Looking for one that's energy efficient of course. Where should I look? Best buy, sears, and Lowe's. They got something called a front loader. What brands do you recommend?
If you're looking at front loaders, remember that that nice stand they come on is not included. Typically, it's hundreds more for each machine.
I don't know how much you wash in your household. But i have been using a barebones washer and dryer for about 2 years now. Bought the set for like 400 dollars for both and they have been workhorses, I have yet to have a problem with them. I would spend less on the washer and dryer and more on the fridge, (i've found that you can skimp with laundry appliances but not with fridges) As far as energy efficiency goes I pay a normal electricity bill (80-120$ a month) even though i wash every week. However i do use my dryer (which is the main culprit in high energy bills) a certain way. I read an article a couple of years back which had some tips that i incorporated. I found similar tips through a quick google... *Locate your dryer in a heated space. Putting it in a cold or damp basement or an unheated garage will make the dryer work harder and less efficiently. *Make sure your dryer is vented properly. If you vent the exhaust outside, use the straightest and shortest metal duct available. Flexible vinyl duct isn't recommended because it restricts the airflow, can be crushed, and may not withstand high temperatures from the dryer. *Check the outside dryer exhaust vent periodically. If it doesn't close tightly, replace it with one that does to keep the outside air from leaking in. This will reduce heating and cooling bills. *Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation. Regularly clean the lint from vent hoods. *Dry only full loads, as small loads are less economical; but do not overload the dryer. *When drying, separate your clothes and dry similar types of clothes together. Lightweight synthetics, for example, dry much more quickly than bath towels and natural fiber clothes. *Dry two or more loads in a row, taking advantage of the dryer's retained heat. *Use the cool-down cycle (perma-press cycle) to allow the clothes to finish drying with the residual heat in the dryer. Hope this helps!
One thing I wish I knew to watch out for when I bought a front loader is how the doors open. My house has the dryer vent on the left anf the drains on the right. Front loaders usually have doors that open to the left.
Another thing to watch out for when if you want to get those stands. They come with drawers so make sure you have clearance in your laundry area to open them. If you have sliding doors the rails may block the drawers.
cheke i recommend these http://www.mieleusa.com/products/in...ucts&subm=Home Appliances&thirdL=Laundry Care
Yeah man, ended up buying lg washer and dryer and whirlpool side by side fridge. Sears was charging delivery and arm and a leg for their warranty. Went with best buy and saved a 1k.
I actually need to buy a stackable set too.. Do you have to search for ones that specifically say stackable? Or are all front loading units able to be stacked?? Thx in advance
No, stackable meaning you stack the washer on top of the dryer to fit in a smaller space, like in many apartments...
I've been told by many people that see my OLD washer and dryer both from around 1999 that they're amazed to see they still work. They have also told me that they rarely see some that work forever. You don't need some "energy efficient" or "specialty" washer and dryer. The more intricate and complicated they are, the easier they are to break down. They say FRONT-LOADERS suck. Just buy a top-loading WHIRPOOL from Sears and you'll be happy. As long as you treat them right, they should last all your lifetime. I bought my mom (she says HI, by the way) a set before I married Mrs. SwoLy and she still has hers, as do we. We have two daughters and us, and we wash constantly, but mostly on weekends. Those WHIRLPOOL washer and dryer are still running like when we first bought them. Good luck.
cheke, should have went to Sears Outlet. I got a new washer and gas dryer delivered and installed for around $750. Whirlpool, mayn.
