Washer/Dryer
Buyers Guide
General
Guidelines:
If you've started
shopping for new laundry equipment lately, I'm sure you've realized
that these not your mother's washers and dryers anymore! Washing
machines and dryers have become much more efficient over the past
few years, but many have also become more complicated. The choices
can be downright overwhelming.
Did you know
that a typical family does about 400 loads of laundry a year? That's
a lot of laundry and a lot of time. Don't let laundry put a wrinkle
in your day. It's well worth your time to research and find the
washer and dryer that best meets your needs.
Washing
Machines:
Washing machines
fall into two main categories, the more traditional top loading
machines and the more efficient and stylish front loaders. Remember
to bring accurate measurements of the space you have available,
and to keep in mind the type of space you plan to keep your laundry
units. How important is noise level, efficiency, and attractiveness
in the space you have available? What kind of clothes will you be
laundering? All of these considerations should be taken into account
while you're shopping for your new washer and dryer.
Top
Loading Washers
Traditional
top-loading washing machines are available in a wide assortment
of models, price ranges and styles. Most top loading machines first
fill the tub with enough water to cover the clothing, and then agitate
the contents to get the clothing clean. Instead of agitating fabrics
to get them clean, some top loading washers use a wash plate. Wash
plates moves them through a shower of concentrated detergent and
water. Without the friction caused by the agitator, the wash plates
are able to clean fabrics more gently and keep your clothes looking
new for longer.
Generally, top-loading
washers are less expensive to purchase than front-loading machines,
but are more expensive to operate because they use more water and
electricity. As most things go in life, top loading washing machines
trade one benefit for another, generally costing you less up front
but more throughout their lifespan.
Front
Loading Washers
Front loading
washers deliver excellent overall performance. Typically, front-loaders
use less water — from one-third to one-half the amount that
top-loaders require. They do not have agitators and instead clothes
are cleaned through a tumbling action which is gentler on fabrics.
Because less water is used, less gas or electricity is required
to heat the water. These machines have faster spin cycles, therefore
clothes get wrung out more completely, reducing the cost of running
a clothes dryer. In just about every way, front loading machines
are more energy efficient. They use less electricity or gas, water
and detergent, and faster spin cycles reduce the energy and time
required to dry them. When you consider energy, water savings and
the increased life of your clothing, a front loading washers usually
pay for themselves as the years go by.
Dryers
Dryers consist
of a large, heated tumbler that vents moisture out through a dryer
vent as it dries your clothes. The size of the drum capacity will
determine if you can dry large items such as comforters or quilts.
Most dyers come with a moisture sensor which regulates the interior
temperature. This allows the dryer to gradually decrease the heat
and energy used over the course of the drying cycle and can add
years to the life of your new machine.
An efficient
washer deserves an equally efficient dryer. Nowadays, dryers come
with a all kinds of extra convenient features, including the ability
to monitor the dryer progress on your computer, antibacterial drying
cycle designed to eliminate bacteria in sheets, towels etc., and
a no-tumble cycle which can dry items on a rack.
Washer/Dryers
Combinations
A washer dryer
combination may be a very useful item if you are short on space.
However the smaller size also means smaller washing and drying capacity.
A combination unit may be a wise choice if you are a 1-2 person
household, or if space dictates the need for a smaller unit. Washer/dryers
are very heavy, especially when they are full of water, and they
can vibrate when they run. Make sure you can place them on a solid
floor and most people usually prefer to have them separated from
their living area.
A Special
Note on Self-Installation:
Thinking about
saving some money by installing your new washer yourself? Stop!!
Washers are
expensive and complicated appliances. They are very heavy, require
specialized tools and can have complicated connections with your
home's plumbing, electrical, and gas systems. Improper installation
can result in broken appliances, invalidated warranties, damage
to your home's floors, surfaces and injuries to yourself. Not to
mention that you'll need to find a way to get your washer home without
damaging it and what will you do with your old one when you're done?
Please consult
professionals to make sure your appliance is installed safely and
correctly. If you want to get the most out of your investment, have
it installed by an expert. Installation is usually very inexpensive
and even small mistakes made while installing it yourself can cost
you big bucks in the future. Save yourself! Let us, true experts,
install your new washing machine.
To Warranty
or Not to Warranty?
Washing involve
lots of water and lots of electricity working side by side, which
we all know can lead to a dangerous and destructive situation should
something go wrong. Misbehaving washing machine can cause laundry
room floods and only experts should attempt to deal with electrical
matters when water is involved. Because of this, repairs to your
washing machine can be very expensive.
On the other
hand, extended warranties are usually very inexpensive and can therefore
save you thousands in the future. It's simple and inexpensive to
purchase extended warranties and one of the smartest ways to protect
your investment.
If you can spare
a few thousand dollars without batting an eyelash for a new one
should it break tomorrow and destroy your floors along with it,
don't bother buying a warranty. But if you're like most of us, protect
yourself by purchasing inexpensive extended warranties when you
buy a new appliance and save yourself big money in the long run.
Gas
or Electric?
While the connections
you have in your laundry room will probably dictate which style
you use, consider that gas dryers cost a bit more to begin with
than the comparable electric model. But in most areas, gas dryers
will cost less to run over their lifetime.
Gas appliances
require the professional installation of a gas line and hookup.
These units should also be professionally installed, as incorrect
installation of gas appliances can decrease the life of your appliance,
damage the appliance and be very dangerous to your home and family.
The
Sweet Sound of Silence
Washers and
dryers can vary in their noise production, which can have a large
impact on your family if your laundry room is connected to a commonly
used gathering area. If a noisy washer or dryer will interfere with
your evening time together, consider a model that has extra noise
reduction features. Delayed start features allow you to set a time
to run your washer or dryer later in the day. This is very useful
if you want to set times when noise will not disturb you or energy
costs are lower.
678
377-7595 |
