Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Combination Washer/Dryer wash
clothes as well as my current washer?

Yes, and often more effectively! The tumbling action of a front loading washer gently lifts the clothes in and out of the water hundreds of times during the wash cycle. This action cleans and rinses your clothes better than top loading washers and is more gentle on the fabric. Also, the Am-Tech washer dryer combo goes through three rinses during the regular cycle, eliminating any detergent residue that is ordinarily left in the clothing.

I haven't heard of Am-Tech appliances
for a long time. Have they been in current use?

Yes. Am-Tech washers were a common sight in the United States more than 40 years ago. They were invented in the United States and then exported to Europe after World War II. The Europeans continued to perfect the system, and the Am-Tech and its competitors are the most common washer and dryer system in use in Europe today. Now the Am-Tech is back and being marketed in the United States, to the delight of many Americans who are familiar with the product from stays in Europe.

Does the Combination Washer/Dryer operate much
differently than what I'm used to?

Yes, somewhat. Always remember the loads are smaller and the wash and dry cycles combined take approximately 2 1/2 hours to complete a load. So gear your wash habits differently. Wash a load every day or every other day rather than trying to wash everything in one day.

Also, a ventless condensing drying system is different than a standard hot air dryer (remember this machine does not require outside venting). When you remove the clothes from the Am-Tech washer dryer combination, they will feel very hot and humid to the touch. This is normal. For best results shake & fold or hang on a clothes hanger right away to avoid wrinkling.

Remember, gear your wash habits a bit differently and keep your expectations within reason and you'll love the Am-Tech.

How large of a load can the Combination Washer/Dryer handle?

For just the wash, about 14 pounds of dry clothes. For wash and dry, the Am-Tech will accommodate 8-10 pounds of dry clothes. (The equivalent of 5 large towels or 2 pairs of jeans and 3 shirts.)

Does the Combination Washer/Dryer need to be vented?

No. the Am-Tech has a patented ventless condensation drying system in which the hot air is condensed into liquid and then pumped out the discharge hose into a regular drain. This also means there is no humidity created in the area around the Am-Tech.

Where can the Combination
Washer/Dryer be installed?

The most important thing is to install the Am-Tech washer dryer combination in a place that is most convenient for you. It can be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, laundry rooms, or closets. Keep in mind the beauty of the Am-Tech is the versatility of installation. With the elimination of humid air venting, your options are unlimited. As long as you have access to plumbing, a drain, and a standard electrical receptacle, it can be installed anywhere.

What type of detergent can be used with a Combination Washer/Dryer?

A low sudsing detergent, such as ALL, Fresh Start, Purex, Bold, Solo or "New Tide HE" works best. It is best to use powder, but liquid low sudsing detergent works fine. We recommend "New Tide HE" as one of the best on the market.

How much detergent is used per wash?

1 to 2 tablespoons. This means big savings on detergent costs!

Can fabric softener be used in the Am-Tech?

Yes. Am-Tech recommends using a quality fabric softener because it makes the drying cycle more efficient and helps avoid wrinkles. In addition, the clothes come out softer and fluffier.

Can bleach be used in a Combination Washer/Dryer?

Yes. Bleach, as well as fabric softener, have their own compartments in the easy-to-use dispenser drawer. Simply add the bleach or softener before starting the wash, and the Am-Tech automatically dispenses it at the correct time.

How much water does a Combination Washer/Dryer use?

Thirteen to 16 gallons, compared to 30 gallons on the current American-made front-loading washers and 40 to 60 gallons on conventional top-loading washers. The Am-Tech saves you water while cleaning better!

Is a Combination Washer/Dryer energy efficient?

Yes. The Am-Tech washer dryer combo is very energy efficient. Because the Am-Tech uses 50% less water, your hot water heater does not have to use as much energy. Also, the Am-Tech uses only 1.4 kilowatts per hour during the drying cycle as opposed to 5 or more per hour for a conventional dryer.

Can a Combination Washer/Dryer be opened during the drying cycle?

Clothes can be taken out after the wash cycle and hung out in the fresh air. If you still want to dry some of the clothes, you simply set the dryer and start the cycle halfway on the spin cycle. The heating element turns on when the dryer timer is set.

Does the Am-Tech require any special wiring?

No. The Am-Tech uses 115 volt, 15 amp standard wiring.

Can the Am-Tech be raised off the floor?

Yes, as long as the base is level and is made of very sturdy construction.

How long does it take to wash and dry a load of clothes?

The amount of time it takes to wash and dry a load of clothes depends on the type and size of the load (delicates, permanent press or cottons). The average total wash and dry time is 2 to 2 1/2 hours. This approximates the total time it takes to both wash and dry a comparable load of clothing in a separate washer and dryer system.

If you have any additional questions about the Am-Tech Combination Washer and Dryer, call 1-800-884-8635.