Buying a used washer and dryer is a great way to stretch your budget when outfitting your new home with appliances. There are many reasons a homeowner sells a perfectly working washer and dryer. It may be easier to buy new ones rather than transport them lengthy distances. Electric dryers are often sold when a homeowner converts their home to natural gas. Following these tips will help you find a great bargain when buying a used washer and dryer.
Before you start shopping for a used washer and dryer, take inventory of the features that matter the most to you. If you have a large family, you may want to bypass smaller washers and dryers and look for large capacity units. Conversely, if you have a very small space, you may be limited to stackable models. Make sure you know exactly how much space you have to work with so you don’t waste time looking at appliances that neither work for your needs nor fits in the space you have available.
Next, determine if you have a setup for a natural gas or an electric dryer. Now that you have an idea of the size of appliances you need and whether the dryer will operate on electric power, you are ready to start shopping for your used appliances. How much time do you want to spend looking for your next washer and dryer? The widest selection of used washers and dryers can most likely be found at a used appliance store. If you don’t know of one nearby, ask neighbors for referrals or look in the phone book. Many used appliance stores offer warranties with their washers and dryers. They often deliver and set up your washer and dryer when you purchase those appliances from them. The warranty may provide peace of mind and the convenience of home delivery is hard to beat.
The used appliance stores, of course, charge a premium for these services. If you are on a tight budget and need to find a better value than those provided by the used appliance stores, then buy your washer and dryer directly from private owners. You can find used appliances for sale from private owners by looking through the classified ads of your local newspaper. Bulletin boards in public places are also an excellent way for you to find used washers and dryers for sale.
You will need to check and see if the washer and dryer function properly. Inspecting the washer and dryer should begin with a review of their outward appearance. Ask yourself if they seem well-cared for. Some visual clues of abuse would include rusting on and around the lids and hinges, dents, or pitted and chipped knobs. Ascertain how long the owner has had the appliances. Do they have a large family or many pets? These may provide clues that the washer and dryer have had excessive use or have been subject to additional wear and tear.
If the washer and dryer are still hooked up, run them for a cycle. Does the water flow into and drain from the washer correctly? Does it run smoothly when it spins? If it shakes violently while in a spin cycle, check to make certain the washer is on even footing. If you are certain the flooring is level, you may want to pass on this washer. Next, check the dryer. The most important feature to assess is its ability to warm quickly. The heating element is the most critical component of a well-functioning dryer. All sorts of things can go wrong with the heating element, and it is best repaired by a professional. Sometimes the heating element is functioning fine, but the thermostat may be faulty. If the dryer does not heat quickly, do not assume it is a “small fix” such as the thermostat. You are best to avoid purchasing a dryer where you have any concerns about how quickly it heats up. It may take longer for your clothes to dry, and your “bargain” dryer could wind up costing you a small fortune in increased energy bills.
Next, don’t be afraid to have a washer and dryer that don’t match. The most important factor is how well they clean and dry your clothes. Don’t be pressured into buying a set if you aren’t convinced they are right for you and will work well. If a homeowner has a washer and dryer for sale and you only want one of the appliances, make an offer for the unit you want. There are plenty of sellers of used washers and dryers, and there may be a better deal around the corner if you are willing to keep looking. You haven’t managed to save any money if you wind up purchasing a faulty washer or dryer.
If you choose to buy your used appliance from a private owner, consider how you are going to transport the large appliances to your home. If your washer and dryer will need to be moved up any stairs, make certain you can do it safely. It may be easier to hire a mover to do this for you – most won’t cost more than $50, depending on the distance traveled.
Carry these guidelines with you when you are shopping for a used washer and dryer. It just may help you make a better choice when investing in these used appliances.
