Is It Worth It To Have Multiple Washers And Dryers?

Do laundry loads seem never-ending in your home? Whether it's due to a big household or just busy lifestyles that make linens and clothing pile up, if your washer and dryer seem to constantly be on, you may be at a point where you're wondering what to do. While there are plenty of laundry tips and tricks HGTV stars swear by and hundreds more online, it may seem that your loads require too much time and energy.

Some people tout for owning two washers and two dryers. While at one time this may have seemed indulgent if not downright boujee, it might be a good solution for those families or households that just have too many loads. There are definitely pros and cons, but it might turn out that doubling up on these appliances is the remedy to the pile of (laundry) doom shadowing your chore list.

So what do you need to consider before choosing to upgrade your washing regime to four units? You always want to take how much space these will require versus how much you have available into consideration. Of course, keep the monetary aspect in mind, too — not only the price of the appliances but also labor costs. Will the output be worth it? And consider energy consumption as well. As long as all of these things make sense, then this solution is worth it to be able to clean laundry faster. Otherwise, it might be an idea to keep on the back burner.

Over all the other considerations, space takes precedence when it comes to making a decision. The most efficient way to install and store a second washer and dryer is to stack them, so if you have the ceiling height in your laundry area to accommodate four appliances stacked, this will ensure you save floor space and create a more aesthetic, orderly layout. You would also want to consider the actual brands and appliances: If your washer and dryer are older and those are no longer available, investing in different styles could make your layout a little chaotic, so try to find similar products. Also, if you're stacking your units, make sure you can reach the loaders with a stool, if necessary. This will also take up floor space, unless you choose one that can fold flat.

Washing machines cost around $1000, and dryers cost anywhere from $800 upwards. If this investment is feasible, then you can ensure you're getting newer appliances that will hold up. Before shopping for a new washer or dryer, don't forget to consider a reliable warranty before buying. You could opt for lightly used washers and dryers, too, but you want to ensure they are in good condition so there's no issues that could affect the bottom set either, like leaks. All in one units are also a potential solution and could save even more space, but there are things to consider before buying an all in one washer dryer. For instance, drying times can be longer in these.

Energy consumption and utility bills are another aspect to consider. Most households use their washers and dryers at least six hours each week, though this will vary depending on how many people are in the house, load sizes, etc. The energy cost can add up to $100 or more per year depending upon how many loads you're doing. However, if you're simply splitting up your six or more loads between the two units, it could work out to be about the same and just cut down on the time it takes to do all your loads. The dryers' energy costs more than the washers, so putting these on at the same time might be a little more costly.

If you're wanting to go ahead with a second set, you may need to demolish some of the drywall in your laundry space to make room or add more drainage. This will vary depending on the setup, and you may even need another gas connection. It's also useful to note where your outlet is in case this needs to be shifted to accommodate the appliances. These are all things to note, as they will also add to the initial cost. However, the pros may outweigh the cons if it means getting on top of that laundry pile and staying on top of it!