How Washer-Dryer Combos Operate

Laundry may not be everyone's favorite task, but whether you dread it or enjoy the sense of productivity it brings, doing laundry is essential for most households. On average, a family does around 400 loads of laundry annually [source: Energy Star].

Fortunately, there are a variety of options to suit your needs, from steam cleaning to multiple spin cycle settings, ensuring that you can find the perfect washer and dryer for your lifestyle. For those prioritizing space efficiency, a washer-dryer combo, or an all-in-one washer-dryer, is one of the most compact solutions for cleaning clothes.

"They're not exactly new to the market, but they have gained popularity, especially as people move into smaller apartments or condos," explains Michael Lee, the vice president of marketing at Thor Appliance Company.

Already a hit in Europe and Asia due to their compact size, all-in-one washer-dryer combos are ideal for lofts, apartments, or anyone looking to save space [source: Creative Laundry Systems, Inc.]. These units are also favored by owners of large boats or recreational vehicles like mobile homes. Many models are similar in size to a standard dishwasher [source: Lee].

In addition to their small size, some all-in-one washer-dryer models feature unique designs compared to traditional standalone washers and dryers. Next, we'll explore how these units function, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of choosing them over separate units, including potential energy savings.

Let's take a closer look at the mechanics of a washer-dryer combo system.

Types of Washer Dryer Combos

All-in-one washer-dryer combos come in two varieties: vented and ventless. "We offer a vented version, primarily sold to our marine and RV customers, while our ventless model is more commonly found in high-rise apartments and condos," explains Lee.

A vented unit operates much like a traditional front-loading washer paired with a dryer. The wash cycle involves tumbling clothes with water and detergent until they are clean, followed by a spin cycle to remove excess water [source: LG Electronics]. For the drying process, the unit draws air from the surrounding room, heats it up [American Gas Association], and circulates it with the clothes. The heated air absorbs moisture, creating steam that is vented outside. The system then pulls in fresh air and heats it to continue the cycle.

In contrast, a ventless unit doesn’t need an external exhaust. "The washing process is the same; the primary difference is in the drying method," says Lee. "These machines use a condensing drying system, similar to a dehumidifier."

With a ventless system, wet clothes are placed in the drum, where a cooling condensing chamber, made of plastic or metal, is used. The air inside the dryer drum is heated, and as the drum spins, the warm air absorbs moisture from the clothes. This moisture-laden air then passes through the cooled condensing chamber, causing condensation to form, which changes the moisture into liquid water [source: Lee]. The water is drained away, while the dry, hot air is recirculated, and the process continues [source: Creative Laundry Systems, Inc.].

Whether you opt for a vented or ventless unit, all-in-one combos provide a range of program options to meet your fabric care needs. You can run a wash-and-dry cycle in one go, or choose separate "dry only" or "wash only" cycles [source: Equator Advanced Appliances]. Additionally, these units offer settings for delicates, timed drying, and extra rinse options [source: Creative Laundry Systems, Inc., Equator Advanced Appliances, Summit Appliance].

How effective are washer-dryer combos in terms of efficiency?

Efficiency of Washer-Dryer Combos

When weighing the option between a separate washer and dryer or an all-in-one washer-dryer combination, there are several pros and cons to consider. One of the most noticeable benefits of the all-in-one model is the space-saving factor. These units, typically about the size of a regular dishwasher, can be installed under a countertop, offering a great laundry solution for those with limited space [source: Lee]. Additionally, ventless models, which don’t require an external vent, provide even greater placement flexibility.

In addition to saving space, these all-in-one units also help you save time. With settings that allow you to wash and dry your clothes simultaneously, there's no need to worry about transferring laundry from the washer to the dryer. This feature can also prevent the need for a second wash if you forget about wet clothes and they start to develop a musty smell.

Lastly, all-in-one machines can contribute to energy savings. Similar to front-loading washers, these units use less water than traditional top-loaders, which results in less energy needed to heat the smaller volume of water [source: Federal Trade Commission, California Energy Commission]. Front-load washers are also capable of spinning faster, leading to clothes that are drier at the end of the wash cycle, thus requiring less drying time [source: Federal Trade Commission, California Energy Commission].

However, all-in-one units have some drawbacks that should be considered before purchasing. While they save space, this often comes at the cost of load capacity, as combined wash-and-dry cycles typically allow for a maximum load size of 6-10 pounds depending on the model [source: Lee]. Additionally, the full cycle of these machines can take longer than using separate washers and dryers, usually ranging from 2-3 hours [source: Lee, LG Electronics].