When it comes time to purchase a new washer and dryer, there are many things to consider. The size of your family, the space in your home, how often you plan on using them, and so much more! In this blog post we will go over some of the most important considerations when purchasing a new set.
Buying a Washer and Dryer
Household Size
When buying a washer and dryer, the first thing you need to consider is the size of your household. The number of people in your house can make a huge difference on which washer and dryer is best for you. If you live by yourself, then there really isn’t any point to buying something super fancy with lots of features; however, if your family is medium sized or larger it might be worth investing in a large capacity model that allows more than one wash cycle at the same time.
Frequency of Use
How often do you do laundry? Even if you are a single person in a household, the frequency that you do laundry can vary greatly. For example, a young 30-something-year-old business professional who also stays active or social might go through three outfits in a day. From work clothes at their 9-5 to workout gear for the evening, followed by loungewear after a post-workout shower, they might be doing triple the amount of laundry than a retired senior might. Pets are also a consideration, as they can create a lot of laundry between bedding, blankets, and other things that get soiled and need to be washed.
Space In Your Home
The amount of space you have in your home can also determine what kind of washer and dryer set you should purchase. Generally, if you live somewhere that has a smaller kitchen or laundry room than it might be best to go with something more compact so as not to take up too much valuable storage space.
Energy Efficiency
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a washer and dryer is how energy efficient they are. Washers and dryers that have the ENERGY STAR label means they meet or exceed federal guidelines for energy efficiency, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth every time you run a load. This feature is not only good for the environment, but it saves you money.
Front Load Washer or Top Load Washer
When it comes to choosing between a front load washer or a top load washer, there are a few things to keep in mind. A front loading washer uses about 30% less water than a top load washer so if you’re looking to save on your monthly water bill then a front loading washer is the way to go. Top-loading washers are cheaper upfront but they tend to use more energy over time, while front-loaders usually cost a bit more but have been shown to be more reliable in the long run.
Smart Features
Nowadays, many washing machines and electric dryers come with smart features that can save you time and energy. For example, some smart washer models have a delay start option so you can load the machine up at night and have it start running in the morning while you’re getting ready for work. Other machines have sensors that detect how much laundry is in the drum and adjust the water and energy usage accordingly, so you’re not wasting resources on small loads.
No matter what your needs are when purchasing a new washer or electric dryer, always keep ENERGY STAR ratings in mind to ensure you’re making the most efficient choice possible for your home.
High-Efficiency Washing Machines
High efficiency or HE washers have been the standard in Europe for many years. While they have been offered in the United States for more than two decades, they have become even more popular as consumers are drawn to their water and energy-saving capabilities. These washers use 20 to 66 percent less water than traditional agitator washers. Nearly 80 percent of the operating cost of a washer goes to heating water. Lower water use means less water to heat and energy use can be 20 to 50 percent less offering long-term savings and environmental benefits.
You may have noticed the “HE” symbol on detergent and fabric softener bottles that lien the shelves in grocery stores. High-efficiency (HE) laundry detergent is specifically formulated for high-efficiency washing machines that use less water. Compared to traditional detergent and fabric softener, HE laundry detergent is low sudsing and quick dispersing, it works great with low water levels.
Wash Cycle Options
Most modern washing machines offer a variety of wash cycle options. The most common are the regular, heavy-duty, and permanent press cycles.
Regular Cycle – This is the default cycle for most fabrics and will use less water and energy than the other two cycles.
Heavy Duty Cycle – Use this cycle for heavily soiled items or those that have been stained. It uses more water and energy than the regular cycle.
Permanent Press Cycle – A cooler water temperature is used in this cycle which reduces wrinkles in clothes. This cycle also uses more water and energy than the regular cycle.
Some HE washers also offer an extra rinse option which can be useful if you have a family member with allergies as it helps remove any residual detergent from the clothes.
Other wash cycle features to consider include:
Soil Level Selection – This allows you to choose how soiled the clothes are before running a wash cycle.
Pre-Soak Cycle – Use this option for heavily stained items. It will soak them in water for a set amount of time before starting the wash cycle.
Temperature Selections – Many modern washers offer the ability to select the temperature of the water used during the wash cycle which can help save on energy costs.
Matching Pair
How important is it to you to have a matching washer and electric dryer set? A washer and matching dryer can look great in the laundry room. However, if you’re more concerned about cost-savings, then consider purchasing two separate units. There are many washers and electric dryers available on the market, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and budget.
Stacking Washer/Dryer Units
A stackable washer and dryer unit is another way of saving floor space as only one appliance will take up the same amount of vertical units as two separate units would when placed side-by-side.
Home and Appliance King Has Washer and Dryer Options
Washing and drying clothes can be a hassle if you don’t have the right equipment. Luckily, Home and Appliance King offers an extensive variety of washer and dryer units to meet your needs! We offer washer and dryer sets, electric dryers, top load washers, and front load washers.
