How To Choose A Washing Machine?

Published on: 09 January 2020 Last Updated on: 29 October 2024

Not all washing machines are the same. They may all look identical but no two machines are equal in terms of capabilities, features, price, and suitability for your needs. In this article, you will know how to choose a washing machine.

When looking for a washing machine, it really pays to do your homework. From machine type to efficiency, make sure you have in-depth information about a prospective machine before buying one.

Basic things to know when buying a washing machine

For you to buy the right clothes washer, you first have to know your needs. Advance planning is crucial as it can help you choose a unit that is responsive to your requirements. Of course, you don’t want to spend on an ‘over-sized’ machine. Or, you also don’t want to buy one that isn’t able to meet your laundry needs.

Some of the essential questions to ask: How frequently you do the laundry, how dirty your clothes are, how many users are there, and what type of washing you prefer? Other considerations to look into including your space availability, energy efficiency, and preferred features.

To help you better choose the right washer and dryer; let’s check out some of the most basic considerations.

Capacity

How many will use the unit? What is the average volume of clothes needs to be washed in a day or week? Will draperies, linens, bedsheets, or comforters be cleaned in the washer?

The capacity of a clothes washer refers to the size of the washtub. It ranges from 1 cubic foot to 6 cubic feet. To give you an idea, a 5-cubic feet washer is capable of washing up to 30 bath towels of regular thickness and size. So, if you are likely to accumulate this amount of dirty clothes, then you should get a unit with a capacity no smaller than 5-cubic feet. On the other hand, if you hardly have any clothes to wash, you can opt for the smaller units.

Furthermore, if you expect to wash large items frequently, then you should opt for large-capacity washers. Take note that the size of a washing machine doesn’t define its energy requirements. Likewise, larger units don’t automatically mean they have the best features, spin speed, wash cycles, and capabilities.

Efficiency

An average American household washes about 300 loads of laundry every year. This household chore comprises a large portion of our energy and water bills. Hence, energy efficiency should be among your top concerns when choosing a clothes washer.

Make sure to check the average power and water consumption of a unit. Check if it is ENERGY STAR certified and is compliant with the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). These two proofs guarantee that your clothes washer consumes less water and energy costs. All major brands sell units, both top- and front-load types, which bear this rating.

Available space

According to a repair technician from Tampaappliancerepair.services, improper installation due to lack of space is a major cause of washing machine troubles. So, when choosing a washing machine, space availability should be considered.

There has to be enough room for the units to open the doors completely. If you have limited space, there are combination washer/dryer and stackable models available. Front-load units require adequate clearance both in front (to allow the doors to open fully) and at the back (for the external fittings, hoses, and drain).

It is best to measure the floor area of the location before visiting the appliance store. But don’t worry as there are plenty of washing machine models (of varying dimensions) available to you.

Cleaning requirements

Every household or individual user has a unique cleaning challenge or laundry habits. Some prefer to get their clothes cleaned up perfectly. Meanwhile, others just want quick cycles so they can get on with other tasks.

Fortunately, washing machines nowadays come with a range of wash cycles and features designed to meet unique washing requirements and conditions. Aside from the generic cycle, there are units with delicate cycle intended for fabrics or specialized clothes. Some machines are even equipped with steam cleaning. Be sure to read about the unit’s features to know if they fit your needs.

Noise

Washing machines, especially the large ones, are major noise contributors. If your washing machine is located nearby the sleeping area or the living room, you want to get a quiet unit.

Be sure to check if the unit has sound dampening features such as additional insulation, vibration reduction, or improved suspension. Normally, high-speed units will come equipped with these features as they produce the most noise.

Once you’ve decided on all these basic points, you can confidently walk to the appliance store to look for an appropriate unit for your home. Of course, you still have to decide on other considerations like your budget, the color of the unit, the material used by the unit, the brand, etc.

