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Many appliances, including washers, have better-than-ever energy
efficiency ratings. Don't overlook this important feature when shopping for a
new washing machine—it could save a significant amount of money over the
lifetime of your washer.
Different models vary in the amount of energy they use. Front-load washers
generally use less energy and water than their top-load counterparts and over
time can often pay for themselves through significant energy savings. Because a
key component of the energy cost calculated in the EnergyGuide has to do with
the energy required by the home's water heater, the less water required to wash
the load, the more efficient the appliance. Based on an estimated 10 loads of
laundry per week, larger front-loading washers use only 16-20 gallons of water
per load, compared to a conventional top-load washer that requires 40-45
gallons per load. Factoring in the capacity advantage of a large front-loader,
(almost twice the load-size of a conventional top-loader), you will use 16-20
gallons compared to 80-90 gallons to get the same amount of laundry cleaned.
Energy standards have become increasingly higher. In order for any washer to be
sold in the United States, it must meet minimum standards outlined by the
Department of Energy. When shopping for an energy-efficient washer - or any
other appliance - look for the ENERGY STAR® logo and the bright yellow and
black EnergyGuide label. The ENERGY STAR® logo indicates that a particular
washing machine meets or exceeds the US Department of Energy's highest minimum
efficiency standards for energy-efficient washers by a at least minimum of 37%.
The EnergyGuide label states the energy efficiency of an appliance and
estimates the cost to run the appliance for a year, based on a national average
energy cost.
View washers with ENERGY STAR qualification
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