Washers and dryers go hand-in-hand, but what happens when one of them stops working? Should you replace it alone, or should you replace both washer and dryer together? If one of them stops working, does that mean the other is on the way out, too? Wear and tear should be equal between the two units, what else is there to consider?
Our recommendation is to replace both washer and dryer together. The convenience and improved performance outweigh the other factors, primarily cost. Read on to find out how to save money on this large purchase and reap the benefits of two new units.
In this article, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about replacing your washer and dryer together as a set. Considering the pros and cons will help you make the best purchasing decision.
Pros and cons of replacing both washer and dryer
So, why is it a good idea to replace both your washer and dryer together? A few thoughts to consider…
Matching designs
For many people, it’s important that their electrical appliances match in design. It’s not just about matching colors and styles, either.
When you buy a washer and dryer from the same brand and product line, even their settings and controls will be the same.
You might be kicking yourself in 6 months if the other appliance goes out, and then the matching one is no longer available. Read below about pricing and financing promotions. These can help you replace both washer and dryer together.
Better performance
When you buy a washer and dryer from the same company (and at the same time), you’ll find that they’ll have features that complement each other.
One common example is when it comes to capacities. Whenever you wash a full load of laundry in the washer, you can rest assured that your dryer can fit the same amount of clothes as well, keeping your entire laundry session very efficient.
Some brands also build complementary functions in both their washers and dryers, too.
For example, you can find brands’ product lines that include washers and dryers both using steam as a key element.
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Your washer will give you the stain-busting benefits of steam, while your dryer will use steam to cut down on how many wrinkles you’ll see on your fabrics! Replace both washer and dryer for enhanced laundry performance.
Easier maintenance and repairs
All home appliances need maintenance from time to time, including your washer and dryer. If you replace them together as a set, you can keep them on a matching maintenance schedule.
Keeping them in good working order will be less of a hassle when you’re taking care of both of them at the same time.
Plus, fixing them up when they run into trouble will also be much more straightforward.
The chances are that matching washers and dryers will also use similar spare parts, or at the very least, you can get all the parts you need from the same source.
Warranties
Replacing both your washer and dryer together will also help you out when it comes to warranties.
Firstly, their warranty coverage should last the same amount of time, especially since that coverage begins on the day you buy both of those appliances.
Plus, if you run into any issues or faults covered by that warranty, you’ll only have to call one company regardless of whether it’s your washer or dryer that’s affected.
Resale Profit benefit: replace both washer and dryer
If one of your appliances is still in good working condition, you might be able to sell that appliance in the marketplace to someone who only needs a single replacement. The profit you gain from the sale can go towards the new purchase price.
You might even find someone willing to take the broken appliance at the same time as the working appliance, and this gets it out of your way. You’ll be able to clean behind the washer and dryer area completely and start a fresh!
When disposing of appliances, keep in mind that many people will haul it away for free to the metal recycle facility. Oftentimes, groups such as the Boy Scouts and other Non-profits will pick up your appliances and use the metal recycling money to fund their cause. If you are able to find a metal recycle nearby, I highly recommend using it!
Cons of replacing your washer and dryer together
Of course, replacing your washer and dryer at the same time isn’t without its challenges.
When you’re asking, “Should I replace both washer and dryer?” the answer should also consider these factors:
Higher upfront costs
Buying a matching washer and dryer together might be more efficient in the long run.
No matter what promotions or discounts you might find yourself entitled to, the fact remains that you’ll be paying for two appliances at the same time.
For some people, that might not be easy to do, or at least you’ll need to save up first. If you purchase one appliance because you are desperate to get back to laundry, consider placing the matching appliance on layaway or another savings program. You’ll have it on hold and be ready for old one to go out.
Learning curve
New appliances always involve a little bit of a learning curve, especially if you’ve grown used to using the ones you had before.
If you’re the type that needs to read the instruction manual and practice for a bit, it’ll be a bit challenging to adjust to two brand new appliance instructions manuals.
Miss out on certain advantages
Some people have very specific preferences. To them, one company might make better washers, while others make better dryers.
When you choose to replace them with matching appliances rather than different ones, you might miss out on certain advantages offered by different brands.
Of course, this is a trade-off or a sacrifice that you might make in exchange for the many benefits mentioned earlier.
When is it time to replace the washing machine and dryer?
Now that we know the pros and cons involved in changing your washer and dryer at the same time, we come to our next question: when should you replace these machines?
First, you should consider the age of your appliances. If they’re still relatively new and are covered by their warranties, you might not want to change both of them just yet. It’s still worth it to get them fixed if they’re facing any problems.
But if they’re old and no longer fall under the warranty, then here are some clear-cut signs hat you should replace your washing machine and dryer.
Water is leaking onto the floor
Washers and dryers both deal with a lot of water and moisture. So, if they’re leaking water onto the floor, that’s a good sign that it’s time to say goodbye to them.
When water leaks from any of these two machines, it could be a sign that some gaskets or rubber seals are worn out.
Worse still, it could be a hole caused by rust over an extended period.
Water no longer fills the drum
As mentioned before, leaks are bad. But if it comes to a point where water can’t even fill up the drum to full, then you know that the machine has become completely useless.
What good is a washing machine if you can’t even get water in it to wash your clothes?
Excessive noise during a cycle
The drums inside washers and dryers spin when they’re in operation. However, there are parts inside that ensure that spinning happens smoothly and without too much noise.
If there is an unusual amount of noise coming from the machine, that could be another sign that the parts supporting the drum have gotten worn out. That’s a clear sign that you should replace the machine.
Violent shaking or movement during a cycle
Excessive noise is one thing, but if your washer or dryer starts shaking violently during a cycle, it’s time to unplug it and get a new machine.
Washers and dryers both involve spinning a drum for one or more cycles, but excessive shaking or movement during a cycle can be quite dangerous.
It could mean that the parts holding that drum securely in the machine have worn out, and you’re putting yourself in danger by continuing to use the machine.
You’re moving and you need space
We all know how much space these appliances take up, and how little is available during a move. If your appliances have passed their useful life and you are beginning a big move, I suggest selling them before you go. You’ll be glad for the added space and one less thing that could get damaged.
Purchasing a replacement set and having it delivered to your new home is ideal. The appliance company will even hook up your new appliances and have them ready for you. If the dryer door swings the wrong way, they can adjust this to accommodate your new laundry room.
Is it cheaper to buy washer and dryer together?
Yes and no. But let me tell you what I mean by that.
When you buy a washer and dryer together, you could save some money. You see, washer and dryer manufacturers and the stores that sell these machines, they understand that many people often buy both of them together at the same time.
So, they might offer you promotions or discounts to entice you into buying their appliances. I recommend shopping sales and reading reviews before purchasing any appliances.
Retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s will give you credit card promotions such as “6 months without interest” or perhaps even longer. This saves money in the long run.
Do washer dryer combos work?
As you shop around for new washers and dryers, you might feel tempted to invest in a washer dryer combo.
These machines seem like common sense innovations; since you’re going to wash and dry your clothes back-to-back, why not get one machine that does both?
Well, hold your horses. As tempting as it might be, washer dryer combos are not the solution to your problems.
To put it simply, washers are specially-designed to wash, and dryers are made to dry.
Every part of each machine is designed to specialize in its one overall function. But when get a machine that tries to multitask and juggle both roles, it ends up doing a less-effective job at both.
When it comes to washers and dryers, it’s best to get one specialized machine for each function.
Each machine will do what they do best, and as a result, your clothes can also do their job: making you look your best each and every day.