Freshly washed clothes fluttering in the wind, hanging from a clothesline set out
in the backyard- this is a quaint picture of the good old days when people had the
time and space to tie clotheslines and hang up their wash to dry in the breeze and
under the hot sun. Clothes dryers have gently nudged the old clothesline out of
existence. This is obviously because dryers dry your clothes efficiently, effortlessly,
fast and in very less space.
Dryers do cost a pretty penny and consume a lot of energy. However, the time and
effort that they save you makes them worth every dollar. The new generation of dryers
offer a choice of several specialized cycles that help you minimize running time
based on your wash-load.
There are many simple and sophisticated dryer models available. All of them are
capable of the basic function of drying clothes. However, some do the job more efficiently
than others. Your model choice should depend upon the type and volume of clothes
your wash-load is made up of and the budget you have for a dryer.
Types of Dryers
Dryers basically have a tumbler that rotates clothes, and
a system that passes heated air through the clothes as they rotate. The moisture
laden air that is a result of the drying cycle is channeled first outside the dryer,
then outside the house through a venting system. When you are looking for a new
dryer, try to find one that will be kind on your clothes and energy efficient at
same time.
The two basic choices open to consumers are gas dryers and electric dryers. The
choice will be determined by the power supply or gas supply in your home. Check
the kind of supply that exists in your home for the laundry area.
Electric Dryers
Electric dryers will need a 240 volt power plug to operate. Check your laundry area
for a sufficient power source. While you are at it, check whether the electrical
fitting will accommodate a three-prong plug or a four-prong plug. Armed with these
details you can avoid coming home with a plug that does not fit.
Electric dryers are comparatively less expensive than gas dryers. Running costs
will depend upon the frequency of usage, time of usage, and local electricity rates.
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Gas Dryers
Gas dryers cost more than electric dryers. However, their operational costs are
lower than that of electric dryers. In the long run the difference in purchase price
gets leveled out. If you foresee high usage and are looking for a dryer that will
not cost you much to run, then a gas dryer will be ideal. Be sure to check that
your laundry area has a gas line before purchase. Installation of a gas line for
the purpose of running a dryer is not cost effective.
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Actually, the choice of an electric or gas dryer depends upon who built your house
and installed the power/gas supply. Unless you are building a new home or remodeling,
you have to get the type of dryer that the house is equipped for.
Factors to consider before buying a dryer
Tub Size
If you are looking for a dryer, the assumption is that you already have a washing
machine. Find out the tub capacity of your washing machine. A similar tub size will
be ideal for a dryer. Smaller tubs will mean multiple cycles that translate into
higher running costs. Larger tubs will also mean higher running costs as machine
capacity is not optimally utilized. Filling the dryer tub to its ideal capacity
is the best way to make optimal use of energy.
Cycle Selections
Dryers come with multiple cycle settings. Multiple cycle selections mean that most
types of clothing can go into the dryer. Even the most basic model will have a choice
between high and low temperature settings. As the price of dryers increase, so do
the number of cycles. Special cycles that allow for gentle care of special fabrics
are a very useful feature. Special fabrics can be gently dried using settings with
ultra-low temperatures. Small wash-loads can be dried using speed-dry cycles meant
for the purpose. Heavy wash-loads like linen, wool, etc., can be dried efficiently
using medium to high temperature settings as per personal preference.
Most top-of-the-line models offer up to 10 preset cycles. Features like an anti-wrinkle
option give you dry but wrinkle-free clothes at the end of the drying-cycle. This
feature is very useful for those who cannot remove clothes from the dryer immediately
after the drying cycle is over.
Sensors and Monitors
Dryers equipped with moisture monitors do just that- monitor the moisture content
of your clothes. Moisture monitors indicate the level of dampness on the display
panel. This feature allows the user to take out washing at desired levels of dryness,
e.g., slightly damp for easy ironing.
The earlier models of dryers were generally equipped with thermostats. Thermostats
allowed for varying temperature settings, but the level of moisture had no bearing
on the functioning of the thermostat. The moisture sensors on the other hand, avoid
over-drying by automatically shutting off when moisture content registers a low
reading. This feature ensures that clothes run in the dryer are not damaged due
to heat. Automatic shut-off also helps in saving energy by avoiding use of the dryer
when it is not needed.
