Avoid these small space washer/dryer mistakes

Square footage is a hot commodity these days. Regardless of if you rent or own your home, maximizing the functionality of your living space is typically a top priority. Another consideration is balancing necessary utilities – like a washer and dryer – with furniture and decor choices.

Many people choose to install a small-space washer/dryer unit to both save square footage and minimize the impact on decor in a home. However, you may be surprised to learn that changing to a more compact washer and dryer is not necessarily simple. If you are in the market for a compact clothes washer and dryer to replace your current full-size appliances, you’ll want to avoid these small space washer/dryer mistakes:

1. Stacking an Old Appliance on a New One
   Compact washer and dryer units are typically sold in sets. However, many homeowners are usually in the market for one or the other at a given time as opposed to both. For example, their current clothes dryer may be on the fritz and need replacing, but the washer is working just fine.  What buyers neglect to consider is that if the clothes washer and dryer are stacked, they will be fused together by a very specific component known as a stacking kit. These kits tend to be brand and model specific, so if you are attempting to put a new washer or dryer above or below an old one, you might be in for trouble. Considering how much vibration and movement a washer or dryer can incur during a normal cycle, proper alignment with a stacking kit is essential.
2. Connection Issues if Washer and Dryer are in Separate Locations
   Many compact model clothes washers and dryers are manufactured by European brands. The electrical outlets and plug used in Europe are quite different from units made in the USA. When compact models from European brands are sold in the USA, the dryer usually contains a normal electrical plug, but the washer connects to the dryer and draws power via a European connector.

   The reason for this is that in many cases compact washers and dryers are installed side-by-side or stacked on top of one another, and manufacturing costs can be lowered by only adapting one electrical outlet to meet the standards of a foreign market. If you are planning to install your new compact washer and dryer in separate locations, be mindful of the potential need for adapters and/or more complicated electrical work during installation.

3. Forgetting your Current Clothes Dryer is Gas Heated
   Just about every model of compact front-loading clothes dryers on the market today are electric.  If your current clothes dryer is gas heated, you will likely need to plan for installing your new replacement in a location where a 220V plug can connect to power. This may require some additional planning and possibly additional electrical work to ensure proper functionality.
4. Incorrect or Mismatched VentingThere is a very good chance that your current clothes dryer vents to the outside of your home.  However, in Europe most clothes dryers are ventless, and as mentioned previously most compact clothes dryers are manufactured by European brands. This is typically not a major issue, and there are a variety of ways to cover an abandoned vent hole that is no longer needed.
5. Not Considering the Exit Strategy for the Current Washer and DryerSo you have decided to buy a new compact washer and dryer – congratulations! Now how are you going to get the old ones out safely? Removing these appliances can be tricky, especially if your clothes dryer is connected to a live gas line. Consider hiring professionals to remove these appliances for you. Most companies that provide installation services for new compact washers and dryers also offer removal and disposal services for the older units you are replacing.

   Upgrading to a new compact clothes washer and dryer can come with some unique considerations and challenges, but they are well within the scope of possibility for many homeowners. The added space, sleek design, and dependable functionality afforded by the compact models far outweighs the unique challenges of getting these appliances installed in your living space.

   At Diamond Appliance, we help people in St. Louis, Kansas City, and surrounding communities with expert appliance repair. We can also provide advice and answer questions if you are considering a switch from large to compact washers and dryers. Give us a call today to get started.