Replacing your Washer & Dryer? What you need to know…

Washers and dryers manufactured today are very energy efficient.

If you are considering replacing your washer and dryer they have improved a lot in recent years. They are getting larger and are much better at saving energy than older models.

After home heating costs, and hot water supply, the biggest energy- sucking hogs are the washer and dryer. We all want to make sure that we receive the best value out of every energy dollar spent. The good news is the new machines have a life expectancy, with preventative maintenance, of approximately 10 years.

The washers and dryers manufactured today are very energy efficient. In fact, saving $1/day in energy and water supply costs will pay for the new equipment assuming the capital cost of the units supplied and installed is $3,650.00 or less.

What the experts recommend when selecting a new Washer and Dryer:

1. Select the largest capacity washer and dryer that will fit in your home. In the interest of saving water and energy high efficient washers have a longer, more sophisticated wash cycle, so they must do a larger load to make up for the extra time consumed. Dryers are sized to match the washer capacity, and have sophisticated moisture sensors, thermostats and timers to ensure the efficient drying of your clothes.
2. Make sure that you do not get carried away with the largest capacity! Some top loaders have a tub so deep you have to have tongs handy to get your socks out of the bottom of the tub.
3. Consider replacing your electric dryer with a gas model. These dryers provide faster drying times using the absolute cheapest form of energy today.
4. A gas dryer needs a CO detector within 16 feet for your safety.
5. If the equipment supplier offers an extended warranty/maintenance plan that will cover 10 years on the equipment TAKE IT! These warranties are a small price for the peace-of-mind they provide.
6. Have the supplier of the equipment remove and disposing of the old equipment and connect the new equipment. This applies to like-for-like changes only. If you decide to switch the dryer from electric energy to gas energy the scope of work is beyond the delivery folks.

Steps to follow when deciding to replace an electric dryer with a gas unit:

1. Arrange for a licensed gas fitter to visit your home and provide you with a firm quotation for running the required gas line and making the final connection to the dryer when it arrives. This quotation should also include cleaning of the existing exhaust venting. Consider upgrading the exhaust hood on the side of your house if it is damaged or if you would like a newer energy efficient model (recommended) and any charges for making the existing venting code compliant.
2. Arrange for a licensed electrical contractor to visit your home and provide you with a firm quotation for converting the existing 240 volt dryer outlet to a 110 volt outlet that will service the new dryer. A bonus of this installation is you will get an extra dedicated 110 volt outlet that can be used for the washing machine or for irons.
3. Add the total of these quotes to the delivered cost of the equipment and determine if it works with the budget. (suggested budget $3,650.00 tax included, but you should determine what works best for your situation)

When replacing your washer and dryer follow these steps for a smooth and stress-free installation:

1. Book a firm delivery date for the arrival and installation of the equipment.
2. Have your gas/fitter and licensed electrical contractor do their work BEFORE (preferably the day before, never the day of) the new equipment arrives. Most gas fitters and electrical contractors have colleagues that they work with on a regular basis. Take advantage of this relationship so the work can be scheduled concurrently.
3. Make sure if you need a CO detector it gets installed during this visit.
4. Have the delivery people unpack, install and level the equipment. They should have both the washer and dryer running through a COMPLETE short cycle to make sure the equipment is working properly.
5. Review all manuals and other paperwork that comes with the equipment (many now supply DVD’s that have the information or supply a link to a website). You’ll be surprised at the great information and tips for efficient use of your new equipment.