Combining your washing and drying appliance sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Having one machine that does washing and drying instead of two standalone washing machines can be a great advantage, especially if you want to save space.
Washer-dryer combos have become increasingly popular, and there is a wide selection of washer-dryers at retail stores. So, if you’re thinking about purchasing one, read this first to learn if it’s the right choice for your lifestyle.
Pros Of Washer-Dryer Combos
Space Saver
The first and most obvious advantage of a washer-dryer combo is that it saves space. It is often the preferred choice for homeowners who live in condos, as you only need to store one appliance instead of two in the laundry room, saving half the space.
Less Hassle
We all know the irritation of heading to the laundry room to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer so that the drying cycle can begin. You don’t have to worry about doing that with a washer-dryer combo. The machine can be reprogrammed to start drying automatically after the wash cycle. This will save you time and any aches in your knees and back.
Vent Access Is Not Needed
Most washer-dryer combos are ventless condenser dryers so you won’t need a vent leading to the outside. Instead, these machines circulate hot air within the drum, extracting moisture, which is condensed and drained out. Depending on which washer-dryer combo you choose, the water is either stored in a tank that needs to be manually emptied or pumped away.
Washing & Drying Can Be Done Separately
Even though a combo machine is best used to wash and dry clothes in a single cycle, it offers independent washing and drying cycles should you wish to wash a load and let the sun complete the drying process.
Cons Of Washer-Dryer Combos
Poorer Drying Performance
Combo machines can perform less well than separate machines when drying clothes. Often, homeowners need to do another drying cycle after the first one due to wet laundry.
Limited Drying Space
You may have a smaller drum capacity in a combo washing and drying machine, resulting in less space for clothes and more washing and drying cycles being required.
Longer Cycle Times
Traditional washers and dryers take much less time to complete cycles than a combo appliance. A full wash and dry cycle takes between three and six hours, increasing your energy bill.
Longer Waiting Times
When a drying load is in the combo machine, you cannot use the machine to do another wash load simultaneously. With two separate machines, you could halve the waiting time and have a shorter laundry day.
Considering Buying A Washer-Dryer Combo?
As you can see, having a washer-dryer combo in your home has many pros and cons, and buying one unit could be the right answer for you if that’s the best solution for your lifestyle. If you have questions about combo units or are considering buying one, contact us at MQ Appliance Repair for more in-depth information and advice.