
Space-saving pick for anyone who wants strong airflow without a bulky tower fan, and it syncs with an app for scheduling and speed control. Best Buy has it for $60, a $20 (25%) discount off the $80 list price. Buy Now at Best Buy
- Compact, portable design
- Ultra-quiet operation for any environment
- Smart control functionality
- Powerful air circulation for all-season use
- Variable speed settings for customized airflow

Handy for outdoor events, workouts, or sticky summer commutes when you need cooling without lugging around a bulky fan, and the 4,000mAh battery means it'll last through a full day of use. It's $15 off the $28 list price at Walmart, marking a 54% discount. Buy Now at Walmart
- 4000mAh battery provides 12 hours of runtime

Suction and mopping combined make this a decent pick for pet owners dealing with both hair and daily floor grime, though at $349.98 it's essentially the same as the $349.99 list price, so don't expect savings here. Buy Now at Amazon
- 20,000Pa ultra-strong suction for debris and pet hair
- Edge-to-edge cleaning with 1.85mm precision
- Hands-free docking with self-emptying and hot mop washing
- Tangle-free V-shaped brush system prevents hair clogs
- Precision LiDAR navigation with multi-floor mapping

Handy for households with pets or carpet that sees heavy foot traffic, since it's built for deep cleaning rather than quick touch-ups; it's currently priced the same as its $200 list price, so there's no discount to factor in right now. Buy Now at Best Buy

Handy for renting a window fan solution without central air, since the reversible setting lets you pull in cool air at night or push out hot air during the day, and the built-in thermostat cycles it on and off automatically to keep temps steady while you're out. Buy Now at Home Depot

Space-saving pick for anyone who wants strong airflow without a bulky tower fan, and it syncs with an app for scheduling and speed control. Best Buy has it for $60, a $20 (25%) discount off the $80 list price. Buy Now at Best Buy
- Compact, portable design
- Ultra-quiet operation for any environment
- Smart control functionality
- Powerful air circulation for all-season use
- Variable speed settings for customized airflow

Fragrance settings adjust from your phone, so it's a solid pick if you like customizing scent strength and schedule by room without fiddling with dials. Target carries the starter kit with the plug-in device included, which gets you set up without buying diffusers separately. Buy Now at Target
- Dual fragrance vial slots for scent switching
- App-controlled scent intensity and scheduling
- Integrated ambient LED nightlight
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Customizable fragrance diffusion schedules

Zapping mosquitoes and other flying pests on a patio or porch is what this is built for, and at $30 it's $20 off the $50 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- 4200V electric grid eliminates flying insects on contact
- Chemical-free physical pest control safe for families and pets
- Removable tray and brush for easy cleaning
- 15W UV bulb attracts pests over half-acre range
- Energy-efficient design with replaceable UV bulb

Anyone dealing with a furnace or appliance that's cycling incorrectly will want this on hand, since it controls temperature-based switching for HVAC and heating equipment without needing power. It's a straightforward, no-frills fix worth keeping in a repair kit for common heating system replacements. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone running an Aer 1-compatible purifier around pets, smoke, or general household odors will want spares like these on hand, since fresh HEPA and carbon media is what actually keeps filtration performing over time. Buy Now at Walmart
- H13 True HEPA captures 99.97% of pollutants
- Carbon booster pre-filter absorbs household odors
- Traps large contaminants like hair and lint
- Compatible with aer1 ready air purifier models
- Includes 2 True HEPA and 4 Carbon filters

Standing fans like this one work well for larger rooms where you want airflow that reaches beyond a desk or nightstand, and oscillation means you're not stuck pointing it at one spot. Walmart has it for $45, which is $38 off the $83 list price. Buy Now at Walmart
- 16-inch blades with 21.33 ft/s airflow
- 3 speeds and 3 modes with 9-hour timer
- Remote control with intuitive LED display
- 80 degree oscillation and 50-inch adjustable height
- Sturdy metal safety net protection

Anyone with allergies or pets shedding around the house will notice the difference this replacement filter makes in trapping dust and dander, and at $28.49, that's $19.50 off the $47.99 list price. Buy Now at Walmart
- Captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns
- Four-stage air filtration system
- Removes airborne dust, allergens, and odors
- Long-lasting 6-8 month filter service life
- Neutralizes germs, smoke, and pet dander

Basements and damp bedrooms benefit most from a unit pulling 34 pints a day, keeping humidity in check without constant tank emptying. Walmart has it at $120, which is $130 (52%) off the $250 list price. Buy Now at Walmart
- Removes 34 pints of moisture daily
- Covers spaces up to 2,500 sq. ft.
- Offers three versatile continuous or manual drainage options
- Features three smart modes for customized humidity control
- Operates quietly between 42-48dB

Homes with AprilAire whole-house systems need this exact filter size to keep the seal tight, and MERV 13 filtration handles finer particles like smoke and bacteria compared to standard filters. It's $8.24 off the $39 list price at Walmart. Buy Now at Walmart
- Compatible with AprilAire 1210, 1620, 2120, 2200, 2210, 2216, 3210
- Fits Space-Gard 2200 with Upgrade Kit 1213

