This weekend, my washing machine decided that it no longer likes warm water.  It hasn’t liked hot water for quite some time, but it was content to use warm.  This is no longer the case.  Any time we switch it on warm or hot, it pours forth water from every orifice, and makes quite a mess in my laundry room.  Needless to say, that’s not a good thing.  Fortunately we don’t often use warm or hot water - most of our laundry is done with cold water.

No matter what, though, this is a problem.  To have someone come out and take a look at the washer, I’m probably looking at $150-$200.  If it’s something minor like a loose hose, that might do it.  But if anything actually needs repaired, things could get quite expensive in a hurry.  So instead, I’ve been looking at replacing the machine alltogether.

Front Loading Washers are more efficient

Despite the potential drawbacks ( moisture issues, special detergent ), I’ve decided on a front loading washing machine.  Why?  Simple - they use far less water, far less electricity, and also extract more water from the clothes than a traditional top loader.  That means less dryer time - and even more electricity saved.  The high efficiency ( HE ) detergent that’s required is also used in smaller amounts - so there’s potential for additional savings there.

The problem

$700 plus tax and delivery.  That’s the cost on the washer we picked out - the LG wm2016cw.  Sears had it on sale this past Saturday for $594.99 and we foolishly waited… but that’s the price you pay sometimes.  In any case, by the time taxes and delivery are tacked out, it’s an $800 plus purchase.  Ouch.  If we didn’t have an emergency fund / saving account, this would be an ugly time.  Fortunately we do - but I still hate to dip into it.  I can’t afford more leakage though.  What if my washer decides it’s no longer fond of cold water?  A ruined floor & mold problems are far more expensive than a new dryer.  So we’ll try to stick it out until this weekend, and finally plunk down the cold, hard, cash.  At least we’ll be rewarded with energy savings… if not for that - I’d be much more upset about the whole ordeal.

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