March 2019

Are you wondering if you can repair your laundry pair – or need to replace your washer and dryer altogether? Sadly, no appliance lasts forever. Since the average lifespan for a washer and dryer set tends to be around ten years, the day will eventually come when you know your appliances have completed their last load of laundry. No one looks forward to replacing their laundry appliances, but it need not be an unhappy affair. Instead, take the opportunity to find a washing machine and clothes dryer with convenient features and increased energy efficiency.

But first, know how to identify the signs of an aging washer and dryer set.

Washer Problems

1. Leaks aren’t always a sign of a dying washer, but they definitely need to be addressed. First make sure the hoses are tight and that you’re not overfilling the tub—both of these things are easily fixable. However, if you rule out the easy causes and the washer is still leaking, that might mean there’s a crack in it. A crack in your washer tub can be a very expensive appliance repair. It’s usually more cost effective to just replace it.

2. You notice your laundry no longer smells fresh and clean, rather a bit funky. The first front-loaders lacked the ability to self-clean, and there were reports of mildew in the ring. The manufacturing process has been perfected so this issue doesn’t appear in newer models. If you have an older model, there are ways to clean these washers yourself, but for the sake of conserving time and energy-efficiency, you might look into modernizing your laundry routine. And if you really love the front-loader style, you have your pick of modern options.

3. It isn’t energy efficient. If you have an older washer, odds are good that you’re losing money on your water bill [Find out how to Lower your Electric Bill]. As technology has advanced, our appliances have become savvier, able to detect the amount of clothes in a load and adjust the water levels accordingly. The Energy Star-certified washers available now use up to 45% less water and 25% less power than standard washers. If you bought your washer more than ten years ago, you could be losing as much as $210 per year on your water bill that would otherwise remain in your wallet. [SOURCE] 

Dryer Problems

1. It caught fire. It seems self-explanatory, but some people have trouble letting go, even after a household fire. If your dryer decided to char your clothes rather than dry them, it’s time to replace that dryer. A dryer that catches fire once is, well, a fire hazard. In fact, don’t even leave the unit plugged in unless a professional tells you it’s safe.


2. It’s old. This isn’t to be ageist—as we said above, appliances aren’t built to last forever. If you have an older-model appliance, it might cost you more to keep it in use than to replace it for an energy efficient-model. And if you’re not certain whether or not your dryer still has life in it, turn the unit around, take off the back, and take a gander at the machine’s guts. Is the plastic coating that protects the wires in good condition, or is it dry and cracked? If it’s the latter, you might be at risk for one of those dryer fires. In terms of dryer repair, better to get the wires recoated by a professional, or better yet, replace the dryer altogether.

WASHER & DRYER

There are some warning signs that apply to both your washer and dryer. And they’re pretty noticeable.

1. All washers and dryers make some noise, but excessive noise is, well, excessive, and a sign that your appliance needs attention, if not replacing. There are numerous things that can make a dryer cry out for help—drive belt, drum roller, drum roller axle, blower wheel, drum bearing, etc. Your best course of action is to contact a professional to get a diagnosis. It might be worth it to repair your dryer, depending on the scope of the problem. Or it might be time to say goodbye. For washers, a noisy cycle is often down to balance—ensuring the clothes are evenly distributed and that the legs are level. But if the problem persists, it’s worth getting it checked out to make sure there isn’t something wrong with the unit.

2. Your washer and dryer should stay put when they’re running. If either starts bucking, know that’s not normal. It can be a simple fix—making sure the legs are even and that the clothing is evenly distributed. This could also be symptomatic of parts malfunction. If the problem persists, you’ll want to call a specialist to get to the root of the problem.

Energy Efficient Washer and Dryer

It’s never convenient when one of your appliances decides to riot, but there is a silver lining. You have the opportunity to save money and energy in the long run by investing in energy efficient models. Check out the options for Energy Star-rated laundry sets at Metro Appliances & More. We have both energy efficient washers as well as energy efficient dryers, many of which come with advanced (energy-saving) features.


We hope we’ve given you some direction when it comes to difficult choice between laundry pair repair and replacement. If you have questions about your specific models, our friendly, expert staff is here and happy to help. We can also help find the perfect washer and dryer replacements for your budget and lifestyle.