Things to consider for laundry sets:

• Will you be doing laundry for a large or small number of people?
• Will you do laundry nearly everyday or only once or twice a week?
• Do you have a wardrobe that requires special care?
• Do you wish to save money by utilizing energy-efficient features?
• How much space do you have available in your laundry room?

Energy Efficiency
With energy and utility bills on the rise, it makes sense to minimize the amount of power and water used during a wash and dry cycle.  Today’s energy star, high-efficiency models use up to 67% less water & energy compared to traditional, top-loading sets.  Most top-loading models make economical sense, but the future cost savings of high-efficiency models are definitely worth consideration.

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Space Considerations
You need to consider the width, depth and height of your new laundry units and how they fit into your laundry room. You may find that you are interested in a washer/dryer set that is designed to be stacked, or a set that has storage capabilities associated with it. Keep in mind that these options impact the space that is required, so it is important to know upfront what space is available.
Washers and dryers come in several different sizes. Washers range from 24" to 27" wide, whereas dryers range from 27" to 29" wide. Both washers and dryers range from 26" to 32" deep and 42" to 51" high. Some models are designed to sit on pedestals that range from 10" to 16" high. If your space is limited, there are compact options as well as stackable washer/dryer combinations.

Laundry Room Location
Where will your washer and dryer be located? Will the noise-level of the units be a consideration for you? If noise is a concern, you will want to keep noise-related issues in mind as you make your selection.

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Traditional top-loading models	High-Efficiency front-loading	Laundry Centers

Washer Types Available:

• Traditional top-loading models vary in size from Extra Large capacity to King Size capacity, with a variety of wash cycles and temperature settings available.
• High-Efficiency top-loading models combine the convenience of a traditional washer with the savings of a front-load model.  Many of these washers feature a washplate instead of an agitator, which provides even more laundry capacity…even up to 4.5 cu. ft.!
• High-Efficiency front-loading (compact or full-size) models feature more capacity than top-load washers and save money on water & electricity.  Because water is cascaded over the wash items as they are being tumbled, clothing is washed more gently and with up to 67% less water.  The main energy savings are a result of reduced drying time, which is due to the high final spin-speeds of most front-load models.  Front-loading washers & dryers can be installed in a variety of settings, including side-by-side, stacked, or even under-counter.
• Laundry Centers provide a space saving alternative for many applications, including closets or small laundry rooms.  They are available in 24” & 27” widths.

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Key points on front-load laundry
Although the new high-efficiency laundry sets cost more initially, here are some factors to consider in your decision:

Capacity

• Most high-efficiency washers feature the largest capacity available.  This is achieved by the absence of an agitator.  Up to 22 bath towels or 16 pairs of jeans!  (Who has that many?)

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Energy Savings

• A high-efficiency washer will provide an annual cost savings of $150 on average.  Depending on how often you do laundry, you could save even more on the water & energy usage.

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Ease of Use

• High-efficiency washers feature many convenient wash cycles, including a favorite cycle.  Although the actual wash cycles are longer than a traditional washer, a higher spin speed at the end significantly reduces your drying time.  This is the greatest source of electricity savings.

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Style & Comfort

• More of today’s laundry rooms are located close to the kitchen or bedrooms.  High-efficiency laundry sets are much quieter throughout the wash & dry cycles.  The spin cycle, with speeds up to 1200 RPM’s, is the most noticeable when nearby.  

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Optional Pedestals

The pedestal bases not only raise the washer & dryer height for convenient loading and unloading, but many models also provide flexible storage space.  If you have enough height in your laundry room, the optional pedestals make a great addition to your new laundry pair.

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