Washers and Dryers - Know before you shop

If you're moving into your brand new home, one thing you'll want examine as soon as possible is the selection of washers and dryers available. There are a few different factors you should consider about purchasing washers and dryers.

If you are lucky enough to be designing your own home, or choosing from floor plans, you'll need to decide where to put your the hookup for washers and dryers. Most people would advise placement on the second floor, since this is where the bedrooms are (and therefore where the dirty clothes get put in the hamper and where the clean clothes get put away). You won't have to walk up and down the stairs all the time as you would if the laundry were in the basement, as it is in many older homes. Having your laundry in a convenient location makes laundry seem like less of a chore. Instead of having to make a special trip downstairs, you can just throw your clothes in the wash as you walk by.

After you decide where in your home your washer and dryer should be located, it is time to decide whether to get a stackable washer and dryer, or to get a freestanding washer and dryer. A stackable washer and dryer is advantageous for limited spaces, and after all, you might not otherwise use that vertical space anyway. A stackable washer and dryer can free up space for other things. If you have a lot of space, a freestanding set might work better for you. When you are setting up your laundry area, it's a nice idea to have a table for folding clothes.

Regarding energy efficiency, look for the EnergyStar rating on washers and dryers when you are shopping. Also, choose a front load washer, as they use energy and water with less waste than a top loading washer.