Make Your Space Count with Innovative Laundry Machines

Posted on November 5, 2015 by jenmertz

As housing prices and rents rise, home space is getting more expensive. Making each square foot of your purchased home or rental count can help you get more out of your space and increase your enjoyment of your residence. Stackable washing machines and combination washer dryers make use of the vertical space that often gets unused, freeing up space for other uses.

Stackable washing machines are devices that have a washing machine on the bottom and a dryer up top. Stackables can incorporate front or top loading washers. The key benefit of stackable washing machines is that they save horizontal space, allowing the laundry area to be small enough to fit into a closet or alcove. For empty-nesters or single homeowners with minimal laundry needs, the stackable may be a great solution.

If you’re building a new home, it may be worthwhile to incorporate a stackable washer/dryer into your design. The smaller space needed for laundry will allow you to use square footage that would have been taken up by your washer and dryer for other purposes, like a larger bathroom or more space elsewhere. If you’re considering using a stackable, it may be worthwhile to purchase one that includes a front-loading washer, as these washing machines use significantly less water than a top-loading washer.

The most common varieties of stackable washing machine/dryer combos are either 27 or 24 inches wide. The 24-inch model will fit in most closets. Stackable washer-dryers will need a 220-volt power outlet, and you may need to have an electrician install this outlet in your home. Stackables may not have all of the features available on conventional washers and dryers because of the concessions product designers must make to keep these devices compact.

If a stackable washer/dryer isn’t for you, a combination washer dryer may be a better solution. Combination washer/dryers are single machines that do the job of both a washer and dryer. Because there’s only one machine, homeowners and renters save space by using a combo. These washer/dryers also use less electricity and water than conventional washers and dryers. Another key benefit of a combination washer and dryer is that it is easier on clothes because of the horizontal axis drum incorporated into its design. This design is far gentler than conventional washing machines.

With the average price per square foot for a home hovering between $104 and $130, saving space where you can makes sense. Saving space and upgrading to more energy-efficient laundry machines can help you get greater value from your home and have a positive impact on the environment. Consumers interested in stackables or combos should research brands offered by reputable vendors.

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.

Eliminate Hazards of Vented Drying with a New Ventless Dryer

Posted on January 6, 2015 by jenmertz

There are several household hazards associated with vented drying which are easy to eliminate by replacing your current vented dryer with a new ventless dryer. The first issue has to do with the limitations of the length of dryer venting ducts. Most building codes limit the length to only 25 feet in a straight line. If there are corners to go around, the acceptable length is less.

Another concern with vented drying is the types of materials used for the duct work. Some builders cut corners by using plastic venting. This is not safe because the plastic can become hot, melt, and start a fire. Dryer vent fires are also caused by built up lint and dust in the ductwork when they are not cleaned on a regular basis. Vents clogged with lint are a major fire hazard.

If you have a vented gas dryer, any leaks around the exhaust on the dryer and the vent ductwork allows the escape of dangerous carbon monoxide gas into your home. Dryer vents may come loose from the vibrations of the washer and dryer, no matter if they are side-by-side or stacked on top of each other.

The best way to avoid the dangers of vented drying is to use a ventless dryer. Options for ventless models include stand-alone dryers and combination washer dryers. For more information about the benefits of ventless drying, contact us today at 800-875-1533.