The typical American household does nearly 400 loads of laundry per year, using about 40 gallons of water per full load with a conventional washer.
That's why an energy efficient clothes washer can be an important money-saver for your family. You not only save on electricity, but also on water and the energy needed to heat that water.
The good news is that new washers on the market today can cut your energy use by as much as 70 percent. They can save you more than $850 in water and detergent over the life of the machine. Best of all, independent studies show they may actually get clothes cleaner!
Horizontal Axis
Also known as "front-loading" washing machines, these horizontal axis models tumble clothes much like a dryer does.
This type of efficient household clothes washer has a door in the front instead of an opening on top of the machine. Clothes are placed in a horizontally oriented stainless steel drum instead of a conventional tub with central agitator.
The horizontal drum is partially filled with water, and cleaning occurs as the clothes tumble in and out of the pool of water at the bottom of the tub. This action is more gentle on clothes than a traditional washing machine, which uses an agitator to push and pull garments through a full tub of water.
Front loaders cut water use by nearly 40 percent. A typical top-loading washer uses about 40 gallons of water for each full load. In contrast, a full-size horizontal axis clothes washer uses only 20 to 25 gallons. That means that, by purchasing a horizontal axis model, you could save as much as 7,000 gallons of water per year.
You also save all the energy you would have used to heat that water, meaning added savings for you and a big boost for the environment. These appliances also use less energy than conventional washers - approximately 50 percent less, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The U.S. Department of Energy recently did a study in a small town in Kansas, where 204 older washing machines were replaced with horizontal axis machines. Homeowners there realized an average of 38 percent savings on water usage and 56 percent energy savings for the washer and hot water heating system.
These more efficient machines offer other benefits as well. As we mentioned, front loaders cause less wear and tear on clothes. They can also squeeze more water out of the laundry, thereby reducing drying time. The new full-size machines can accommodate large items that won't fit in a normal-sized top-loader. And because both the washer and dryer load from the front, many models can be stacked on top of each other or mounted under a countertop. This feature is useful for people like apartment dwellers who might be short on space.
Horizontal axis technology has been proven over time. Front loading washing machines have been made for years for the American commercial market, and they've been used in European homes for many years.
Also known as "front-loading" washing machines, these horizontal axis models tumble clothes much like a dryer does.
Combination Washer/Dryer
Combination washer-dryers have been on the market for decades. They are used extensively in Europe and Asia and are practical for places where separate washers and dryers can not be placed.
Also known as "combos," these appliances wash and dry all in the same machine. You don't have to move laundry from a washer into a separate dryer.
All-in-one combo units are manufactured by many makers and usually require less energy and water, often eliminate the need for venting, and create more space in your home than regular washers and dryers.
Buying Smart
Here's how to comparison shop for washing machines:
All clothes washers come with the federal government's EnergyGuide label. It estimates how much electricity, in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is needed each year to run the appliance and to heat the water, based on the annual cost of gas or electric water heating. Ratings are based on washing eight loads per week - your costs will depend on how frequently you do laundry.
Keep in mind that the EnergyGuide label compares front-loading models with other front loaders, not with conventional top-loading machines.
Before you go shopping, explore the ENERGY STAR® models. Appearing on appliances that are the most energy efficient products in their class, these labels may be found on washing machines as well as refrigerators, dishwashers, video tape recorders, televisions, computers and room air conditioners.
Manufacturers and retailers can voluntarily place ENERGY STAR labels on those appliances that meet or exceed standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
ENERGY STAR clothes washers come in both front-loading and top-loading models. Both designs use less water to get clothes thoroughly clean. These machines use sensors to match the hot water needs to the load, preventing energy waste. To reduce water consumption, top-loading machines spray clothes with repeated high-pressure rinses to remove soap residues rather than soaking them in a full tub of rinse water.
Consider these suggestions before you purchase a new washer for your home:
- If you use your clothes washer frequently, consider purchasing a high-efficiency, low-water-use clothes washer.
- Because washers are most efficient when they are fully loaded, you should match the size of the washer to your family's needs.
It's Your Money
ENERGY STAR clothes washers range from about 1.6 cubic feet up to 2.9 cubic feet. A typical large-capacity washer, such as found in most households, is about 2.7 cubic feet. For a family that does a lot of laundry, one of the larger models probably makes the most sense. For an individual or couple who do less laundry, a small model will be the most economical.
Clothes Washer Tips
Use cold water and detergent specially formulated for use in cold water.
When laundry day comes, wash only full loads, but do not overload your machine. Wash smaller loads only when you have a small-load attachment or variable water levels.
Use the correct amount of detergent. Too many bubbles make your machine work harder and use more energy.
Presoak or use the soak cycle when washing heavily soiled garments like your kid's soccer uniform. You'll avoid two washings and save energy.
Up to 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes comes from heating the water, so use hot water only for very dirty clothes, and always use cold water in the rinse cycle.