Saturday, July 28, 2007

Busy Days

Lots of busy days ahead, getting the house set up and moving in. Up for today: visit Mom, buy a washer and dryer and put up a mailbox.

I've pretty much decided to go with a front loading washer. They cost more (ouch!), but they save an incredible amount of water and energy. A top loading washer uses up to 60 gallons of water for a full load of laundry; a front loading unit uses about 14. That means less water pulled from the well, less water heated, less detergent used, and less water and detergent discharged into the septic system. Front loaders are also more effective at cleaning, and they get a lot more water out of the laundry during the spin cycle. That translates to shorter drying times. Basically, I'll use less water, propane and electricity, and I'll put less stress on my septic system if I buy a front loader. It's a win-win situation, since what is good for me is also good for the environment. There are some minor drawbacks to front loaders, too, but with a well and septic, it's the way to go. Advice would be appreciated from anyone who has experience with particular brands of washer/dryer combos.

Tomorrow will be a day for cleaning (floors and counter tops, which still have some dust and grit from the building process on them), ironing (window treatments) and moving small items. No need to describe the coming days any further, you get the gist. I have a vacation coming up in September, and I hope to be pretty well settled in by then, which will free up my time to putter in the yard.


8 comments:

Pax Romano said...

Well, good for you!

Congratz on the new house. Can't wait for the house warming.

Merci said...

Thanks, Pax. If you head to the other officeland anytime soon, maybe we can arrange to have you blow slightly off course so that you can see the house!

No1BigDaddy said...

Merci take it from me and I have had both. The front loader is the definate way to go. For all the reasons you mentioned and another one is if yo have a stackable you can put it on the bottom and have the dryer on the top. Otherwise it might get a little difficult to get the wet clothes out if the washer were on the top. All kidding aside. Best of luck with the new home. I know it will take a while but in the long run it will all be worth it.

pissed off patricia said...

My next washer will definately be a front loader. The one I have now is a top loader, a Sears brand, ten years old and showing no signs of dying. I have only had three washers, all Sears and they seem to live forever.

Please allow me to also add my congratulations on your new nest. :)

mommanator said...

AS No1 said we have the front loader, we love it and would not go back to top loader! However, it's a bit hard to put anything in you somehow forgot once to cycle begins. I always say it is a start of a new load!
The things come out so dry it doesnt take as long to dry! In fact #2 daughter dries on line sometimes and takes no time at all!

Zelda Parker said...

I have always bought Sears Kenmore and they last forever. In the spirit of supporting local economy we bought the last one from a local vendor and had use the warranty before a year was out. Stick with the name brands, they are usually worth the extra cost.
Don't worry be happy!

Merci said...

I think all of you are right, and I made a good decision about the front loader. I suspect that I would have done better to have bought a less expensive dryer, rather than buying the matching one. Oh well :).

And thanks, POP for the good thoughts!

CS said...

I had a front-loader and I miss it. Another benefit s that you can throw in huge things - a pillow or a comforter or a rug - and they wash well. I think you'll be pelased with it.