Washer and Dryer Combo
A washer and dryer combo is a single appliance that does both functions. That’s right; you put your clothes in, push a few buttons, and later in the day you take dry, clean clothes out of the same washer and dryer combo door.
How is this possible? Because the washer and dryer combo is ventless. Instead of circulating air that is heated up and then expelled through a vent, it uses a technology to remove the water from the air and send it out the same hose as the used wash water. In this way the washer and dryer combo does not need an exhaust vent. That’s how a single unit can do both functions.
As with any appliance, the washer and dryer combo has both advantages and disadvantages.
Pros to a washer and dryer combo unit:
- It Takes up Less Space
This can be especially important if you live in an apartment or anywhere that doesn’t let you fit in a traditional washer and dryer. - No Vent Needed
You may live in a place where it is impossible to cut a hole in the wall for a vent. For this reason a washer and dryer combo is the only way to allow you to do laundry from the convenience of your home. - Energy Efficient
The energy required to dry your clothes through condensation in a washer and dryer combo is much less than the traditional method of heating up and circulating air. - Water Efficient
This is actually true about any front-end loading washer as well. Instead of floating your clothes in a large amount of water, it tumbles them in a small amount. Believe it or not, your clothes still come out clean, but a washer and dryer combo uses a lot less water than a traditional appliance.
- It Takes a Long Time to do a Full Cycle
From the time you put your clothes into a washer and dryer combo to the time you remove them, you’re looking at about 4 hours depending on the cycle. But since you’re in your own home, you don’t have to stand around and watch them the way you would at a laundromat, so you probably won’t even notice the amount of time it takes. - Dryer can’t Handle Large Loads
Although the washer can usually process a decent sized load, the dryer can’t always handle it and still get the clothes dry. - Expensive
These washer and dryer combo units tend to be a little on the pricey side. But they pay for themselves in a few years from the cost savings of not having to plunk quarters down at the laundromat. - Excess Vibration
This is actually a disadvantage of many of the front end loaders. One way they dry clothes efficiently is to remove a large amount of water through a very strong spinning action; stronger than traditional washers and dryers. As a result, they have a lot of vibration.
If you can, try to locate your washer and dryer combo on a first floor, or better yet on a cement floor. Or look for a low vibration model of washer and dryer combo.