Fill in the blank (_) in the following sentence from the following choices.
Sentence: I had to replace my washer instead of my dryer because the _ was older.

Choice 1: I had to replace my washer instead of my dryer because the dryer was older.
Choice 2: I had to replace my washer instead of my dryer because the washer was older.
Which of the choices is correct? Respond with only "1" or "2" and no additional text.
2
2.