Manufacturers of washing and drying machines are keeping pace with the evolving day to day customer needs. Modern laundry appliances span from time-tested workhorses to energy saving appliances that incorporate the latest technology and convenience. There are many choices in the market that enables a potential customer to identify one that has the right performance mix and features as desired. In deciding the laundry machine to purchase you should consider the model, the laundry room or closet or open space. The growth in the number of potential clients who desire to outsource laundry work offers a possible area for investment to serve the growing number of the middle class who have experienced increased disposable income. The purpose of this report is to analyze the cost of energy per a load of a washing and drying machine and to recommend the most appropriate technique (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
To meet the needs of the customers, a full-size washer and a dryer will be required. The two will perform side by side. The washing machine will be placed on the left, and the drier will be on the right. The reason for putting them in this way is because of the door hinges which are located on the right. The door will, therefore, open away from the user as they transfer the wet clothes to the drier. There are models with reversible hinges, but the user will be forced to use a top load design. Front loaders allow the user to stack the drier using a stacking kit that can be bought separately. However, it is only ideal where there is need to save on the floor space to maintain the capacity. The elevated drier will require something to step on for the user to reach the control panel (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
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The increased volume of laundry to be handled requires the use of full-size washers and dryers. Some designs use separate compact models that can be fitted on tight spaces. They can be arranged vertically or placed side by side. For this task, it is advisable that you buy a combo in which the same appliance washes and dries. The challenge of using a combo is that it has limited capacity and longer load times. Similarly, you can buy full sized appliances because they are deep (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
Before purchasing the washing appliance, it is desirable to measure the designated area. Consider any trims like baseboards and frames. Some free spaces should also be available around the machine. Leave one to three inches between appliances and on the side for air circulation. Have four to six inches at the back for ventilation, hook-ups, and cords. If the appliance is a front door loader, it should have twenty-one to twenty-five inches for swinging the door open. If a top loader is used twenty inches will be required for door clearance. Consider utility installations, i.e., water hook-up, power outlet and exhaust vent for the drier. Once you are satisfied with the measurements and calculations, it is advisable to inspect the path that the appliance will use to reach the laundry area. If there are narrow doorways, tight corners or banisters that are likely to affect the delivery of the machines, it is advisable to change them for smaller sized ones that can easily be transported to the desired location (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
Types of washers
Top load washers
They are two types, i.e., standard and high-efficiency top load washers. The conventional has an agitator that forms the central spindle equivalent to the height of the washtub. The tub is filled with water for both washing and rinsing. The high-efficiency top load appliances incorporate utility saving technologies of a front load washer with the plain exterior of a top load machine. It has a dispenser for detergents but lacks an agitator. The settings are positioned on a raised panel while others place them on a flat panel. Its washtub is not filled with water because sensors determine the volume of water needed for the load. Different washing actions are used by various brands. A concentrated detergent solution and high-pressure spray for rinsing are used (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
High-efficiency front load washers
The washtub is turned on its sides which alters the design. The drum has short paddles or fins that are perpendicular to the sides. They spin vertically in a similar way to a drier. The control panel is located on the front. There is also a pull out drawer that houses the detergent and other agents' dispensers. Once the washer starts the cycle, it determines the volume of water needed for the load and mixes the soap with the water creating a concentrated solution. As the drum spins, the clothes are lifted to the top by the fins and dropped to the water to loosen and drive out any soils (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
Types of driers
Electric driers
They require a three or four prongs two hundred and forty volts outlet. They are cheaper to acquire but are costlier to operate. They also dry slower than gas dryers. They require an external vent unless vent fewer condensation driers are used (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
Gas driers
They use the natural gas connection to heat plug in a three-prong a hundred and ten volts electrical outlet. They require an external exhaust vent. Its initial cost will be higher than an electric dryer but cost less to maintain. They heat up faster and dry the dry the clothes more quickly (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
Capacity
The nature of this business requires that the ability of the washer and drier meets the demand. A larger-capacity will be needed to achieve the increased volume of laundry to be done. The numeric cubic feet helps in comparing the different capacities. The pounds of laundry for the washer should be more substantial to accommodate the never-ending volume. With a 5.2 or above cubic feet, it is possible to wash more massive quantities in one load. The drier capacity should be determined by the capacity of the washer. Its drum should be large enough to allow the full wash load to be accommodated freely while retaining enough space for the hot air. It is therefore advisable to balance the two, and since the purchase will be made at the same time, the two will already be balanced (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
Key features
The washer should have automatic temperature control by incorporating an internal water heater. Similarly, it should not have an internal agitator and if possible should have a washable hand cycle and quick wash cycles. It should have a dedicated self-clean cycle. The two should have an energy star symbol to indicate that they meet the requirements as set for energy efficiency. A certified washer will save 25% of the energy and 40% less water. Similarly, dryers will save 20% of the power. The appliances can also incorporate steam capabilities and sanitization or allergy settings with digital displays and touchscreens. They should minimize vibration and noise while having delayed start (Bestbuy.com, 2017).
Recommendation
For the laundry business, A Samsung Active wash top load washer with 5.2cu.ft 13 cycle capacity will be ideal. It has a capacity of 28 pounds of laundry. It can handle massive loads reducing the time spent on laundry. It has a built-in sink that allows pre-treatment and soaking of the clothes. The steam wash helps remove the stain and has vibration reduction technology. The load stays balanced as the washing continues. Its price is $809.99. Additionally, you should buy a Samsung 7.4 Cu. Ft. 12-cycle Gas dryer with steam which is sold at $549.99. The two can be purchased from bestbuy.com. Follow the links https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-activewash-5-2-cu-ft-13-cycle-high-efficiency-top-loading-washer-with-steam-white/5712046.p?skuId=5712046 and https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-7-4-cu-ft-12-cycle-gas-dryer-with-steam-white/4845407.p?skuId=4845407 to buy the washer and dryer.
