The washer and dryer that came with this house have been showing signs of their age. More than that, I’ve been annoyed by the limited capacity of the washer because it can only handle about half a week’s worth of towels, so I have to do a load of towels every four days.

This all came to a head a few days ago when I thought the dryer had given up the ghost. I turned the knob to set it to the permanent press cycle and pressed the ON button and nothing happened.

I tried opening and closing the door but to no avail. After tinkering some more, I finally discovered that if I used the timed dry feature, it would work, but I decided it was time to look for a replacement.

As it happened my neighbor had just gotten a new washer a few months ago from C&D Appliances, a store just two or three blocks from here, depending on how one counts the blocks. She was happy not only with the washer itself but with the service she received from C&D. They not only delivered and set up the new washer, but they disassembled and carted away the old one.

The disassembly is important, because in these hundred year old south Philadelphia row homes, the entrance to the basement is quite narrow.  So both the new washer and the old have to be taken through the door in pieces.

I went to C&D and Leahla helpfully showed me the various models that I had to choose from and answered all my questions.

Of course there was sticker shock. The last time I bought a washer and dryer was a bit over 20 years ago so I was expecting to spend perhaps $1500.

No. In the end, and after I chose a slightly more expensive model that has a couple extra features, with the extra charges for delivery and removing the old washer/dryer, the price came closer to $3000.

They’ll be delivered on Monday. I have two more loads of laundry to do, towels and clothes, and I just realized that I can put them off until I have the new washer dryer, as I have enough of everything to tide me over. 

So I’m now waiting eagerly for Monday’s delivery!