Lots of people say, "Talk to the guy who works on them" and I agree. This guy #mce_temp_url# has lots of videos on repair and selection.

One important recent 'development' is in driers: The supposed latest and greatest is the heat pump type. Touted as energy efficient- and they are- what no one tells you is the cycle takes about twice as long, which creates some problems:

1. With the other types- vented or condenser- the dryer cycle takes about the same time as a wash cycle, so you can wash a load, put that in the dryer, and immediately start another wash load. With the heat pump type, you have to watch the clock and wait to start that next round, with the associated extra trip to the laundry room (you've got nothing better to do, right?).

2. Since your clothes spend a lot more time bouncing around in the dryer, it stands to reason they will wear out sooner, and there goes all your "savings".

3. The condensing coils are extremely difficult- perhaps impossible- to clean, and you know they will eventually need cleaning.

Beyond that, as always: DO NOT BUY FROM BIG-BOX STORES! There's a reason they have good prices, and you know what that reason is.