Originally published September 4, 2008

They keep your jeans clean, your towels dry, your dishes sparkling.

But, without proper care, your washer, dryer and other appliances could end up costing you money.

Old or new, appliances are major investments for any home. There are ways to save money whether buying new models or maintaining old ones.

With stores getting ready to clear out last year’s models, Labor Day through October could be prime times to find appliance bargains. New refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine models also could save electricity and water, appliance dealers say.

When it comes to buying washing machines, do you want to save money now or in the long run?

Jimmy Stinson, owner of Ace Television & Appliance, said front-loading washing machines could be far more economical than traditional top loading ones. Front-loading machines could cost around $200 more than top-loaders, but the long-term savings make them worth the added cost, he said.

“By saving water, you make up the price difference in two years,” he said.

He said that the washing drum in a front-loading washer rotates up to 1,000 times a minute, compared to 350 times a minute for a new top-loading machine.

“A top loading machine uses 48 gallons of water, a front loading washer uses 18,” he said, adding that such machines automatically adjust water levels according to the load levels. You get water for one shirt if you wash one shirt.

The washers also get clothes drier, so time in the dryer is cut down, he said.

Keeping your appliances maintained and cleaned also cuts costs.

Sharon Hogle, owner of The Hogle Co., said people don’t maintain their appliances the same way they maintain their cars.

Simple things could be the most important. How often do you clean the lint filter in your dryer? How about the hose or vent?

Lint accumulation in the filter, hose or vent restricts the flow of air, making the dryer less efficient, she said. Also, check and replace dryer vent hoses before they become brittle.

“One of the biggest things is to change the hoses in your washing machine,” Hogle said.

Hogle said she knows of customers who have kept and maintained their appliances for many years. Older customers especially tend to keep their appliances.

“They can’t afford a new one, so if they can fix it, they do,” she said.

Whether a person can maintain an appliance indefinitely depends on the availability of parts. She said dealers of used appliances could keep some old models for parts.

“Some of the parts in newer models are universal and will fit older models,” she said. “But if the part is not made anymore and it is not something you can trade for, you’re sunk.”

Saving on appliances
When buying
• Shop during end of the year close-outs.
• Do a trade-in with your old models.
• Buy a floor model. You get the same warranty without the added price.
• Look for a package deal, several appliances at once.
• Consider a front-end loading washing machine. It saves water and energy.

When maintaining
• The owner’s manual is your friend. Read it. Heed it. Keep it in a readily accessible place.
• Clean dryer lint filter after every load.
• Check dryer vent hose and keep it clean of accumulated lint.
• Make sure outside dryer vent is clear.
• Check gaskets and hoses regularly.
• Use your oven self-cleaning filter immediately after cooking to reduce warm-up.
• Keep everything clean, including oven and range burners, the dishwasher drain, dryer lint filter.

When using
• Washing clothes in cold water is just as effective as warm water.
• Match the load setting to the size of the clothes.
• Dry like-weight items together.
• Fully load, but do not overload the dryer.
• Do your laundry in the morning so you can line dry your clothes in the noonday sun.
• Let your dishes air dry.

SOURCES: About.com, energyguide.com, OG&E, Ace Appliances, the Hogle Co.