A washing machine is a big investment. Not only do you need to shell out quite a bit of money to buy one, but you’ll also need to have enough space at home to put it in. But with the right machine, you’ll be able to save plenty of time on washing your clothes. Here are eight of the most important factors to account for when picking a washing machine.
Price
No matter how nice the washing machine is, it doesn't make sense if you can’t afford it. Before you decide to buy a washing machine, set a maximum budget. That way, you won’t feel tempted to purchase anything that’s a bit too expensive for your wallet. Aside from this, it’ll allow you to narrow down your choices before you even go buy the machine.
Size
Washing machines take up quite a bit of space. It’s larger than many other household appliances and is often the size of your typical stove. With that in mind, find a location in your living space where you can place your washing machine. Look up the dimensions of the machine that you have in mind, and see if it fits. Be sure to also leave a few inches for allowance just in case.
Type
Washing machines come in different types. There are top-load washers that are really easy to use and are lower-maintenance. There are also front-load washers that are more efficient than top-load washers but at the cost of requiring some extra care.
Then, there’s the need for dryers. You may not need a dryer at home, but if you do, then you’ll either need to buy a separate dryer machine or get a washer-dryer model to do both tasks.
Energy Usage
Washing machines run on electricity, with some using quite a bit more than others. Top-load washers are easy to use, but they use up more power than the front-load washers. This may be a good reason to get a front-load washer if you don’t want to deal with a bigger electricity bill every month.
Noise
The noise that washing machines make isn’t all that loud, especially when compared to other appliances, but it’s still something worth considering. If your neighbors are sensitive to noise, you may want to find a model that’s designed for quiet washes.
Elevation
Just because there’s enough room in the house doesn’t mean you can put your washing machine in it. You also need to check whether or not the area you plan on placing the washing machine in is leveled. If it isn’t, it can cause permanent damage to the washing machine down the line. You can remedy this by installing supports to keep the machine in a level position.
Installation
You can’t just magically place a washing machine in your house and expect it to work. Often, you’ll also need to spend some money on plumbing, especially if you’re placing the machine in an area that didn’t have any pipes running through it beforehand. This can rack up the total cost for investing in the machine, so be sure to take that into consideration before purchasing one.
Finish/Design
While it’s more of a function over form thing for washing machines, there’s no harm in picking a washer that looks good. Many washing machines these days come in a variety of finishes and colors, as opposed to the classic white. Depending on the overall theme of your house, a matte black washer could probably look better than your average white model.
Conclusion
Washing machines are complex appliances, and you need to take many factors into consideration if you really want to make the most out of your purchase.
