Mark the calendar for home improvement savings

May is National Home Improvement Month, but that doesn’t mean homeowners should wait until summer to get started on projects around the house. According to Consumer Reports’ “When to Buy What” calendar, some home and garden products are deeply discounted in February, March, April and May. Here are items consumers can expect to find discounted now through the end of spring:

 

Indoor furniture

Furniture retailers need to make room for new designs debuting in spring, so February is the time to look for markdowns on sofas, loveseats, recliners and other pieces. Be sure to check backroom inventory for deep discounts, and ask about “as is” showroom samples, which sometimes are sold for a fraction of original prices.

 

 

Exercise equipment

Homeowners who are planning to build a home gym might want to invest in some equipment this month. Shoppers may find the best discounts on exercise equipment in January, but according to Consumer Reports, February is a good time also to find deals on treadmills and ellipticals.

 

Humidifiers

Winter brings dry air, which leads to dry skin, scratchy throats, static electricity and even cracked wood floors and furniture. A humidifier will solve those problems, and February and March are the best months to find deals.

 

 

Media rooms

TVs are discounted around the holidays, and there are pre- and post- Super Bowl big-screen TV sales, but savvy shoppers wait until March to buy. Demand is lower in the spring, and old models are marked down to make room for the new ones launched in January at the Consumer Electronics Show. March and May are good times to buy small electronics, such as DVD and Blu-ray players, according to Consumer Reports.

 

 

Lawn mowers

The best time to buy a lawn mower might be at the end of the mowing season, but mowers are discounted also in April and May – just in time for summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carpeting

The best time to buy carpeting is during carpet retailers’ slow season. The next slow season is in May and June, when the kids are out of school and families are busy with outdoor activities.

 

 

Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday

Consumer Reports lists December as the best time to find deals on home appliances, but Missouri’s Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday in April offers some big savings, too.

From 12:01 a.m. on April 19-midnight on April 25, all retail sales of qualifying Energy-Star new appliances are exempt from state sales tax, up to $1,500 per appliance.

Cities, counties and special tax districts may choose whether to participate in the Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday.

For a list of qualifying appliances and local jurisdictions participating in 2013, visit dor.mo.gov/business/sales/taxholiday/green.