Corsair does laundry* (Or, why New Haven apartments need washer-dryers)
April 7, 2017
No one’s favorite part of apartment living is the shared laundry room—in New Haven apartments or anywhere. The jockeying for machines, the awkwardness of abandoned clothes, the hanging around in the basement. True, it’s a step up from the laundromat, but doesn’t everyone long for an apartment with its own washer and dryer? Happily, there are washing machines and dryers in every apartment here at Corsair. It’s one of the building’s amenities. (And if you really hate washing clothes, Corsair has optional pickup and delivery from a laundry service.)
Your new apartment comes with a washer and dryer—now what?
First of all, congratulations! You’ve won the lottery of New Haven apartments. (Did you move to Corsair?) First, make sure you know the basics of doing laundry. Next, get your supplies. If you’re crafty, you can make your own detergent. However, if DIY is not your scene, there’s no shortage of big box stores around New Haven. Near Corsair, you can hop on I-91 and get to several in minutes. Or skip the chain stores and walk to the neighborhood markets of Orange Street in East Rock.
Is it laundry time in your apartment? Maybe.
Having a washer and dryer in your apartment means you can do laundry whenever you want. It still pays to time it right, though. You can save money by washing clothes at off-peak times, when electricity rates are lower. Generally speaking, this is at night, but you can see the full schedule from the utility company that serves New Haven apartments. Note, however, that doing your laundry at off hours doesn’t use less energy. It just costs less, as this piece explains.
There are, however, things you can do to save energy when washing and drying clothes:
• Get a drying rack and use your dryer less.
• Try these helpful dryer tips, like putting a dry towel in with your wet clothes to absorb water.
• Wash with cold water. As this guide explains, most of the energy use for laundry is from heating water.
Finally, a bit of maintenance: keep your washing machine clean. Leave it open after use to let it air out. Prevent mold with a periodic rinse, as this guide explains. And don’t forget the dryer. Empty the lint trap to keep it running at top form.
If you’ve followed this far, you just might have clean clothes. Celebrate by taking your sharply-dressed self out on the town in New Haven.
*In this blog. Sorry.
