Owning a home is a big responsibility. Not just in the care you take in maintaining it, but also in terms of what appliances you bring inside your doors. When it comes to things that are a necessity, washers and dryers are right near the top of the list since everyone needs clean clothes, and no one likes to go to the laundry mat to do them. Purchasing a washer and dryer may seem like an easy task, but when it comes right down to it, you have to be sure that you are getting the right set for your needs. Having a large family means more laundry, which means that a sturdier washer and dryer set are needed, like a front loader. Just the two of you? Then you can think about a top loading washing machine, since you probably won’t have as much laundry and won’t need the extra space. When it comes right down to it, you should factor in not only what you need and how much space you have, but also how much you are willing to spend. Appliances like washers and dryers can be expensive, so it’s best to gather all the knowledge you can in order to make an informed decision.

Washing Machines

Front Loading Washing Machines

Chances are if you’re considering buying a front loading washing machine, then you have a family. These are perfect for heavy loads filled with dirt and grime. Their capacity is unmatched, and since there are different sizes, there are many to choose from based on your families needs. They don’t come cheap though, so expect to pay anywhere between $700 to $1300 depending on all the bells and whistles like soil levels, wash temperatures, wash programs and anti-vibration systems.

Top Loading Washing Machines

Typically the smaller of the two, top loading washing machines are perfect if you normally don’t have a lot of laundry to do. They’re more compact, can easily fit in homes and apartments, and can generally handle about eight to ten pounds of laundry. You can still get them with different bells and whistles like the front loading machines, but top loaders are really meant to serve the most basic of needs. A simple, no fuss machine can cost anywhere from $250 to $400, so the price is definitely right.

Dryers

Dryers are known energy suckers, no matter what model you have. Thankfully, there are dryers that will cut down on your bills, and do the job at the same time. You just have to be smart about where you place them in the home. To improve the performance of your dryer, it’s best to place it a warm, dry room. Not a cold, damp basement like most people think. Of course you’ll have to consider ventilation and power. A dryer usually requires an outlet of 220 volts, so you might have to do some rewiring before installing one in your home. Like washing machines, dryers also come in different sizes, you so you’ll need to do some measuring before hand as well. Full-size models can run anywhere between 27 to 30 inches across, whereas compact models typically measure 24 inches. There are machines with different settings, so figure out your needs before you go shopping to make a better decision. For a decent model expect to pay around $400, but if you’re looking for something more high end, that will run you anywhere between $700 and $1500.

As you can see, buying a washer and dryer just about getting your clothes clean. It’s about determining your needs, your family, your energy bills, and the space you have in the home. Factor in all these when making a decision, and you’ll be better prepared for when you head to the store.