How Washer Dryer Combos Work

Posted on November 12, 2015 by jenmertz

Laundry equipment is big business in America, responsible for more than $4 billion in sales. Traditional washers and dryers still make up a healthy chunk of the market, but combination washer/dryers are making headway as the technology used in these devices continues to improve and offer better service.

Washer/dryer combo devices are a single machine that acts as both a washer and a dryer. Using a combo washer/dryer takes up less room, an important feature for people who live in apartments or homes where space may be tight. Most combination washer/dryer devices are the size of a dishwasher, making them easy to fit in laundry rooms or nooks with limited space.

There are two basic types of washer dryer combination devices: vented and ventless. Vented units work in much the same way front-loading washers and standard dryers do. During the wash cycle, clothes are tumbled with water and soap, and then spun to remove excess water. During the drying cycle, the device sucks in air and heats it while spinning it with the clothes. During this process, steam is created, which is vented from the home.

Combo washer/dryers have been around for decades, but recent advances in technology have fueled increasing popularity for them. These laundry machines have a few advantages that consumers like, including:

Compactness – This is the primary benefit of having a combo washer/dryer. These devices take up less horizontal space than traditional washers and dryers, and less vertical space than stackable washer/dryer combos. They can easily fit in small closets or under a kitchen counter.
Portability – These machines often have wheels to make it easy to move them in and out of different rooms. They’re also designed to operate without dedicated gas or electrical outlets, making them easier to relocate than traditional machines.
Efficiency – Many combo devices have Energy Star certification, meaning that they meet standards for energy efficiency. These devices will be more efficient than many older traditional washers and dryers.

Some combination washer/dryers may not have the capacity that traditional washers and dryers have because of their compact size. However, newer models are closing the capacity gap and can handle larger loads than older versions of combo devices.

When purchasing a washer or dryer, consumers need to consider their lifestyle, laundry needs, and the space available in their homes. For many homeowners and renters, a combo device will be the right choice, as it will fill their need for a compact and energy efficient solution for washing and drying laundry. Consumers should also check out various combo brands to make sure they buy a quality device that will be durable and reliable for years to come.

FJS Distributors, Inc. sells LG Electronics washer dryer combos and Asko washers and dryers. A factory-authorized distributor, FJS Distributors has been connecting customers with top quality laundry machines for the past 15 years. LG and Asko washers and dryers are innovative products that help make doing laundry a joy rather than a chore. To learn more, call 1-800-884-8635.

Six Laundry Tips to Save Money and the Environment

Posted on October 29, 2015 by jenmertz

American families do a lot of laundry. The Environmental Protection Agency calculates that the average American family does more than 400 loads each year. This adds up in energy, water, detergent, and other costs, even if they’re using efficient combination washer dryers.

With a little time and effort, consumers can avoid this unnecessary expense. Households can save money and lighten their environmental footprint by following these convenient money-saving tips:

Wash in cold water – Using cold water to wash your clothes will cut down on the energy required to do your laundry. Use hot water only for clothing types requiring that setting or for deeply stained clothing or circumstances when you need to kill germs or bacteria.
Air Dry Your Clothes – If you have the space, you can save a lot of money on laundry by hanging your clothes out to dry. Electric dryers consume a lot of energy, while using the sun and wind are free. Experts estimate the average household can save around $60 per year just by air drying half their laundry.
Cut back on detergent – Unless your clothes are heavily soiled, a full cup of detergent just isn’t necessary. Water containing laundry detergent often ends up in our lakes and streams, and, even if it is treated at a wastewater treatment facility, it can have a negative environmental impact. Use a little less and make your detergent bottle last longer. By cutting back, you can save up to $80 per year on detergent.
Brew your own detergent – Consumers can save big bucks on detergent by mixing their own detergent. With just a little borax, washing soda, and soap, households can easily make their own safe and reliable laundry detergent. This method costs just five pennies per load, whereas the average cup of detergent costs 20 cents per load.
Eschew the fabric softener – Households can use a less expensive and more eco-friendly solution to stiff clothes by replacing fabric softener with a dash of baking soda in the final rinse. Baking soda should not be used with bleach, however, as it can cause a reaction creating a toxic gas.
Invest in a new washer and/or dryer – Older model washers and dryers can be incredibly inefficient compared to newer models. If you’d like to reduce your power bill and do something to help the environment, invest in an Energy Star-rated washer or dryer. These new models are incredibly efficient and can greatly reduce the amount of energy you consume doing laundry.

By following these money-saving tips, you can help reduce your impact on the environment, while also lightening laundry’s load on your finances.

Top Loader Washers vs. Front Loader Washers

Posted on October 22, 2015 by jenmertz

It’s a debate raging in household laundry rooms across the country – top loader washing machines vs. front loader washing machines. Partisans of both types of laundry machines are surprisingly passionate about their washing machine of choice, and discussions about each can become quite heated. The debates concerning device type are often even more intense than those regarding brand quality like LG washers vs. Maytag, or Whirlpool vs. Samsung.

The truth is that each device has its pros and cons, and some will fit certain lifestyles and households better than others. When making that fateful choice between top loading and front loading washing machines, consider these facts:

Many front loading washing machines allow their users to add steam to the wash cycle to help remove stains. For households with soccer uniforms and baseball leggings to wash, this feature can be a great help.
Front loading washing machines are stackable, making them helpful in homes where space is at a premium.
Front loading washing machines use less water than top loaders, making them more energy efficient. As inflation rises and wages remain stagnant, families need every option they can get for cutting costs, including monthly power bills.
Because of the advanced technology incorporated into their design, front loading washing machines are often much more expensive than top loading machines. This may be a big drawback for young consumers or first time home buyers seeking a washing machine.
Top loading washing machines don’t require users to bend to put clothes in and take them out. This is a helpful feature for older users or those with back or hip problems.
Water can get trapped inside of front loading washers, causing a musty smell to develop.
Wash cycles for top loaders are not as adjustable as those for front loading devices.
Front loading washing machines have a faster spin cycle. This wrings more moisture out of clothes and will often result in a shorter time needed in the dryer.
Top loading washers are easier to fix and maintain than the more technologically complicated front loading washers.

When front loading washing machines hit the market a few years ago, they quickly blazed a trail toward sales dominance, but that momentum has faded in recent years as top loaders have remained highly cost competitive. Technology enthusiasts are passionate about the front loaders, however, giving them a strong reservoir of goodwill from which to draw.

Consumers have a lot of variables to consider when purchasing either a front loading or top loading washing machine. Smart consumers will consider their needs and their lifestyle, and also research specific brands of washers before settling on a choice.