SaveComments Every now and then, I’m faced with a harsh reminder that I am, alas, an adult. My latest wake-up call came when I was watching “Love It or List It,” and I found myself drooling over, of all things, a renovated laundry room. It looked like the set of a detergent commercial: bright, spacious, and with plenty of shelving and surface area to fold clothing. In fact, there was so much space that I was puzzled by the decision to stack the washer and dryer. For more content like this follow I had always thought that stacking these two machines was a brilliant solution if you were tight on space, but again, this was not an issue in the featured home. I also thought that even though plenty of machines are indeed billed as stackable, it was sort of a dangerous thing to do, given that some washing machines can rumble when an uneven load of laundry is getting tossed around. So I decided to reach out to an appliance professional about setting the record — and a stacked washer/dryer — straight. Can you stack your own washer and dryer?I spoke with Steve Sheinkopf, the CEO of Yale Appliance, a company that serves the Boston area and Metrowest region of Massachusetts. The short answer is yes, you can stack most dryers on top of washing machines. As to the question of whether you should do it, it all depends on how you want to organize your laundry space. The single yet impressive advantage of stacking your washer and dryer is that it saves space. This is certainly helpful if you need to relegate your laundry tasks to a utility closet or a corner of your basement and don’t have the luxury of more floor space. While most machines can be stacked, says Sheinkopf, there are some things to keep in mind:
The argument against stacking machinesWash towers have made it even easier to save space without the worry of properly stacking two separate appliances. The benefit of these two-in-one machines, says Sheinkopf, is that the controls are placed in the middle of the tower. If you’re vertically challenged, it’s much easier to reach the buttons and dials on a wash tower — though you’ll still likely have to leap and grab for those sock stragglers from the dryer on top. I’m usually averse to appliance combos. The way I see it, if one feature conks out before the others do, you’re stuck with a huge appliance that’s only partially useful. As such, I assumed that by stacking a separate washer and dryer, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to replace just one unit if it should conk out before the other one does. Not necessarily, says Sheinkopf. “You’ve got to make sure that the stacking kit is still available to stack that new one on top of the old one, and that’s not always the case,” he says. “In fact, most of the time it’s not, so you may have to buy a [new] set anyway to properly install that dryer on the washer.”
Your laundry, your waySheinkopf says the ultimate decision to stack your machines all comes down to how you want or need your laundry space to function. And since most machines can be stacked, he says to focus instead on wash cycles, temperature settings, or any of the many other available features when you’re shopping the seemingly countless models on the market. That’s the fun part — if you can even use the word “fun” when talking about laundry. Sheinkopf agrees. “Don’t be intimidated by it,” he says. “It’s just a washer and dryer.” 4 MIN READ While searching for a new apartment, you will inevitably come across units that seem perfect but lack some amenity or another that you think you can’t live without. For example, if you’ve found a great apartment that doesn’t have washer dryer hookups, you are not destined to schlep your laundry to the laundromat or shared laundry room every time you need to wash your clothes. For the right apartment, you can definitely find an effective solution. In the case of finding an alternative way to do your laundry in an apartment without washer dryer hookups, allow me to introduce you to the washer dryer combo, the perfect apartment washer dryer solution. What is a washer dryer combo?Combos aren’t just reserved for fast food. If you haven’t heard, a washer dryer combo is a singular machine that does both the washing and drying of laundry — what a steal! With a washer dryer combo (not to be confused with a stackable washer and dryer), you won’t have to worry about forgetting your clothes in the dryer or making a trip to the laundromat whenever you want to wash your linens. It’s truly an all-in-one appliance. You still have to manually fold your clothes though (there’s no way around that yet, unfortunately). Washer dryer combos are particularly popular in high-density areas of Europe and Asia, where space comes at a high premium. They haven’t quite caught on in the U.S. yet, but the rise of tiny homes and small apartments is creating a need for more apartment-sized washer dryer solutions. How does a washer dryer combo work?You don’t need special washer dryer hookups in your apartment to use a washer dryer combo, just a standard (in North America, anyway) 120-volt electrical outlet and a connection to cold water. A washer dryer combo operates like a regular washing machine does, using water (at your preferred temperature) and detergent to cleanse your clothes in a spin cycle. You can also use your sink to hook up your washer dryer combo, usually with the help of a portability kit. The main difference between traditional washing and drying and using a washer dryer combo comes in with the drying part of the process. Let’s air it out. Ventless washer dryer combo.A ventless washer dryer combo dries your clothes using a condensation method, which involves heating air to dry wet clothes by evaporating the water on the clothes and flushing out the excess water into a tank or drain. Vented washer dryer combo.A vented washer dryer combo functions more like a traditional dryer. However, the vented option is usually included in a dual ventless/vented washer dryer combo (you’ve got serious options when it comes to specific kinds of washer dryer combos). You’ll have to find a way to release the extra hot air that the vented dryer will emit, so you don’t wind up with a humid apartment and, eventually, mold. Something to keep in mind: since washer dryer combos are smaller than traditional washers and dryers, you’ll have to do smaller loads of laundry and use less detergent when you use them. Overall cost implications.You can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $1,000 (give or take) for a new washer dryer combo, depending on what kind of all-in-one washer dryer you want. In addition to the upfront cost, you can expect to save money on your water and electric bills, in comparison to using a traditional washer and dryer. Most washer dryer combos are energy-efficient appliances with Energy Star ratings. They also use one-third to two-thirds less water than a traditional washing machine. You’ll also save on laundry detergent since you won’t need as much per load. Ka-ching! Is getting a washer dryer combo a good idea?Getting a washer dryer combo may be a good idea for you if:
Washer dryer combos can be a convenient apartment washer dryer solution if you don’t have laundry hookups and space is at a premium. As a renter, you can always take your washer dryer combo with you when you move. Being smaller than traditional washers and dryers, washer dryer combos are also easier to transport when you eventually decide to move out. It is worth noting that some apartment complexes may not allow a washer dryer combo in your unit. This may be for liability in the event the unit leaks or causes trouble with the electrical system. Always check with your landlord or property manager before you purchase a washer dryer combo, you don’t want all that money going down the drain. If you decide not to invest in a washer dryer combo, but still want to rent an apartment without washer dryer hookups, consider opting for a laundry service or visiting a laundromat to clean your linens and clothes. You always have options. Published August 6, 2019 What Do You Think?1616 Responses About The AuthorCan you have your own washing machine in an apartment?But not every apartment comes equipped with a washer and dryer or even the proper hookups. Luckily, you can buy a portable washer/dryer combo that will allow you to do your laundry with just an electrical outlet and access to cold water. Here is a look at the best washer/dryer combos for apartments without hookups.
How hard is it to install a washer and dryer in an apartment?Adding a washer / dryer to an apartment is not as simple as buying the appliances. One must consider the plumbing (hot, cold water, and waste lines), venting, and electrical and/or gas connections to power the appliances. This can end up being quite costly.
Do apartment washer dryers need to be vented?Most combo washer dryers don't need to be vented, like a standard stand-alone dryer does. This allows you to use your unit anywhere there is electricity and a water connection.
Can you install a dryer in an apartment?What permits and approvals do I need before installing a washer/dryer? If you are adding any new plumbing or electrical wiring, you'll need a permit from the city. If you live in an apartment building, you'll probably need approval from your condo or co-op board, even if it's a simple installation.
|
Can you put your own washer and dryer in an apartment
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 chuyencu Inc.
