Sizing Up Your Laundry Set

You know its time. Your washer sounds like it belongs in a jungle not your laundry room. It's been good to you for so long you can't bare the thought of parting with it but you know you must. Your dryer is also getting up there in age but seems to be humming along just fine. No need to replace it, or so you think.

It's important to remember when replacing an old washer to choose a size that matches your dryer. Not just dimensionally but by the volume of clothes it holds. If improperly sized you may be forced to split wash loads into two dry cycles. This doubles your dry time and will wear your dryer out faster. If a larger washing machine is something you want it is probably a good idea to think about purchasing a matching dryer at the same time.

Washer and dryer volume (amount of clothes they hold) is measured in cubic feet. There is a good chance you won't find the cubic foot size of your old dryer. To calculate its volume (cu. ft.) you will need to take some measurements and do a little high school math.

Measure the diameter of the drum and divide it in half rounding to the closest decimal. For example, if the diameter is 2 feet 6 inches that would be 2.5 feet. Divide this measurement in half to come up with the radius. Square the radius and multiply by pi (3.14).

Next measure the height of the drum in feet. Then multiply the height by 3.14 x (r) squared: H x (πr²) . The resulting number is the volume capacity of your dyer in cubic feet. A good rule of thumb is that a dryer should be close to twice the volume capacity of your washer. This 1:2 ratio will give a full load of wet laundry enough room to dry efficiently without wasting energy.