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If you’re like me, it may take you a minute to even remember how old your washer and dryer are. If you cannot remember, there are some telltale signs that it’s time to start appliance shopping. In this blog post, we will highlight key indicators that it's time to consider replacing your washer and dryer for optimal efficiency and performance. Pro-tip: If you are able to time your purchase around a major holiday, the big box stores tend to mark down appliances significantly and match or beat each other’s prices.
- If you can remember when the washer and dryer were purchased, this is step one in determining usable life. On average, these appliances have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If your machines are approaching or exceeding this timeframe, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new model. Aging appliances are more prone to breakdowns and may lack the energy-efficient features found in newer models. If your machines are more than 10 years old and still running as well as always, no need to replace just for the sake of age.
- Do you have an appliance repair company saved to your phone and are on a first name basis with their staff? If your washer or dryer has been requiring frequent repairs and maintenance, it could be a sign of underlying issues. While occasional repairs are common, persistent problems and rising repair costs may indicate that your appliances are reaching the end of their lifespan. Consider the frequency, cost, and inconvenience of repairs when determining if it's time for a replacement. You can easily find a great quality washer or dryer as low as $600, so if you are needing a repair that will cost even half of that, it may make more sense to go ahead and replace. If replacing is unexpected for you at the moment, and you need to be mindful of budget, we love this set for side by side and this set for stackable.
- Are you finding yourself restarting your dryer multiple times per load? Are your clothes not smelling like they’ve just been washed? As washers and dryers age, their performance and efficiency tend to decline. If you notice that your clothes are not getting as clean as they used to, or if your dryer takes longer to dry a load, it could indicate that your appliances are no longer operating at peak efficiency. This can lead to higher energy bills and longer laundry cycles, making it worthwhile to replace.
- Unusual noises, vibrations, or banging during the operation of your washer or dryer can be signs of internal mechanical problems. These issues may be challenging and/or costly to repair, especially if they involve the motor or drum. If your appliances are consistently making excessive noise or causing vibrations that impact their functionality, it may be time to start shopping for replacements.
- Also consider your lifestyle needs and the luxury of convenience. Technology in washers and dryers has advanced significantly over the years. Newer models offer features such as energy-saving modes, smart connectivity, customizable settings, and specialized cycles for different fabric types. I’ve been wanting to upgrade to a smart home connected set that I can start from my phone. As a working mom, I love the idea of loading the before I leave from work without starting it, and starting it from my phone later in the day. This would save me a lot of time!
- Changes in your household or lifestyle can also warrant the replacement of your washer and dryer. For example, if you've recently added family members and find yourself doing larger loads more frequently, upgrading to a larger-capacity machine can improve efficiency and save time. I am all about that! There are some innovative options out there that allow you to wash or dry multiple loads at a time and washer/dryer combinations where a single machine can function as both a washer and dryer meaning you no longer have to worry about forgetting to move a load from the washer to the dryer. It’s an added bonus if you can splurge on two of these combo machines and run two loads simultaneously. From our research, some of these machines have mixed reviews, but I’m certainly tempted to purchase for the amazing time savings this would allow. I've been eyeing this option, which has been very well reviewed with very few minor cons (monthly cleaning needed, clothes may feel slightly damp, but not at all wet) and so many pros that it seems well worth it.
- Last, but certainly not least is safety. If you notice electrical issues, such as sparks, smoke, or burning smells coming from your washer or dryer, we recommend stopping use immediately and either replacing or having a certified technician check it out. Electrical problems can pose fire hazards and should not be taken lightly.
Personally, I was having issues with both my washer and dryer recently. My washer needed a new drum. Most loads were taking forever to wash as it would get unbalanced. My dryer knob was broken and wouldn't turn. My clothes were taking forever to dry. It took me about 3 months to decide on what to purchase. I almost went with the Speed Queen option shown below. My only hold back was the capacity. With two young children and two dogs, I need to be able to wash heavy and large bedding items at a moment's notice, and the 3.2 cu. ft. capacity just wasn't enough for those needs. I'm now a month in with my new Maytag set, and I have zero regrets. The best part? The dryer has a window with a light, and my two year old is occupied for way too long watching the clothes tumble away.
We've linked a few more favorites here that we considered if you are on the hunt for a new set!
Best bang for your buck in terms of quality and lifespan
Prettiest option with fancy tech that will optimize your time
Best overall for large capacity and all the bells and whistles
