Combination Washer Dryer Combos A washer-dryer combination is a laundry solution that can do drying and washing in one unit. They're ideal for two or one-person households with limited space. All-in-one dryers are electric models and plug into the standard household outlet. They are more complex and costly to fix than standalone appliances. Space Savings Washer dryer combos are an excellent option for those living in an apartment or condo, mobile home or other area that is space-constrained. They function like a front load washer and dryer, but require less space in the floor by removing the requirement for an additional laundry room. They are ideal for small spaces where every inch counts. They can be easily fitted into the corner of a living room, bedroom, a laundry room or closet. If you choose a model that doesn't require external venting or ducting it can be set up without difficulty. As a bonus, washer dryer combos are generally cheaper than standalone appliances which makes them a budget-friendly choice for many homeowners. They also provide a number of energy savings, depending on the brand and model you choose. The dryer part of a combination machine has an integrated water heater that regulates the temperature throughout your washing cycle. This helps save energy since you don't need to run your heater for the entire cycle. All-in-one dryers and washers are also beneficial because you can complete your laundry routine without having clothes be moved from one machine another. This is particularly helpful when you are unable to move heavy loads of laundry in your home due to mobility issues. You can do one load of laundry before leaving for work, and come home to clean, dry and fresh laundry. However, you should be aware that since dryer and washer combos are designed to be compact, they often have smaller capacity for washing and drying than separate dryers. They won't be able to put as much of a load of laundry in them as you could with an ordinary standalone dryer or washer. Additionally they use high levels of water to carry out their drying functions, which can be harmful if you're on tank water or worried about the environment. This is why you'll want to make sure that you carefully evaluate the power and energy efficiency of any washer/dryer combo before deciding if it's suitable for your space and requirements. Time Savings Having both a dryer and washer in the same unit is a huge time saver. You can begin washing prior to getting out of bed and not have to switch between one machine and another. Certain combination washer dryers come with settings that allow you to wash and dry your clothes at the same. This saves you time on your busy schedule. Most washer/dryer units are energy-efficient and can save you money in the long term. Although they might not be as energy-efficient as standalone machines, the majority of these units have gotten better in the efficiency of washer technology as well as drying mechanics over the last decade, and can save the family of up to $100 a year in utility bills [source: Consumer Reports]. You can help reduce the cost of laundry by sorting your loads of laundry by type and size, which helps them get through the washing cycle and dryer faster. This is a great practice every time you load your machine. It will help distribute your clothes evenly and allow each item to be dried in the same amount of time. These machines also have features that can reduce the amount of water used per load, which can further lower your energy costs. These settings are usually located in the "energy section" of the machine settings. Many of these machines have a delay feature that allows you to set a time that you would like to run. This lets you load a load prior to when you head out the door to work and return to clean, fresh clothes at the end of the day, instead of getting those musty mildew odors to persist in your home when you return home after a long week at work. It's not hard to understand why washer dryer combinations are so popular. However, these appliances do have some drawbacks that need to be considered in the decision-making process. Older models have limited capacities, lengthy drying times, low efficiency ratings (except for models with heat pumps) and are priced high. Energy Savings It is possible to reduce energy consumption by having a dryer and washer in the same unit. This is because you don't need to run two appliances simultaneously. The energy needed for drying could offset any savings that you may have gotten by washing only. The dryer that is built into washer-dryer combinations heats up and then vents air, requiring a fraction of energy when compared to standalone machines. The amount of energy consumed during the drying cycle is proportional to the size of the load. This is why if you wash small loads (such as a couple pairs of jeans, five T-shirts, or sheets of queen size) and don't bother with drying cycles, you can reduce your overall energy consumption. The majority of combination units come with several settings for drying and washing including delicates, timing drying, and extra rinses. Some have a special steam-wash setting which helps to whiten clothes without bleach and reduces wrinkles. They also have a hot water setting that helps clean the fabric. Some models are equipped with wifi which lets you track your laundry using a smartphone application. The dryers in these combo units consume less energy than the average vented dryer, especially when you select a high-efficiency model. Some use just 0.78 kWh per load, which is equivalent to the efficiency of a few standalone dryers. If you opt for a combination unit without ductwork, your energy costs can be further reduced. If you have a large space for laundry, a separate washer and dryer can handle larger loads better than a combined machine. You can also control each appliance separately to customize your energy usage. This is a better option for energy efficiency and peace of mind. You'll also have more flexibility if one or the other of your machines fail. Take a look at our guide to laundry basics for more tips on how to select the most suitable equipment. Or contact an Pirch showroom consultant. They can help you find the perfect washer/dryer combo for your home. Convenience Combination washer and dryers are becoming a popular option for apartment dwellers as well as homeowners with limited laundry space. They combine two appliances into one unit and are easy to use. They are also energy efficient and have a small footprint and are ideal for urban homes or laundry rooms. These machines eliminate the requirement to install air vents, which are required by standalone dryers in order to stop moisture from accumulating in rooms. This makes it a more comfortable area for your family members to do their laundry. The dryers in the washer also come with higher spin speeds, which means your clothes will dry faster. This can help you save time and money when it comes to your laundry routine. A washing machine and dryer combo is a great choice for people who have a busy schedule because it allows them the flexibility to finish their chores when they want. A lot of washer dryer combo units come with a delay feature that lets you program the appliance to start its cycle at a convenient time. You can wash your laundry before you leave for work, and come home to dry clothes. Some washer/dryer combinations have a built-in dispenser that will automatically disperse detergent and fabric softener based on the size of your load as well as the soil level and cycle settings. This is especially useful when you need to wash delicate clothes but don't want to use all of your bulk containers. While these units might seem like a great addition to your home however, they come with some disadvantages worth taking into consideration. Because they're more complex than standalone appliances, they're more likely to experience problems and require repairs. Moreover, when parts of the washer or dryer fails, it will interrupt both the drying and washing process until you can fix it. Despite these limitations however, the advantages of a washer/dryer combination make it an ideal option for families with limited space for laundry or a budget-conscious one. These compact appliances can help you save money on your utility bills, and can also assist you in managing your schedule more efficiently.