Drying Options
Most of the new generation dryers offer multiple drying options. Not all clothes
can be tumble dried, and your smart dryer knows that! A drying rack enables you
to lay out some items flat and dry them without them tumbling around in the dryer.
Sneakers, pillows, sweaters and a few other items need this kind of drying. Drying
racks help you use the dryer for items that are generally classified as line-dry.
Delicate fabrics and certain pieces of clothing that need to be hand-washed can
be dried without damage with a drying rack inside the dryer.
Some dryers are fitted with interior lights. This feature is very useful if your
laundry area is not well lit. With the interior light on, you will never again be
left hunting for an odd sock or handkerchief that is finally found in the dryer
drum.
Many dryers come with a quiet mode feature, this feature will enable you to enjoy
the quiet while drying your clothes. A feature like this will cost more than a dryer
without this feature, but for some, the sound of silence is well worth it.
Installation Issues
Make it a point to measure the designated area for a dryer in your house. Look for
dryers that will fit into that area. If you have no separate space allocated for
a dryer look at compact, stackable models that can be placed above your washing
machine. For those who have very limited space at their disposal, compact combination
units of washer and dryer would be ideal. These kinds of units take up approximately
three feet of floor space.
It is also important to check for door opening clearance and the manufacturer recommended
clearance from the wall. The installation of a dryer will require the services of
an electrician and a plumber. Consider these costs too when you consider the cost
of the dryer. Dryers need to be vented to the outside of the house in order to remove
moisture laden air from the dryer. Find out all details about the costs involved
for venting installation also.
Maintenance
All dryers come equipped with lint screens or filters. These screens should be removed
and cleaned out on a regular basis. Clog free lint filters are necessary for efficient
functioning of the dryer. Some dryers have top mounted lint filters. The top placement
of lint filters makes it easy to remove and replace them. Some dryers also have
a warning light that switches on when the filter requires cleaning. Such extra features
like the warning light will add to the cost. However, it will ensure better performance
of your dryer. Look for tough top exteriors that have easy to clean surfaces.
Most dryers come with a one year warranty on parts and service. However, some of
the pricier models may have warranties of two years or more. Be sure to check the
warranty terms before your purchase.
Price ranges for dryers
Top manufacturers like Whirlpool, GE, Maytag and Bosch make highly efficient basic
models that are priced at around $250-$400. Most of the dryers in this category
are electric dryers; however, some manufacturers do offer gas run dryers in this
price range. Front loading dryers with an average capacity of 7 cubic feet, equipped
with features like quiet mode and cool down function, are a popular choice with
small families. Most models in this price range come in a limited choice of colors.
The dryer drum may be made of plastic and the controls will mostly be mechanical
dials.
The next rung of the price ladder- $400-$700 - will get you basically the same capacity
dryers as the basic models. The difference in this price range will be the quality
of the parts like drums and control panels. Some manufacturers might add electronic
touch pad controls while some may offer gas powered dryers. A few manufacturers
like GE and Bosch add features like extended cycles that prevent wrinkles in case
the dryer is not unloaded immediately after the end of a cycle.
The top-of-the-line models that fall in the $700-$2000 price range offer a wonderful
combination of sleek exteriors in desired colors and efficient functioning. Quiet
operation, multiple cycles, drying racks, electronic controls and drum lights are
a few features common to all top-end models. Dryers that match your washing machine
and have sleek finishes are easy to find in this price range.
Manufacturers like GE offer dual thermostats and sensors for moisture sensing. Their
machines are equipped with a ‘duo-dry temperature management system that offers
precision handling of your wash load.
Top-end dryers made by Bosch offer a choice of 11 cycles to choose from. The wide
range of cycles will enable users to dry any kind of fabric from delicate to heavy,
without any damage like shrinkage or wrinkling of the fabric. Some manufacturers
provide hamper style doors that can catch any cloth that falls out of your grasp
as you take your wash load out of the dryer. There is no end to conveniences is
there?
Top Manufacturers