Location Spotlight: Chicago, IL

This week, we spoke with a local condo association in Chicago dealing with a frustrating (and expensive) issue in one of their shared laundry rooms. A standard LG dryer—used daily by dozens of residents—suddenly stopped working. When we inspected the unit, we found that the necessary parts to get it running again were going to cost over $600.

That’s a steep bill for a single repair—and it’s not likely to be the last.

The Problem with Residential Appliances in Shared Laundry Rooms

Standard residential washers and dryers like the LG model in this building are designed for low to moderate use—think one family, a few loads a week. But in a shared laundry room, usage skyrockets. These machines are running multiple cycles a day, often back-to-back, with heavier loads and more wear and tear.

Over time, that extra strain leads to:

  • More frequent breakdowns

  • Higher repair costs

  • Shorter appliance lifespans

  • Frustrated residents

The Better Solution: Commercial-Grade Laundry Equipment

For buildings with shared laundry spaces, switching to commercial-grade appliances (like SpeedQueen) is a game changer.

Here’s why we recommend them:

  • Built for high-volume use – They’re engineered to handle constant operation.
  • Longer lifespans – Fewer repairs, less downtime, and a better ROI.
  • Custom payment options – Choose integrated coin or card payment features—or go without.
  • Stronger warranties – Many commercial models come with coverage tailored for frequent use.

Real Talk: It’s Not Just About Price Upfront

While a residential dryer may be cheaper up front, the long-term costs can easily outweigh the savings. In this case, the Chicago condo association now faces a $600+ repair—and no guarantee the unit won’t need more work in the near future.

By switching to a commercial-grade system, they’ll avoid repeat issues, improve resident satisfaction, and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

Need Advice for Your Property?

If you’re a property manager or board member for a condo or multi-unit building, we’re here to help. We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you choose the right appliance for your building’s needs.

Serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs
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