Read Also:

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Remodeling Tips for New Homeowners

Everyone has their reason for embarking on a home remodeling project, but the thrill remains the same, especially as a new homeowner. Perhaps, you want to improve the value of your home or want it to fit your style? Regardless, it's an exciting project that comes with a lot of work— sometimes more than bargained. It can be devastating to embark on a remodeling project only to realize halfway that it's unachievable. So, whether you will be getting the assistance of a remodeling company or you'll be handling this project alone, here are five tips you should know before starting. 1. Try to ask for help: It takes more than a pair of jeans and a well-equipped toolbox to produce quality work on a renovation project. First off, as an amateur, certain tools aren't suitable for you. Secondly, YouTube tutorials may not always have all the answers and solutions you need. So, except remodeling is something you have years of experience in, don't shy away from asking for help. A simple Google search should come in handy in this respect. For example, if you live in Houston, Texas, a quick search for Houston, Tx remodeling company should deliver some viable results. 2. Make a priority list: While some people can afford to stay in hotels during home renovations, you may not have that luxury and will have to keep living in your home during the renovation. The best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the home renovation process is to tackle time-sensitive projects first, like water damage or a leaking roof. Additionally, areas of the house you use frequently should be a top priority. That way, you can still go about your daily life even though your home is under renovation. 3. Set a budget: Contrary to what some TV shows make us believe, remodeling a house can run your account dry, especially if you don't have an accurate budget. So, the next step after drawing out a plan would be to determine your budget and financing. Although budgeting isn't the most fun thing to do (as it requires you to find a balance between the available finance and your dream design), it's an essential part of the remodeling process because it helps you gauge your expectations. Your budget should ideally include everything from the costs for permits to building materials, labor, painting, and cosmetic touch. It's easier to stick to your budget if it's accurate. So, make sure you get a contractor to review it or request cost estimates from professionals. You can look up companies in the Houston area that offer free estimate and consultation services to save costs here. 4. Remember the big picture: When taking up a remodel project, it's essential always to keep the big picture in mind. Remember that energy costs, water bills, and repair expenses can add up quickly in the future. So, make sure you include them all in your plan. Furthermore, since you're remodeling, you may want to invest in sustainable appliances that respect resources and support sustainable living. This is especially vital for a bathroom renovation. This area of the home can spike up your future heating and water costs. In a nutshell, you need to consider ways to save money both now and in the future; your bank account will thank you for these decisions in years to come. 5. Don't focus solely on design: Sure, many of us have a design that fits our style in mind before embarking on a remodel project. Perhaps, it's your kitchen, bedroom, or study that concerns you. However, you'll have to find a balance between getting the design you want and maintaining functionality. Many contemporary homes now blend functionality with design. For instance, if you have a small kitchen space, you may want to consider forfeiting some fixtures like the planning desk that no one really uses. That way, you save on space and maintain functionality. Read Also: Home Improvement Hacks to Add to Your Space Ideas for Modern Flooring Designs for Home Improvement Plans 6 Interior Design Tips to Make Your House a Home

Best Uses for Stainless Steel in Construction

Stainless steel is easily one of the most useful materials on earth. For several thousand years now, steel has been the standard choice for any purpose that requires extreme strength. Even though base iron may be harder, it is also more brittle and much more sensitive to oxidation (i.e. rusting). Stainless steel was a big leap forward because, for the first time, people had steel items that would not rust. Structural: Stainless steel isn't often what we think of as a material for structural supports, but it does an excellent job. If it were not for the fact that stainless steel is slightly more expensive than regular steel, it would probably be used for this purpose more often. There are many ways in which stainless steel can be used for structural purposes. Fittings from stainless steel are also very useful and reliable. For structural use, the best stainless steels to use are 304, 316, 409, 410-3, and 2205. These steels can be used for girders and other support members, as well as a rebar substitute for the reinforcement of concrete. Drainage Equipment: When it comes to rain gutters and downspouts, stainless steel is obviously your best choice. Its resistance to corrosion makes it uniquely suited for water-carrying purposes. Aluminum is a much more common material for this purpose, but it cannot even come close to matching the strength of steel. If you are adding gutters and downspouts to a large building, it is all the more important to use materials that will hold up to all of nature's abuse. Falling gutters and spouts can cause damage and injury to those below, so choose something that won't be ripped to pieces in the next large storm. Stainless steel is not only more attractive but also better-suited for this purpose. Barriers: Security is something that must be taken into account for any building project, especially if the building is located in a large city with a high crime rate. A stainless steel barrier is superior to most other choices in this regard because of its longevity, and also because it is very hard to destroy. For instance, you might want a few posts outside your building as a vehicle barrier, just to make sure that it isn't possible to ram a car through the front door. Concrete posts would work, but they will eventually crack from strain and weathering. This means you will have to pay for a new post. With thick stainless steel posts, you can be pretty sure that nothing short of a semi-truck is getting past, and that the weather will make no real difference. Roofing: Metal roofing has long been known as one of the best choices. Most homes are roofed with asphalt shingles that have an unpleasant habit of flying off in windstorms. Although they do a good job of shedding water, asphalt shingles just aren't very sturdy. They are only popular because of their low cost and high availability. Traditionally, tin has been the metal roof material of choice, but with the advancement of new and improved stainless steels, this is quickly changing. Check out this guide for the use of stainless steel in roofing, and you might be pleased with what you see. Read Also: Waterjet Vs. Laser Cutting: Which Is Worth The Hype? Maintaining Productivity: The Basics Of Industrial Safety

