Washer Dryers: What You Gain and Lose

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Washer Dryers: What You Gain and Lose

Drying capacity, condenser and heat pump, installation and running costs

A washer dryer puts two machines in one space, which is the whole argument for one. The compromises are specific and worth knowing before buying.

Drying capacity is lower than washing capacity

A machine advertised as 9kg wash may only dry 5 or 6kg, which means removing half the load before drying. That is the most commonly misunderstood specification in the category.

Check both figures separately rather than the headline number.

Condenser and heat pump

Traditional washer dryers condense moisture using cold water, which uses a substantial amount of water during drying. Heat pump models use far less energy and no water and cost more.

If the machine will do most of your drying, the running cost difference over years is considerable.

Cycle times

A full wash and dry cycle can run to several hours, and the machine is unavailable throughout. In a household doing several loads a day, that is the real limitation rather than capacity.

Installation

Needs water, drainage and a suitable electrical supply, and should be plugged into a wall socket rather than an extension lead. Remove the transit bolts before use — a machine run with them in will be damaged.

Level it properly on all four feet, since vibration at spin is almost always an unlevel machine or transit bolts.

Ventilation and moisture

Drying releases moisture into the room unless the machine is a condenser or heat pump type. Ventilate the space, since indoor drying is a leading cause of damp and mould.

Maintenance

Run a hot maintenance wash monthly, clean the filter, leave the door ajar between washes and wipe the door seal. Neglected seals are the usual cause of smells.

Buying and delivery

Measure the space including the depth with the door open, and measure the route in. Confirm whether delivery includes installation and removal of the old machine, which is frequently an extra.

Check the noise rating in decibels if the machine is in a kitchen you sit in or a flat with neighbours below.

Energy labels

Compare the stated annual consumption rather than the letter grade alone, since the grades were rescaled and the figures are more informative.

Repair before replacing

Many washing machine faults are a blocked pump, a worn seal or a failed heating element, all of which are inexpensive to repair. Searching the model number with the symptom usually finds both the part and a guide.

Always isolate power and water before working on a machine, and leave anything electrical inside the drum assembly to a qualified engineer.

Whether to buy one

In a small flat with no space for two machines, it is the right answer. Where there is space, separate machines dry more, faster and more cheaply.

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