Washer Dryer Combination

Stacked washer-and-dryer units come in two forms. Some are all-in-one units called laundry centers. The other configuration is to mount a separately purchased dryer on top of a front-load washer. Not all washers can be stacked this way. The last option is a washer-dryer combo, which washes and dries clothing in the same drum. In general, experts say to consider the following when shopping for a laundry center, stackable washer and dryer or washer-dryer combo:

• Separate washers and dryers can often be stacked to save space. This is a good option if you have enough space, but keep in mind that only models labeled as “stackable” can safely be stacked. You’ll need to buy a kit to safely stack the machines, and keep in mind that the total height of the stack may make the dryer hard to reach.
  

• Laundry centers are easier to reach than stacked washers and dryers. However, they tend to have fewer features, and 27-inch units (the most common) take up almost as much floor space. 24-inch units will often fit in a closet or kitchen, but only hold about half as much laundry.

• All-in-one washer-dryers can be used without venting or a 220-volt power supply. This makes them a great choice for apartment-dwellers, but they do have some serious drawbacks. They have limited capacity, may take several hours to finish a load of laundry and are more prone to breakdowns.

• Front-loading washers are better than top-loading washers because they use less water and electricity. Their fast spin speed removes more water from clothing to cut drying time, they’re easier on fabrics and they use smaller amounts of regular detergents.

• It’s worth paying extra for a moisture sensor in the dryer. A moisture sensor detects the level of moisture in the load and automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry, drying laundry more accurately than a thermostat sensor. Despite the extra cost, a moisture sensor helps save energy and reduces wear and tear on your clothes. Most models these days have this feature.

• A gas dryer is preferable to an electric dryer, if you have the option. Gas dryers are usually cheaper to run (they often pay back their higher purchase cost within the first year, depending on usage and local utility rates) and tend to dry a little quicker. Full-size, 27-inch laundry centers are generally available with a gas dryer, but smaller 24-inch models are usually electric-only.

Experts say that you should be sure to measure your available space before shopping, including clearance for electric cords and the dryer’s exhaust duct, doorways and potential obstructions leading to the location. Be aware that most stacked units require a 240-volt outlet. If you don’t have one where you plan to install the unit, you will need to install one.

By the end of 2009, consumers nationwide will be able to take advantage of a federal “cash for appliances” program offering rebates on purchases of a wide array of home appliances certified as energy-efficient by the EPA’s Energy Star program.

Backed by an initial $300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the state-run rebate program is intended to help make American homes more energy-efficient while further stimulating the economy.

“Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there’s enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month,” said Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu in a press release. “These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

States will Run the Rebate Program
Each state will administer its own cash for appliances program. The states will be free to select which residential Energy Star qualified appliances to include in their programs and the individual rebate amount offered for each appliance.

What Can You Buy?
The Department of Energy (DOE) has recommended that the states focus their cash for appliances rebate efforts on heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and water heaters as these products offer the greatest energy savings potential. Energy Star qualified appliance categories eligible for rebates include: central air conditioners, heat pumps (air source and geothermal), boilers, furnaces (oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

How Big Will the Rebates Be?
While the states will be free to set actual rebate amounts based on their share of the $300 million, the Department of Energy expects the rebates to range from $50 to $200 per appliance. But wait, there’s more. Any rebates offered by state and local utility districts for purchases of energy-efficient appliances will be added to the federal cash for appliances rebate.

How do You Qualify?
All consumers will need to do to get the rebate is simply buy any qualifying Energy Star appliance. Unlike the “cash for clunkers” fuel-efficient vehicle rebate program, you don’t even need an old trade-in appliance. In addition, consumers will not be required to haul their bulky old appliances to the dealer in exchange for a new one.

When Does it Start?
The states will have until October 15, 2009 to submit their applications for funding and plans for recycling old appliances to the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE plans to have distributed funding to the states by November 30. As a result, the cash for appliances rebates could be available in stores just in time for Christmas shopping.

What is a washer dryer combination?
A washer dryer combination is one appliance that both washes and dries clothes. These units have only one chamber for clothes; they are not stackable washer/dryers. Washer dryer combos have been popular in Europe and the Far East for many years; due to the small apartments and living spaces common in these areas, compact appliances were developed to fit the smaller spaces. Many combos are also designed to be portable, offering even more options for storage and use of the unit.

How does non-vented drying work?
Non-vented combos have a two-drum system. The hot air is forced into the outer drum where a condensation process is used to cool the air and condense the water vapor out of it. The water is then flushed out the drain hose to the sink or plumbing lines. Because no venting is required of the non-vented w/d, this unit may be easily installed under a cabinet, in a closet, or anywhere water and electricity are available.

How much laundry can I do in one load?
The amount varies depending upon the size of the unit you purchase and the bulkiness of the fabric of the load. A “full size” washer can hold 22 pounds of clothes (more than 3.5 cubic feet), so you can compare other size units to that. You should be aware that you only want to fill your unit up halfway with clothes; they can only dry half as much as they can wash, so putting in more clothes than this will cause them to not be able to dry.

Can the combo units be connected to my kitchen faucet?
Yes, there are faucet adaptors available so the units can be connected to a standard kitchen sink faucet. When connected to a faucet, the outlet hose on these units can be run to the sink drain.

How long do the cycles on w/d combos take?
The length of the cycles varies based on the unit, the cycles selected, and the size of the load. Generally, 110 Volt units take from 30 minutes to 90 minutes to run the wash cycle; the length of time in the wash cycle primarily varies based on the cycle selected. Drying time is generally more variable. Non-vented units generally take 45 minutes to 180 minutes to dry a load. Drying times vary based on the size of the load in the dryer and the type of laundry being dried. For example, heavy fabrics such as denims or towels take longer to dry than lighter fabrics like t-shirts. 220 Volt units can dry in up to half the time, and vented units will also shorten the drying time.

What are the major benefits of combos?
The number one benefit is the compact size: they are smaller than most washers or dryers. In fact, many people install these units under their kitchen counter, because they only take up about as much space as a normal size dishwasher! In addition, casters allow the unit to be rolled around with ease whenever needed.

Also, the efficiency of combo units not only saves you money by using much less energy and water to operate than standard washers and dryers, but many utility companies offer rebates for purchases of energy efficient appliances. Check with your local utility companies for eligibility.

Not only are these units extremely energy efficient, but they wash much better (and gentler) than standard washers. Combos use a front load washing design that utilizes a horizontal axis drum. This eliminates the agitator common to top load washers. In top load washers, the agitator is both very inefficient at cleaning and very rough on clothes. The horizontal axis drum on combos mimics washboard clothes washing, raising the clothes out of the water and soap and plunging them back in. Finally, the high rpm’s of the spin cycle of these units gets water and soap residue out of your clothes much better than normal washers do. This efficient and thorough cleaning process is especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or allergies to laundry soap.