Adding Washer and Electric Dryer (no vent) to Condo Unit? (washers, pool)
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Looking at a condo unit in Chicago which lacks a washer/dryer. I asked the listing agent if it would be possible to add them. Agent said the machine must be electric and ventless, and could be added under a kitchen counter or in the second bathroom.
Would this be a major project? Is it worth considering a condo unit like this? It has many other good qualities and is much lower priced vs. the general market. I'm surprised that the current unit owner hasn't already done this, but maybe they were fine with using the existing in-building laundry room. Or maybe they found out that it's more trouble than it's worth.
I know nothing about home repairs / projects - obviously a water source is required for the washer; for the dryer, my brief research online says that electric costs more to operate than gas. Any other drawbacks?
Gas would be much harder to add unless there are gas lines in your new place.
You can check into portable washers and dryers. Very easy hook ups and they only use 110 electric which is a normal outlet. The dryers aren't as strong as a big regular dryer but it gets the job done.
But again, you have to have a dedicated 220v circuit, water supply, and a way to vent the dryer to the exterior.
"Ventless" is not economical by any stretch of the imagination. And you certainly don't want to vent "into" the living area.
I've seen some pretty good RE setup's- in the kitchen, w/extra shutoffs on the water, pull the range out to get to the electric, and flex hose to a window for the vent. It works! But man; what a pain in the ass that would be everytime you wanted to do laundry.
A portable washer doesn't require special plumbing. You can roll the unit up to a sink and connect the supply hose to the faucet with an adapter. There is a male adapter on the faucet end that needs to be installed- you unscrew the aeriater and screw in this part. If you don't want the hassle of doing it each time, you can just leave it there - but that means you won't get the aeriater feature anymore. Also this is for the basic faucet design, it won't work with fancier faucets.
The female adapter goes in the hose. The waste water goes into the sink. I used a Haier brand unit for close to 10 yrs when I was in an apt. It is smaller than a standard unit but great for 1 person. For drying, I just use drying racks. Works great in the winter since they naturally dry in 3-4 hrs in front of a heat register. In the summer, I take the racks outside and have to wait for a sunny, non-windy day.
A portable washer doesn't require special plumbing. You can roll the unit up to a sink and connect the supply hose to the faucet with an adapter. There is a male adapter on the faucet end that needs to be installed- you unscrew the aeriater and screw in this part. If you don't want the hassle of doing it each time, you can just leave it there - but that means you won't get the aeriater feature anymore. Also this is for the basic faucet design, it won't work with fancier faucets.
The female adapter goes in the hose. The waste water goes into the sink. I used a Haier brand unit for close to 10 yrs when I was in an apt. It is smaller than a standard unit but great for 1 person. For drying, I just use drying racks. Works great in the winter since they naturally dry in 3-4 hrs in front of a heat register. In the summer, I take the racks outside and have to wait for a sunny, non-windy day.
I love my portable washer. Good idea about the drying. There is an indoor vent but not sure how good that would be unless you are in an arid climate...then it might be good.
Then again you could buy a washer/dryer combo like this:
You need 2 professional opinions.
1. Plumber for the hot/cold water. And, maybe a drain if required by code.
2. Electrician for the 220 v circuit.
Under kitchen counter is very common in Europe. They install washer/dryer combos. Performance is just OK.
I lived in Chicago for over 40 years.............
You better make sure you're allowed by the HOA to have any type of washer/dryer in unit as many don't allow them!! If they don't and you install it anyway and it breaks down causing damage to your unit and others, your insurance and the HOA's insurance might not pay a claim for damages resulting in all of it to be paid out of pocket by you!
DON''T take the realtor word either, ask to see the HOA CC&R's (bylaws)!
Looking at a condo unit in Chicago which lacks a washer/dryer. I asked the listing agent if it would be possible to add them. Agent said the machine must be electric and ventless, and could be added under a kitchen counter or in the second bathroom.
Would this be a major project? Is it worth considering a condo unit like this? It has many other good qualities and is much lower priced vs. the general market. I'm surprised that the current unit owner hasn't already done this, but maybe they were fine with using the existing in-building laundry room. Or maybe they found out that it's more trouble than it's worth.
I know nothing about home repairs / projects - obviously a water source is required for the washer; for the dryer, my brief research online says that electric costs more to operate than gas. Any other drawbacks?
Thank you!!
All I can say is, don't even think about using a ventless device. Unless you like 100% humidity and endless dryer dust in the air. I know from experience!
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