Plugging into same outlet as washer&dryer

I just ordered a 250w HPS/MH light, and am trying to figure out where to set it up in my apartment. At the moment, the easiest spot is in our laundry room. However, that would mean my light and fans would be on the same circuit as the washer and dryer(although I just realized that the dryer is gas heated). Is this a terrible idea?

Also, I'm hoping the proximity to the dryer won't present a problem with too much heat. It doesn't feel too hot standing next to it when it's on, and I could probably set it up so the air intake into my grow space is as far from the dryer as possible.

There happens to be an unused wooden futon frame sitting in the spot where I was thinking of setting up my grow, which I think I could pretty easily turn into a little grow box. I'll be sure to document my set up.

Is there any way to find out whether the light will overload the circuit without plugging it in and potentially blowing it?

Check the breakerbox and see how big of breaker is running that circuit. The washer and dryer motor running will pull a decent bit of amperage. If you only have a 15 or 20 amp breaker for that line I'd not push it with my grow setup on that line.

figure out how many amps your circut is running at with an amp tester and add up how many amps your washer+light add up too and leave a decent buffer..you don't want to push it too close and end up burning down your house..gl man