Modern Day Washers and Dryers = Convenience, Style and Efficiency

source: LG

Washers and dryers have become more innovative and stylish than ever before and are no longer being relegated to the basement or garage. More and more homeowners are relocating the laundry to more central areas of the house such as kitchens, family rooms and even upstairs. In response, manufacturers are introducing more stylish designs featuring bold colors along with time and energy saving technologies, allowing families to spend less time doing laundry and more time together.

If you are thinking about upgrading your washer and dryer to take advantage of some of these great new features and technologies, here are some things you should know:

Space and Installation Considerations

With any appliance, it is important to evaluate the space you have available before shopping. A proper fit ensures you're able to open doors and access all around your new machine. If you are short on space consider alternative models such as compact units or even portable models.

It is highly recommended that you jot down the following information to take with you when shopping so that a sales associate can assist you in determining which washer and dryer units will work best in your space.

When measuring for your new washer and dryer it’s important to note the width and depth of your space as well as the height – especially if you are considering stackable units. If you are installing in a closet, measure not only the width, depth and height of the closet interior but also the width and height of the door jamb or opening. You should also note the clearances you have through doorways, entryways and hallways to be sure you can get the new units into your space.

The locations of your water, gas, electrical and venting connections are also important things to note, and may affect the overall depth of the units after installation.

Electrical requirements for gas dryers and electrical dryers are different…gas dryers require a standard 120V outlet while electrical dryers need a 240V outlet. If you are considering changing from electric to gas or vice versa, it’s a good idea to consult with your plumber and electrician before making your purchase.

Capacity of Washers and Dryers

When determining what size washer and dryer to purchase you will want to consider the size of your family, how many loads of laundry you typically do in a week, and what types of things you wash. If you want to wash larger items like comforters and pillows, you will probably want to go with a larger capacity model.

Over- loading your washer or dryer will shorten the machine’s lifespan so it’s better to err on the bigger side. Besides, with a larger capacity, fewer loads tend to be done, thus saving water and energy.

Washer and dryer capacity, listed in cubic feet, is measured by the size of the interior drum and the manufacturer's recommendations for load size. Often, manufacturers may describe a model’s capacity as “large” or “extra large” but one manufacturer’s “large” may not be the same as another’s so it’s important to use the cubic feet listed in the specifications for your comparisons. Below are the average capacities of washers & dryers on the market today.

Compact washers are 24" wide or less and capacities range from as little as 1.5 cubic feet and up to 3.0 cubic feet. Compact washers are an excellent option when space is tight or as a secondary washing machine. They come in top loading and front loading styles, as well as portable models that can connect to any sink.

Standard full-size washers are typically around 27” wide and capacities range from 3.2 cubic feet to 4.7 cubic feet. These full size models are the most common and come in both top loading and front loading designs, making them an excellent choice for the average size family.

Extra large or super capacity washers range from 27” – 30” wide and have capacities up to 7.0 cubic feet, making them appropriate for larger, growing families. They are also available in both top loading and front loading models and despite their size can be as energy efficient as standard size units.

Dryer capacities range from 3.4 cubic feet all the way up to 8.0 cubic feet. When choosing a dryer it’s best to choose one with a larger capacity than your washer because clothes will not only dry faster, but they will be less wrinkled if they have more room to move around in the dryer. Dryers come in top loading and front loading styles.

Learn more about washers and dryers:

Special Features of Today’s Washers and Dryers

Create an Energy Efficient Laundry Room

Types of Washers and Dryers

Maintaining Your New Washer and Dryer