Whirlpool front load washer and dryer, available at Vernon Genier's Appliances.
Gas dryers add about $100 to the price tag and need to be installed by a professional gas fitter, but you’ll recoup the extra expense with savings on your hydro bill.
Vernon, British Columbia (PRWEB) February 28, 2014
To meet consumer demands for laundry appliances that clean clothes faster and better, manufacturers have introduced several new features over the last few years. But which ones really work, and which ones could be gimmicks? Genier's Vernon appliance store gives the lowdown on laundry modes.
Steam
Many washer manufacturers have released models with a steam setting, claiming the steam penetrates the fabrics better to lift stains and sanitize fabrics.
“The truth is, once the fabrics are soaked in water, steam can’t penetrate into the fabrics,” says Brad Kirkham, owner of Genier’s Appliances in Vernon. “I kind of think the steam in a washer is a gimmick.”
The steam mode can also be found on dryers, with the machines using a water hookup and heat to create steam that gets rid of odours and wrinkles for light ‘ironing’ on the go. It won’t give a crisp press as real ironing would, but is great for most occasions.
Hot Water Heater
Europeans have been using extreme temperatures to sanitize clothes for years, and now the trend is catching on in North America, where you can find the hot water heater option built into step up washer models.
“These extreme temperatures are a much better alternative to bleach for getting your whites whiter,” says Kirkham. “It’s better for the environment and it’s better for your clothes because your fabrics will last longer. Bleach can really deteriorate fabrics.”
Fans in Washers
Consumers have been complaining more and more in recent years about their washers, particularly front-load models, attaining a musty, mouldy smell over time. One of the causes is using too much soap. As a result, a build-up of soap sediment in the drum breeds mould and mildew. Fortunately, laundry manufacturers have found a way to get rid of the musty smell even if too much soap is being used. Enter the fan setting.
“With a built-in fan, it’s always drying your washer out. It’s peace of mind, and it’s definitely worth getting,” says Kirkham, adding the problem can also be alleviated with another new feature—automatic detergent dispensers that dispense the right amount of soap every time.
Gas Dryers
With the increase in hydro rates, gas dryers are once again gaining popularity.
“I’ve never owned one myself but customers who have them, love them,” Kirkham says. Gas dryers add about $100 to the price tag and need to be installed by a professional gas fitter, but you’ll recoup the extra expense with savings on your hydro bill. In addition to saving money, gas dryers tend to warm clothes quicker.
Other laundry settings his appliance experts are often asked about include capacity, with some machines now reaching more than five cubic feet to suit big families and king size bedding; and reverse tumble, a setting that finally solves the problem of tangled clothes coming out damp.
Kelowna, Kamloops, and Vernon customers who come to Genier’s Appliances will find a wide selection of the latest washer and dryer features as well as advice on choosing the proper laundry appliance according to their needs.
For more information, please contact:
Brad Kirkham
Owner, Genier’s Appliances
1-250-545-0664
info[at]geniers[dot]com
http://www.geniers.com