Consumer Corner
Tips for Buying Major Home Appliances Online
Last Updated on September 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Tips for Buying Major Home Appliances Online
(Family Features) Nowadays, you can buy just about anything online and have it delivered and installed with just a few clicks. This includes major home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, furnaces, heat pumps and water heaters. However, making a large purchase without inspecting the product or planning for installation comes with its own challenges. To ensure a smooth shopping experience, consider these tips for buying major home appliances online. Do Your Homework Set a budget and determine what features are necessities and which are nice to have. When you start searching, you’ll be able to compare product features and reviews. Look for customer feedback, especially regarding durability, performance and features. For large and installed appliances like water heaters and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units, research system requirements including size, capacity and system type (like gas or electric) and compatibility with your current home infrastructure like ductwork. Another consideration is if your state or municipality has local code compliances you must meet like emissions or energy-efficiency standards. This can be time-consuming and difficult for some homeowners. When shopping online, look for retailers that have partnerships with professional and licensed contractors to help determine the appropriate equipment for your home, make the installation process easy and help you tap into local utility rebates and tax credits.
Consider the Seller On some online marketplaces, products may be listed by third-party sellers who are not affiliated with the original manufacturer, meaning the product may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Third-party sellers may not have relationships with local dealers or contractors, and most contractors won’t install or repair products not purchased directly from a manufacturer. To help you purchase with confidence, Walmart and Bryant Heating & Cooling created a unique partnership to simplify the HVAC buying journey. Customers who inquire at Walmart.com are paired with a highly qualified and reputable dealer to help homeowners assess their requirements, offer energy-efficient equipment solutions and provide installation by trained, certified professionals. Examine the Return and Warranty Policies It’s easy to get excited about a product and not think what happens if it malfunctions, so it’s important to look for a manufacturer’s warranty and if extended protection plans are available. When you find warranty information, read the fine print. Most manufacturers require the equipment to be registered after it’s installed to realize the full warranty benefits. Look for Discounts and Financing Many online retailers offer financing for big purchases, including zero-interest promotions or “buy now, pay later” options. These monthly payment options allow you to fit large purchases into your budget rather than dipping into savings. Watch for hidden fees or high interest rates after promotional periods end. For installed systems, check if you can bundle financing with installation and extended warranties for convenience. Some appliance manufacturers offer discounts on products if purchased through specific retailers. For instance, if you purchase a Bryant Heating & Cooling system through Walmart, you will receive an instant savings on the cost of a new HVAC unit and qualified customers can take advantage of exclusive financing offers. Confirm Product Delivery and Installation Products are easy to purchase online, but poor planning on delivery and installation can turn the process into a hassle. For larger and installed appliances, make sure delivery includes unboxing, setup and removal of old units, if needed. Document Everything and Keep a Paper Trail Documentation of higher priced items, especially those with installation next steps and extended warranties, can be helpful if you run into issues. Some of the documents you should keep (in paper and digital versions, if possible) include a final invoice, permits (if applicable), warranty terms and information, delivery and installation scope of work and timelines. Take photos before and after installation. Buying large home appliances and installed appliances online can save time and money, provided you approach it thoughtfully. This is part of a broader trend toward digital convenience in home services that makes online tools, virtual consultations and price transparency more accessible. With a little research, comparison and attention to detail, you can find the right appliances to fit your home, lifestyle and budget – without ever stepping into a store. To find more heating and cooling solutions, visit Walmart.com/Bryant. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (man and woman using computer) Discover more from Daily News
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Consumer Corner
Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day
Spruce Up Your Home: Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.
(Feature Impact) Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.
Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day
A Splash of Green and a Sparkle of Gold
Whether you love emerald, lime, sage or leafy green shades, simply adding a pop of a new-to-you hue can infuse your home with some St. Paddy’s fever. Check craft stores for reusable greenery to place in a pot or vase, or get crafty and dot pinecones with glue before dusting them with green glitter and placing them in a glass bowl to make a festive display worthy of a leprechaun’s seal of approval. Get Ready for Spring and Shop New Arrivals to Refresh Your Space!
Scent of the Season
Lighting a candle not only creates a festive vibe, but the aroma from a scented candle can remove any staleness in the air and bring some ambiance to your home. Any earthy scent will do – from juniper to fir, pine, sandalwood or amber. Woodsy choices infuse a room with comfort and warmth. Decorative elements like metal charms, beads and crystals (in bright green or gold) add a pop of whimsy to your candle, too.
Shape a Shamrock
Holidays are ideal times to flex your creative muscles and give your home a little artsy edge. Scour the shelves at dollar stores or thrift shops for things like green clay or modeling dough, colored paper, wooden shamrocks, stickers and inexpensive paint sets. Set your artistic side free with paintings or drawings of shimmery rainbows, mischievous leprechauns and shamrocks in various sizes.
Coins, Clover and Centerpieces
One of the easiest ways to add a little Celtic cheer to your home is with joyful table decor. Add some gold shimmer to your dining room table with sparkly ribbons, a bright runner and gold-flecked napkin rings. A fancy glass filled with green baubles and pebbles can be both subtle and festive. A scattering of faux gold coins and rainbow napkins can make the space feel merry and magical.
Find more ideas to get your home ready for St. Patrick’s Day at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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toys and kids electronics
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers: Basic Fun! and Hasbro Bring D&D to Gen Alpha in July 2026
Basic Fun! has partnered with Hasbro to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a collectible action figure line aimed at kids aged 5 to 8, debuting in July 2026. Designed to foster imagination and storytelling, these customizable figures will feature blind packing and include a D20 die, creating an engaging experience for young adventurers.
