Articles Of Interest

Washing machines consume large amounts of water and energy, so make the wise decision and purchase the most energy efficient model that is appropriate for your lifestyle and space. In terms of lifestyle, consider how often you use the washer and what garments.

Now, when you want to use your washer and dryer often, a stainless-steel tub would be best. If you wash less frequently, a porcelain-coated tub or one made of high-grade plastic will do just fine. If you don't have much space for a large washer, you can get a stacking washer/dryer machine. This comes in either full-size or apartment-size capacities. Remember also that your dryer's capacity should match the size of your washer.

Think about what you will use them for. If your laundry includes a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness, a washer with specialty cycles like delicate and extra soak, plus a second rinse, will be valuable. Multiple water-level settings will ensure the most efficient wash for loads of different sizes. Some machines can boost water temperature to sanitize a load. Other items to consider are automatic temperature regulators; a must in cold climates, they ensure that wash water comes in at a constant temperature for the setting.

There are two styles of washers: top-load, which is the most common, and front-load, which provides the greatest energy efficiency. Top-load washers allow the user to put in and retrieve laundry from the machine without bending over. These models must be set side-by-side with the dryer. These models are less energy-efficient, even though they are cheaper initially.

The front-load machine is gaining in popularity because of its energy efficiency. These models use only up to one-half of the water that is usually needed for a top-load machine. This also means less time and energy used for heating. Agitators also spin faster on front-load models, so you won't have to spend that much time drying them. Although they save on energy costs, front loaders are more costly at purchase; some require a special detergent.

When selecting a dryer, the capacity you choose should complement your washing machine's capacity. For example, if you have a washing machine with a 3.5 cubic foot capacity, you will need a 7-cubic-foot dryer. If space is a problem, consider a stack washer-dryer model that can fit in a closet.

Dryers are powered by either electricity or gas, with gas being a bit more expensive to buy but the most economical and efficient in the long run. Dryers must have at least one option for an automatic drying cycle, although the better models now have moisture sensors which allow to machine to shut down once the moisture level of the laundry drops below a certain point. Other options include a cool-down cycle that keeps garments from wrinkling, a damp-dry cycle that prepares clothes for ironing.