April 19, 2005 10:12 AM
Front load washers
My daughter Sam's washer went kaput this week and she had to buy a new one. I had to sing the praises of my front loader and she decided to get one too. I've had one for five years now and have saved way, way more than it cost to buy it.
Here are all the pluses:
Larger capacity
Uses less water
Uses less soap
Gets clothes cleaner
Gentler on farics
Gets clothes drier
It was the savings on water that really persuaded Sam, as she is not on a well, but city water -- which costs her plenty.
I splurged and got the extra big one from Sears. Yeah, I know it's expensive, but I do so much laundry it just made sense to have the largest capacity possible.
I also bought a maintenance agreement, which I do on all my appliances, so Sears comes out and does preventive maintenance once a year, plus they fix anything that breaks -- which has only happened with my washer twice in five years.
With 8 kids still at home -- 9 this summer when Ben comes home from college -- our appliances probably age three years for every year in a normal family.
I think Sears sells the maintenance agreements to cover appliances which were purchased elsewhere. It's really worth it. This morning I had preventive maintenance on my refrigerator and the Sears man is ordering a new plastic drawer to replace the one that's broken. The visit plus drawer would have cost $308, but it's all covered. The person who came out to check out my stove ordered new gas modules because they weren't igniting properly.
I don't know how Sears makes any money at this. Maybe people forget they have the agreements and don't call. But with all I put them through, they're lucky to be breaking even.
Don't mean to sound like an ad for Sears, but this blog is meant to be a resource for moms. For some reason, I've been really wrapped up in the mundane aspects of motherhood lately. Must be spring fever. Check in later for deeper fare.
Posted in Practical Info | Permalink
Comments
Re deeper things:
I seem to remember Brother Lawrence's _Practicing the Presence of God_ had quite a bit about kitchen duties in it. Peeling vegetables, washing dishes? :-)
Posted by: Jschutt | April 19, 2005 10:50 AM
Talking about washers and Sears is good for moms! Given your laundry volume, your opinion
is valued. Lately, I've been an ad for Sears because it seems they're doing a great thing by sponsoring Home Makeover. Blessing people literally where they live without humiliating them in the process. We've already said the next appliance we buy will be from them. Thanks to you, it will have a service agreement and when it's time for a washer, it will be a front loader.
Posted by: Lexie | April 19, 2005 12:31 PM
I wonder how many children/loads a week to you need to make this a savings?
I would love to have one, but have thought it was conspicuous consumption and indulgent. I'm glad to hear your line of reasoning.
Posted by: Jschutt | April 21, 2005 9:25 PM
