5 Tips For Buying A New Dryer

Buying a new dryer can be an eye-opening experience with all the available options. From steam to ventless, to WiFi connected, the latest dryers have features you couldn’t have imagined 30 years ago. But finding the right dryer can be a challenge, and there are still dryers that can fry your clothes so it’s important to do your research before you plunk down your money. Use our tips to help you find the right fit:

1. Measurements: Dryers come in two sizes - standard and compact, and even within those divisions, measurements can vary so it's important to measure and take stock of what you need. Don't forget to take into account the doorways, hallways, stairwells, etc. to make sure the new dryer can make it in (and the old one can make it out).
2. Fuel option: dryers are either powered by gas or electricity. Check to see which one you need if you are replacing it.
3. Performance: The biggest issue may be ensuring that your dryer doesn’t ruin your clothes. Too much heat can set wrinkles instead of releasing them or make clothes stiff and uncomfortable. Check out our Resources page for great sites that thoroughly evaluate new dryers. There are a lot of new features than can help preserve your clothes (such as the steam dryer), but you'll have to decide if you'll really use the features and whether it's worth the up-charge.
4. Energy Efficiency: Since 2015 dryers have been included in Energy Star ratings. Energy Star uses the Combined Energy Factor (CEF) rating to determine how energy efficient a dryer is. The higher the number, the more efficient it is. Energy Star certified dryers are at least 20% more efficient than their non-certified counterparts but can be even more efficient than that. Ventless dryers (also known as heat pump dryers) are significantly more efficient than standard dryers and don’t need to be vented to the outdoors (they do need drain access, however). Check out the Energy Star site to help you select an efficient model.
5. Features: Dryers have a ton of new features available which can help you prolong the life of your clothes. Many models now include moisture sensors so that the unit will turn off once the clothes are dry. Steam dryers help prevent wrinkles and eliminate odours from clothing. Models connected to the internet will send you a note telling you when the cycle is complete.
6. Reliability: Check online reviews and repair forums to ensure that the model you’re interested in doesn’t come with a history of breakdowns – especially if it’s the same problem repeatedly, it could point to a manufacturing or design flaw that hasn’t been addressed yet.
7. Repairability: All machines break, but the issue is, can it be easily and quickly fixed? Checking forums will help, but also, ensuring that service is available in your neighbourhood should a breakdown occur. Ask the store where you are buying it whether they service the machines they sell, or if they have a good relationship with local service companies. A quality appliance store will always have service options to help you out.

For information on buying, selling and maintaining your dryer, check out other articles on our Dryers page.

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• Dryer
• Buying