Las Vegas Electricians Share Fun Lighting Ideas for Your Home

Callidus Nevada electrician service providers have made calls to a significant number of homes in Las Vegas. This gave them the unique opportunity to get a glimpse at the different home lighting styles and preferences of the city’s residents. In the same process, they were able to pick out fun lighting ideas and methods that are beneficial in terms of both form and functionality. Below are a few fun lighting ideas that these Las Vegas electricians want to share for your home: 1. Switch to LED Light Bulbs: Anything that will help you save money easily will be fun, wouldn’t it? Ditching your incandescent and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) light bulbs in favor of light-emitting diode (LED) lights can help you reduce your electric bills and save hundreds of dollars in a year. LED lights use 90 percent less energy to give off the same brightness as their incandescent counterparts. Technology has come a long way in LED lights that they now come in a variety of colors apart from cool white. You can even have several color options in a single LED light bulb. While you may need to cough up some cash initially to go full-on LED in your home, it will be a very wise investment. Apart from the savings that you will make on your electricity bills, LEDs also last considerably longer than incandescent and CFL lights. 2. Think Beyond Overhead Lighting: Overhead lighting does a very good job of lighting up a room and comes very handy for a variety of uses and occasions. However, relying solely on overhead lights can be impractical in some situations, and it can get boring over time. For instance, some shadows may fall in areas where you may especially need more light such as the stairs, kitchen counter, or couch where you do your reading. Overhead or ambient lighting can get boring in the sense that it is constant. It may light a room, but it does very little to change the mood and character of a room. This is why you need to consider what experts call the “three layers of light” when installing lights. Overhead or ambient lighting is the main layer of light in a room. It provides general illumination in the whole area. Examples of these types of lights are fixtures like chandeliers, recessed lights, and troffers. The second layer of light is accent lighting, and they come in the form of wall sconces, path lights, and recessed wall lightings. Accent lighting is generally for decorative purposes. The third layer of light is task lighting and, as its name suggests, you use it to light up specific areas for certain tasks. Examples include reading lamps, vanity lights, under-cabinet lighting, and pendulum lights above a kitchen island. The second and third layers of lighting provide a room with character, and they can empower you to change the look and mood of the room at the flip of a switch. With power-saving LED lights and strip lights at your disposal, the combination of the three layers of lighting can present you with a myriad of ways that you can play with the layers to suit your taste. 3. Don’t Forget Natural Lighting: If you live in Nevada or anywhere that is sunny for most of the year, you will do well to make use of the abundance of outdoor lighting. Not only will this liven up a room, but it can also likewise help you lower your electricity bill as well. Use sheer curtains to let in more light. You can also do away with the window treatments to maximize the light coming from the outside. Bare windows will also give the room the illusion of being more spacious. Just like ambient lighting, outdoor lighting is also constant and may cast permanent shadows in certain parts of your home. While shadows do add some drama and depth to a room, you can install wall sconces in the darker areas as an option. As you may have already realized, most of the lighting ideas here are quite simple, and the results can be dramatic. You may even take on some of the more labor-intensive tips above on your own if you are handy enough. For some other lighting ideas, however, you may need to acquire the services of reputable Las Vegas electricians, especially when installing lighting fixtures. Take a long good look in and around your home and see how where you can improve and make your lighting more interesting. It just may be the right time for you to see your home in a new light — pun intended. Read Also: How to Choose LED Lights for Every Room in Your Home Five Ways To Improve The Air Quality Inside Your Home Create A Stunning Outdoor Space With These Residential Landscape Lighting Tips

How To Choose A Washing Machine?