Articles provided by RE-Reston.com

When you buy a washing machine and dryer, one of the most critical factors you have to consider nowadays are energy efficiency, and whether the appliance you buy suits your lifestyle and the space you have available. When we speak about lifestyle, we consider how often we actually use these appliances and what we use them for. In this case, what garments we actually wash.

A stainless-steel tub is useful if you wash often. Those who wash less frequently will probably do fine with porcelain-coated steel or high-grade plastic. For those with limited space, there are stacking washer-dryer units in either full-size or apartment-size capacities. Remember also that the size of your washer should match your dryer's capacity.

Think about what you will use them for. If your laundry includes a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness, a washer with specialty cycles like delicate and extra soak, plus a second rinse, will be valuable. For loads of different sizes, you want multiple water-level settings. You might also like to consider a washer with the ability to raise water temperature. Other items to consider are automatic temperature regulators; a must in cold climates, they ensure that wash water comes in at a constant temperature for the setting.

There are two styles of washers: front-load, which gives the best energy efficiency, and top-load, which is the most common type. Top-load washers allow you to access the wash tub without bending. These models must be set side-by-side with the dryer. Top-load models cost less, although it will prove to be less energy efficient in the long run.

Front-load washers are recommended for its energy efficiency, and indeed it has been steadily growing in popularity because of this feature. These models use only up to one-half of the water that is usually needed for a top-load machine. This also means less time and energy used for heating. Agitators also spin faster on front-load models, so you won't have to spend that much time drying them. Although they save on energy costs, front loaders are more pricey at purchase; some require a special detergent.

When selecting a dryer, always remember that the capacity you choose should match that of your washer's. A washer with a 3.5-cubic-foot capacity, for example, requires a 7-cubic-foot dryer capacity. If space is a problem, you might think about getting a stack washer-dryer model that can fit in a closet.

Dryers are powered by either gas or electricity, with gas being a bit more costly to purchase but the most economical and efficient in the long run. By law, dryers must have at least one automatic-drying cycle, but the best dryers include moisture sensors, which automatically shut down the machine whenever the moisture level in the drum drops below a certain point. Other nice features include a cool-down cycle, which keeps the clothes wrinkle-free, and a damp-dry cycle that allows garments to be prepared for ironing.