficient cooling

Stocking up on a year's worth of filters at once suits anyone who wants to stop remembering to reorder every few months, and MERV 11 catches enough allergens and dust to make a difference for households with pets or seasonal allergies. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone already running a Waterdrop pitcher will want a backup stock on hand, since these filters typically need swapping every few months to keep the alkaline boost and taste improvement working as intended. The 3-pack runs $29.25 right now, about $10 (25%) off the $39 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Increases water alkalinity for health benefits
- Reduces harmful impurities from drinking water
- Guarantees leak-free, hassle-free installation
- Certified to NSF 42 and NSF 372 standards
- Compatible with numerous GE and Kenmore refrigerator models

Anyone cleaning carburetor parts, jewelry, or shop tools in bulk will appreciate the 6-liter tank size, which is large enough to handle multiple items per cycle instead of running batches. Amazon has it for $76, about $14 off the $90 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- 40KHz dual-transducer ultrasonic cleaning
- 6L tank with adjustable heating 0-80°C
- 304 stainless steel rust-resistant construction
- Integrated drainage valve and pipe system
- 30-minute adjustable cleaning timer

Small-space HVAC systems and window units often take odd sizes like this, so having six on hand saves you from scrambling when a filter needs swapping. MERV 8 handles everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow the way higher-rated filters can in smaller units. Buy Now at Home Depot

Homeowners who buy filters in bulk to avoid running out mid-season will get the most value here, and MERV 8 handles everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow the way higher ratings can. Buy Now at Home Depot

Homeowners who want to cut down on dust and allergens without replacing filters every month will get solid mileage from this MERV 11 pleated design, and having five on hand means you're covered for a while. Buy Now at Home Depot

Handy for anyone dealing with mosquitoes or flies on a patio or in a garage, since the 4,000V mesh kills on contact without chemicals, and the 2-pack means you and someone else can both swing at once. At $26, that's $4 off the $30 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Auto-zap mode with mosquito attracting light
- Powerful 4000V electric grid
- Dual-mode handheld and stationary operation
- 1500mAh rechargeable battery with status indicator
- Long 59-inch power cord for flexible placement

Small bedrooms or offices benefit most from this one, since the 0.66-gallon tank is meant for compact spaces rather than whole-room coverage, and the built-in diffuser lets you add essential oils without a separate device. Home Depot carries this size for people who want quiet, low-maintenance humidity control at a desk or bedside table. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone dealing with mosquitoes on a patio or porch will get some use out of the 4,000-volt mesh, which kills on contact without chemicals or sprays; it's currently $3 off the $19 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Auto-zap mode with mosquito attracting light
- Powerful 4000V electric grid
- Dual-mode handheld and stationary operation
- 1500mAh rechargeable battery with status indicator
- Long 59-inch power cord for flexible placement

Works well for larger spaces where a small tabletop unit just won't cut it, since the 5.4-gallon tank means fewer refills if you're trying to keep humidity steady through a dry winter. Buy Now at Home Depot

Handy for the garage or job site if you want cordless airflow without running an extension cord, and it runs on the same 20V Power Share battery system as other Worx tools. Best Buy has it for $64, which is $26 off the $90 list price. Buy Now at Best Buy
- Cordless operation with 6-hour battery life
- Charge battery while fan is in use
- High-volume 450 CFM airflow
- Lightweight 5 lb portable design
- 360-degree rotating head with mounting options

Update: The price has changed to $449.00 since this was originally published.
Pool owners who want to skip manual vacuuming will appreciate the cordless design, since there's no cord to manage or untangle around ladders and steps while it cleans. At $448.99, it's essentially at the $449 list price, so this is a case where you're paying full price rather than catching a discount. Buy Now at Amazon
- 6,800 GPH suction for efficient debris removal
- 300 minutes runtime for large 3,229 sq.ft pools
- Cleans floors, walls, and waterline automatically
- Smart waterline parking for easy retrieval
- 5L large capacity debris basket

Built for anyone who stores water heaters, pipes, or tanks in an uninsulated garage or shed and needs to keep them from freezing in winter or overheating in summer, this jacket wraps around a 10-gallon tank for added protection. Amazon has it at $229, which is $314 off the $543 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Provides year-round freeze and heat protection
- Fast, tool-free installation with hook and loop fasteners
- Simple one-pull orange arm activation
- Maintains optimal tepid water temperatures
- Ensures reliable operation in extreme climate conditions

Handy for quick clean-ups like crumbs on the couch or dirt tracked in from outside, since you won't need to drag out the full-size vacuum for small messes. It's $19 off the list price, bringing it to $30.98. Buy Now at Amazon
- 14500PA suction with two adjustable speed settings
- Includes crevice, brush, and hose attachments
- 25-minute cordless runtime with USB-C fast charging
- Two-layer HEPA filtration system captures 99.99% of dust
- Large 340ml dust cup with one-touch disposal
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.