Energy Efficient Washer

If you have an older washer, it probably uses more hot water and energy than a newer Energy Efficient Washer and that means a higher energy bill for you. If you need a new washer or are buying one for the first time, take a look at the many energy saving models and features available that save energy and money. You may be tempted to consider the cheaper and less efficient models but when you factor in maintenance costs and cost to operate, an Energy Efficient Washer will be less expensive in the long run.

Front Loading vs. Top Loading Washers

Your fist choice when buying an Energy Efficient Washer is whether you want front loading or top loading.

Top loading washers can be more convenient than bending down to get to the door of a front loading washer, however they are usually less Energy Efficient. There are some top loading washers that are just as efficient as front loaders but they are still rather pricey.

Less Water
A Top Loader must stay full if it's going to keep your clothes wet. A Front Loader, on the other hand, tumbles the clothes around into the water on the bottom. It doesn't need to be full so it uses less water. Because so much of the energy a washer uses is for heating the water, a washer that uses less hot water uses less energy.

The front loading style can help save your clothes too. Most Top Loaders use agitators which are harsh on clothes. (A few newer, and pricier, models don't.) Front Loaders have no agitator so they are more gentle and your clothes will last longer.

Features

The water settings are important to consider. It's getting easier to control the water usage so that doing a small load in a newer, better machine isn't as wasteful as it was in the older one.

A high speed spin cycle is something to take a look at. The faster spin gets more water out of the clothes which cuts down the drying time.

Look for the Energy Star label

This label tells consumers that the product has met strict energy efficiency guidelines so you can be sure of the product's efficiency that will also save money. Energy Star Washers are very common, almost standard so some companies don't display the label clearly on the appliance itself. It should be on the store's product description but if you don't see it, be sure and ask.

Compare Before You Buy

Two useful and free resources to use when buying a washer are:

1. Consumer Report's Green Rating of Washers

2. Energy Usage Labels and Guides that are attached to display models of many appliances. The guide may have a different name depending on what country you are in. You'll see a black and yellow card called an Energy Guide in the United States, a black and white card called an EnerGuide Label in Canada and the EU Energy Label in European Union countries.

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