Depending on the utility rate, the washer estimated annual energy use according to its energy guide is $20 when used with the electric water heater or $12 when used with the natural gas water heater. The national average electric cost twelve cents per kWh and natural gas cost of $1.09 per therm. If natural gas is used, the weekly energy use will be $0.231 which is computed by dividing $12 by 52 weeks. Annual energy use for the washer is based on six wash loads every week, therefore, energy cost per load is 0.0385 (0.231/6) or 0.04. The cost per load is $0.1 + $ 0.15 + $0.5 +$0.04 =$0.79. The cost per load was computed by adding the individual costs given in the project which included the cost of water, detergent and employee labor. Additionally, the cost of energy which was computed from annual energy cost given in the energy guide and converted to cost per load was added. If a full load of 28 pounds is washed and dried each day, the company will be making a profit of $27.21 each day. The figure will remain the same per load irrespective of the number of wash loads per day as long as the full load is achieved. Any load that is lower than this reduces the profits. If the load is less than 0.79, the company will be making a loss (Martin-Gay, 2015; Tussy, Gustafson & Koenig, 2011).
Profits per load = $1.00X – ($0.1+$0.15+$0.5 + 0.04) = X – 0.79 per load. We can use the Equation Y = X - 0.79 to graph the profits on a piecewise graph.
| Weight of laundry (lbs) | Machines needed | Sales | Cost per load | Profits | Change in profits |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | $0.79 | $0.21 | 0 |
| 28 | 1 | $28 | $0.79 | $27.21 | $27 |
| 56 | 2 | $56 | $1.58 | $54.42 | $27.42 |
| 84 | 3 | $84 | $2.37 | $81.63 | $3.21 |
(College for America, 2017; GraphFree, 2015; Khanacademy; 2017; Khanacademy; 2015).
Piecewise graph showing the growth in profits for laundry business (GraphFree, 2015).
Graphfree screenshot (GraphFree, 2015).
The formula considers the cost of energy per load which includes the cost of water, detergent, employee labor, and power. The energy consumed will be determined by the number of loads per day given that one load consumes the same amount irrespective of the size of the load. The equation X – 0.79 denotes the growth in profits with an increase in the number of pounds. The graph shows that an increase in the number of loads leads to a proportionate increase in the profits (Tussy, Gustafson & Koenig, 2011; Www2.le.ac.uk, 2017).
The table indicates the changes in profits which can be attributed to the weight of the load. In each case, the washer and dryer can perform all the functions if the full capacity has not been reached this implies therefore that there is no need of acquiring additional pieces of equipment if the laundry can be handled by a single washer. However, as the volume creases, an additional washer will be required. The cost per load reduces as the weight of laundry increases. The profits also slightly rise as a result of economies of scale. From the table and the model, it is evident that the company will maximize its profits if the washing machine is operating at its full capacity of 28 pounds. The price per pound model is better because the business can benefit from increased profits by ensuring that it works at full capacity. The model leads to more profits as long as the full capacity is reached. For larger volumes of laundry, the company will experience higher returns. The total cost is meager implying that as the company expands its load, any additional pounds up to full capacity will be profit. It will also help charge higher amounts to customers with larger volumes while reducing the cost for smaller quantities therefore maximizing profits (Tussy, Gustafson & Koenig, 2011).
References
Bestbuy.com, (2017). Laundry Buying Guide. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from https://www.bestbuy.com/site/buying-guides/laundry-buying-guide/pcmcat327200050000.c?id=pcmcat327200050000&type=category
Bestbuy.com, (2017). Samsung - Active wash 5.2 Cu. Ft. 13-Cycle High-Efficiency Top-Loading Washer with Steam - White. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-activewash-5-2-cu-ft-13-cycle-high-efficiency-top-loading-washer-with-steam-white/5712046.p?skuId=5712046
Bestbuy.com, (2017). Samsung - 7.4 Cu. ft. 12-Cycle Gas Dryer with Steam - White. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-7-4-cu-ft-12-cycle-gas-dryer-with-steam-white/4845407.p?skuId=4845407
College for America, (2017). CfA Citation Guide. Retrieved from http://cfaresources.s3.amazonaws.com/General%20Resources/CfA%20Citation%20Guide.pdf
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GraphFree.com (2015). Graphfree. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from http://www.graphfree.com/
Khanacademy, (2017). Introduction to piecewise functions. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra-home/alg-functions/alg-piecewise-functions/v/piecewise-function-example
Khanacademy, (2015, August 06). Two-variable linear equations and their graphs algebra I Khan Academy. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOxMJRtoR2A
Khan Academy, (2017). What is a variable?. [online] Available at: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/introduction-to-algebra/alg1-intro-to-variables/v/what-is-a-variable [Accessed 28 Oct. 2017].
Martin-Gay, K. E. (2015). Student solutions manual for Basic college mathematics with early integers, 3rd edition, Elayn Martin-Gay. Boston: Pearson.
Tussy, A. S., Gustafson, R. D., & Koenig, D. R. (2011). Developmental mathematics for college students. Australia: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
Www2.le.ac.uk. (2017). Presenting numerical data — University of Leicester. [online] Available at: http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ld/resources/numerical-data/numerical-data [Accessed 28 Oct. 2017