Handy for stroller rides, desk setups, or camping trips where you need airflow but not an outlet nearby, and it's running $1.90 below list price at Walmart. Buy Now at Walmart
- Digital display for speed and battery monitoring
- Versatile 360-degree rotation for flexible positioning
- Adjustable 3-speed settings for customized airflow
- Long-lasting 2000mAh USB rechargeable battery
- Compact design with safety gaps for child protection

Anyone dealing with allergies, pet dander, or a bigger room to cover will get the most out of this one, and Walmart has it for $34 off the usual price right now. Buy Now at Walmart
- Captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns
- 360-degree air intake for efficient purification
- Cleans large rooms up to 1400 square feet
- Ultra-quiet sleep mode operates as low as 15dB
- Integrated aromatherapy diffuser for enhanced air freshness

Cabin owners and garage users without existing power hookups can run this one straight off a propane tank for reliable heat during outages or cold snaps, and Walmart has it for $121.59, which is $78 off the $199.99 list price. Buy Now at Walmart

Replacement filters like this suit anyone who already owns the Scorpion handheld and wants to keep suction consistent without buying a new unit, and at $12.14, it's $1.35 off the $13.49 list price. Buy Now at Walmart
- Compatible with Dirt Devil SD20005RED, SD30025B, BD22025 vacuums
- Includes 3 HEPA filters, sponge filters, and cleaning brush
- Washable filter design for repeated use
- Simple tool-free installation process
- Includes 1-year product warranty

Steam mops handle sealed hard floors like tile, laminate, and hardwood without chemical cleaners, and the 10-in-1 attachments extend that to windows, carpets, and even garment steaming, so it suits anyone trying to replace several cleaning tools with one. Buy Now at Amazon
- Heats to 212°F for chemical-free stain removal
- 180-degree swivel head for effortless maneuverability
- Includes 14 versatile attachments for multi-surface cleaning
- Safe for hardwood, tile, laminate, and stone floors
- Built-in anti-dry-burn safety protection

Suits smaller rooms or drafty corners where you need supplemental heat without installing ductwork, and the 1,500-watt output covers a decent-sized space on its own. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone on a regular HVAC filter replacement schedule can stock up here instead of buying one at a time, and MERV 8 covers standard household dust and debris without restricting airflow like higher-rated filters can. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone managing a home with pets or allergy sufferers will want the MERV 11 rating here, since it catches finer particles than a standard filter without straining your system's airflow. The 12-pack from Home Depot covers roughly a year of monthly swaps in one purchase, so you're not reordering every few months. Buy Now at Home Depot

Sized for larger HVAC systems that take the less common 4" depth, so measure your existing filter before ordering to make sure it fits. The MERV 8 rating handles everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow the way higher-rated filters can, and the 3-pack covers a full year of standard quarterly changes. Buy Now at Home Depot

Stocking up makes sense here since this size sells out fast during peak seasons, and a 12-pack covers a full year of monthly changes for most households without repeat trips to Home Depot. Buy Now at Home Depot

Stocking up with a 12-pack makes sense if you replace filters on a regular schedule and don't want to reorder every few months, and MERV 8 pleated filters hit a solid middle ground for capturing dust and pollen without straining your system's airflow. Buy Now at Home Depot

Swap these in on a regular schedule if you want better dust and allergen capture than a standard filter without stepping up to the airflow restriction of higher MERV ratings, and the 3-pack keeps you stocked for months. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone maintaining an HVAC system with this odd-ball 13.25" x 13.25" x 4" slot will want to keep this size on hand, since MERV 8 handles everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow the way higher-rated filters can. Buy Now at Home Depot

Swapping filters every 90 days gets easier when you've got four on hand, and MERV 13 rated pleats trap smaller particles like smoke and pollen that lower-rated filters miss. Buy Now at Home Depot

Custom-sized filters like this 12.75" x 21" x 2" are tough to find in stock at most stores, so it's worth grabbing this 4-pack if that's your unit's exact size. MERV 11 catches common allergens like dust and pollen without straining a standard residential HVAC system. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone running central heating or air will want a stock of these on hand, since MERV 11 filters catch smaller particles like pollen and pet dander while still allowing decent airflow. Buying the 5-pack from Home Depot means you can swap filters every 60-90 days without scrambling to reorder each time. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone dealing with pet dander or seasonal allergies will get more use out of a MERV 11 rating than a standard filter, and having five on hand means you're set for filter changes over the next couple years without reordering. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone dealing with seasonal allergies or a house full of pet hair will notice the difference a MERV 11 rating makes over a basic filter, and having six on hand means you're not scrambling to find the right size every few months. Buy Now at Home Depot

Stocking up on this 12-pack makes sense if your system runs through filters every month or two, since MERV 8 covers everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow the way higher ratings can. Buy Now at Home Depot
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.