Should washer be on left or right?

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bestbuy.com - Laundry Buying Guide: Compare Washers, Dryers & More - Best Buy

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Features for both washers and dryers

ENERGY STAR certified

All appliances include an Energy Guide label to show the estimated yearly operating cost (based on the national averages for utility rates), using standard test procedures developed by the US Department of Energy so you can easily compare across brands. Clothes washers and dryers with the ENERGY STAR symbol on the label meet requirements set for energy-efficiency — using less water and energy than models that do not meet certification standards, and saving you money while protecting the environment. ENERGY STAR-certified washers use about 25% less energy and 40% less water than regular washing machines, which can save you $40 a year on your utility bills compared to a standard model. ENERGY STAR-certified dryers use 20% less energy than conventional models, thanks to energy-saving technologies such as moisture sensors. Clothes washers and dryers that have earned the ENERGY STAR certification work best when paired. The final spin cycle on these washers forces out as much water as possible, which makes it easier for these dryers to operate using less heat, resulting in energy savings and reduced wear and tear on your clothes caused by overdrying.

Steam

A popular feature now found in many mid-range and high-end washers and dryers. In a washer, steam penetrates fibers better than water to release stains, odors and ground-in dirt. In the dryer, steam relaxes stubborn wrinkles and reduces static. Some dryers include a refresh setting for clothes that are clean but wrinkled or perhaps smelling a bit stale from a long stint in a closet, drawer or storage bin. Other dryer models offer a steam clean option for non-washable items such as pillows and stuffed animals. Steam dryers access the necessary water in one of two ways — either through a Y-connector and inlet hose that draws directly from the water supply (similar to a washing machine), or through a reservoir you fill manually at the sink. (For the first, the Y-connector and hose may or may not be included with the dryer.)

Sanitization or allergy settings

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When you select one of these options, your washer or dryer will increase the temperature or use steam to reduce germs, bacteria and irritants in your clothing and bedding. An allergy setting will be kinder to your clothes than the sanitize feature, which involves heat of 160°F or more, but it's a good idea to test a few garments first to see how they fare. The "NSF Certified" label indicates a washing machine or dryer has been approved by the independent National Sanitation Foundation. This means its sanitize setting is long enough and/or hot enough to kill 99.9% of microorganisms with no significant carryover of bacteria into future loads. A washer's allergy setting must eliminate at least 95% of dust mite allergens and feline dander; wash water must reach and maintain 131°F for three minutes; and the washer itself must be easy to clean, resist corrosion, and avoid accumulation of dirt and debris. Some washers are also NSF-certified to reduce other allergens, such as canine dander or birch pollen.

Vibration and noise reduction

If your high-efficiency washer and dryer will be near living or sleeping areas, you'll appreciate models designed to reduce vibration and noise. Vibration reduction is especially key if the washer will be on an upper floor, to counter the force of spinning at very high speeds.

Digital displays and touch-screen controls

More and more washers and dryers feature digital displays, and some advanced appliances even boast touch-screen panels. These make it easier for you to use their array of specialized features and settings, and some even let you save your favorite combinations.

Delayed start

These options can help you fit laundry into your busy schedule, without leaving a load of clothes to sit wet or develop wrinkles for hours. Before going to bed or leaving for work, you can prep a wash load or transfer a clean load to the dryer, and then time the appliance's cycle to finish when it's convenient. You can also time loads for hours when energy rates are lower to save money on your bills.

App-controlled washers and dryers

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Some high-end washer and dryer models boast built-in Wi-Fi to sync with an app on your compatible smartphone. With this technology, the washer or dryer can send you an alert when a cycle has finished, so you don't need to monitor progress by lurking near the laundry room, crisscrossing the house or trekking up and down stairs. These smart features vary across brands, but possible capabilities include remote power on and off, usage tracking, remote controls, smart grid awareness (not available in all areas) and troubleshooting.

Self-diagnostics

Some brands offer washer and dryer models with technology that makes it easy to identify error codes or signals, and then provides tips so you can either resolve the situation yourself or streamline service. This feature typically involves a smartphone app that interacts with the appliance, but a few brands offer the option to call from any landline or cell phone and transmit an audible signal for a computer to analyze.

Color and finish

A large number of washers and dryers have undergone a style upgrade as well. After all, so much technology inside deserves a high-tech design — especially for laundry appliances situated in or near main living areas. And while traditional white is still the most popular choice for laundry appliances, it's no longer your only choice. Many high-efficiency washers and their matching dryers offer a stainless steel, gray or black option, while some even come in bold red shades that can brighten any laundry day.

bestbuy.com - Laundry Buying Guide: Compare Washers, Dryers & More - Best Buy