Basic Fun! is rolling a natural 20 on nostalgia-meets-next-gen play.
In a Feb. 10, 2026 announcement, the global toy company revealed a worldwide licensing agreement with Hasbro (through Wizards of the Coast) to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a new collectible action figure line built specifically to introduce Gen Alpha to the world of D&D. The line is expected to hit major toy retailers worldwide in July 2026, targeting kids ages 5 to 8.
What is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers?
Questers is Basic Fun!’s take on translating the spirit of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™ into something tactile, collectible, and kid-friendly—without losing the fantasy DNA longtime fans recognize.
The pitch is straightforward: imagination-led play, world-building, and storytelling—packaged in a format that matches how kids play today: personalization, discovery, and surprise.
Questers is also positioned as a bridge between generations. It’s designed not only for kids discovering fantasy for the first time, but also for fan parents looking for a hands-on way to share D&D’s creatures, heroes, and archetypes with their children.
Built for collecting, customizing, and creating stories
Basic Fun! says the Questers line will feature three collectible scales:
- Creatures
- Adventurers
- Monsters
Each figure will be:
- Blind-packed (surprise-style collectibles)
- Fully buildable
- Designed with interchangeable parts so kids can mix, match, and customize
And the D&D tie-in isn’t just a logo on the box. Each figure will come with:
- A D20 die
- A storystarter prompt to encourage kids to create adventures with their collection
That combination—collectability + customization + storytelling prompts—signals exactly what the brand is aiming for: repeat play that feels different every time.
Why D&D, and why now?
D&D’s cultural footprint has been expanding across entertainment, publishing, and digital platforms, and the press release points to a clear shift: Gen Alpha gravitates toward play patterns rooted in personalization, discovery, and world-building.
Questers is designed to meet that moment by turning D&D’s iconic fantasy elements into a “discovery-driven” toy experience—one that doesn’t require reading a rulebook, building a character sheet, or learning game mechanics to start having fun.
In other words: it’s D&D energy, scaled to the toy aisle.
What the companies are saying
Dan Westcott, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!, framed Questers as an on-ramp into the franchise:
- Approachable, creative, and fun for young adventurers
- A meaningful way for fan parents to share a universe they already love
Kara Kenna, Franchise Creative Director for D&D at Wizards of the Coast, emphasized the “hands-on” fantasy exploration angle—positioning Questers as a way for kids to engage imagination and play in a physical format.
Release timing and what to watch for
The big headline for retailers and parents: Questers debuts in July 2026, with a worldwide rollout planned at major toy retailers.
What to watch for as the launch gets closer:
- Character/creature reveals (and how deep they go into classic D&D lore)
- Price points and pack formats (single packs vs. multipacks)
- How the “storystarter” system works across the different scales
- Whether the line ties into broader D&D content (books, digital, or entertainment releases)
The takeaway
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers is shaping up to be a smart, modern entry point into fantasy play—one that blends classic D&D storytelling with today’s collectible toy trends.
For longtime fans, it’s another sign that D&D’s influence keeps widening. For kids, it’s a new way to build heroes, mash up monsters, roll a D20, and start telling stories—no dungeon master required.
Source: Basic Fun! press release distributed via PRNews
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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Consumer Corner
What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home
Planning a home remodel involves defining goals, setting a budget, gathering inspiration, planning a timeline, selecting a contractor, finalizing design choices, and preparing the home. A clear plan helps manage costs and expectations, allowing for a smoother renovation process while minimizing stress for the household.
Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home
(Family Features) Planning a home remodel is as much about your vision as it is your preparation. With a thoughtful plan, you can refresh your living space, stay on budget and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.
Consider these steps to get the process started:
- Define your goals
Decide what you’re looking to accomplish with your remodel, whether it’s improved functionality, updated style, higher resale value or a combination. Make a simple list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” so you can prioritize upgrades if costs start to climb too high.
- Set a realistic budget
Determine how much you’re comfortable spending then add a cushion of 10-20% for additional material costs and any surprises behind walls or under floors. Get rough price ranges for materials and labor, which allows you to adjust the scope of your project before the work begins, if necessary, instead of mid-project.
- Gather ideas and inspiration
Collect photos, paint colors and product ideas in a single place, such as a digital folder or photo album on your smartphone. Pay attention to recurring themes in your inspiration – such as cabinetry, flooring and fixture styles and colors – so it’s easier to choose finishes when the time comes.
- Lay out the project timeline
Think about the best time for your household to live through construction, especially if kitchens or bathrooms will be out of commission during the renovation. Talk with potential contractors about timing for each phase so you can plan for temporary living arrangements, if necessary.
- Choose the right construction crew
Interview a variety of potential contractors, being sure to ask for references and verify licenses and insurance. Once you’ve narrowed your list, request written estimates that include labor and material costs, timelines and payment schedules so expectations are clear before choosing a service provider and signing an agreement.
- Finalize design details and materials
Make as many design decisions as possible before demolition, including choosing fixtures, appliances, flooring, tile, paint, hardware and other details. Ordering key items early can help avoid delays and keep the project on schedule once work begins.
- Prep your home and family
Before construction begins, clear areas where work will be completed of furniture and decor, covering anything that cannot be moved out of the room with plastic sheeting. So everyone knows what to expect while your home is in transition, talk with family members about the impending noise and dust, and make necessary schedule changes to avoid interrupting work.
Visit eLivingtoday.com for more resources and home renovation guidance.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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