Buying a washing machine and a dryer can sometimes be a tricky task.
You have too much on your mind – deciding the model, the
specifications, price range and size. All washing machines that are
available in the market have at least one worth-buying feature, which
is why they are being sold out and millions of people are buying them.
However, the question for you is: which washer and dryer could be the
best for you? Some people go for a certain brand, while others make
price the deciding factor. Some want a small compact machine while
others have a large family and prefer a bigger size. Some like the
features while others simply buy because their neighbour has the same
model. Whatever reason you have for opting for a certain washer and
dryer, make sure you study all options before making a decision. You
do not buy electronic appliances every week, so make an intelligent
choice that could satisfy your laundry needs for a long time.
1. Conserve Energy: Conserving energy not only helps you in the
monthly budget and saves you money, but it also makes you feel like a
good and responsible citizen. Why should you pay more for electric
bills that show an alarming figure due to prolong or excessive use of
electric appliances, if you can get the same task done in a lesser
amount? The Modified Energy Factor, or the MEF, is a global rating
system for appliances that use less energy to perform the same quality
of function. Therefore, don’t forget to look for an Energy Star
whenever you are out in the market to buy a washer and dryer. In a
similar way, watch out for the Washer Factor or the WF. A Washer
Factor is the amount of water in gallons that your per cubic foot
laundry requires. Ideally, your washer and dryer should have the
maximum MEF and the minimum WF.
2. Budget: Price is an important factor when choosing any product. It
is an obvious fact that the washer and dryer that have the maximum
functions and latest technology would be the priciest of all. However,
ask yourself what kind of a washer and dryer you need? There is no
point spending extra bucks on the functionality that you will never
use.
3. Specifications: Know about the models that are available in the
market and the functionalities they offer. Different features include
washing specifications, drying options, child lock system, temperature
control and sizes of the compartment meant for putting washing powder,
fabric softer, and bleach. Some machines do not have the bleach
section. Check everything before making the final purchase.
4. Washing Features: Washing features include washer timer options and
selecting different cycles for washing various types of clothes. For
instance, different cycles for delicate clothes, wool, synthetic,
cotton, silk and baby clothes. Some washers also come with the hand
washing option.
5. Drying Features: This includes options for drying cycles such as
cupboard dry, iron dry, and eco-dry, etc. Some models of dryers also
let you adjust the spinning speed that may reach as high as 1,400 RPM
(Revolutions per Minute). Make sure you select a dryer that has
cooling down cycles after drying which helps in the process of tumble
drying.
6. Consult Others: Ideally, before heading to the market you should go
through some washers and dryers reviews that would be quite helpful
for you to select a product. These reviews would help you in narrowing
down your search and would prevent you from getting confused by the
flood of washers and dryers you will witness at the store.
7. Loading Choice: Some washers and dryers open from the front while
others follow the conventional way of opening from the top. Do you
have any particular opinion in this regard? It is believed that the
washers and dryers that have a front opening save water as they do not
have a huge tub to fill water in like that of a top loading machine.
Although a new variety of top loading machines are now available in
the market the conserves water and uses a spray mechanism to wet all
the clothes, yet this mechanism has proven less effective than the
front loading one.
8. Electricity versus Gas: The decision whether to use a gas washer
and dryer or an electric one is generally decided by the machine setup
in your home. It is believed that gas operated machines are
cost-friendly as compared to their electrical counterparts.
9. Size Matters: If you have a small family, do not go for the
machines that are meant to wash and dry large volume of clothes.
Consider having an all in one washer dryer combo. This might save you
space, electricity and money.
10. Machine Warranty: Always check the warranty periods of different
machines and don’t forget to take your warranty card from the dealer.
Gary Carraghan is a freelance writer renown for his
informative articles, handy tips and reviews that have helped
thousands of people in making the right choice for their home
appliances. He has benefited hundreds of homes by guiding homeowners
how to make the perfect choice and has hence saved people hundreds of
dollars. Gary has written this article exclusively for
Creative Homemaking while enjoying his new Frigidaire washer dryer.
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