Did you know that up to 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes comes from heating the water? That's why it pays to choose energy-efficient laundry appliances and use them wisely.
In fact, replacing a 10-year old washer with a new EnergyStar-qualified model can save up to $120 per year on your utility bills!
Front-loading models offer advantages
Front-loading washers do offer some advantages over top-loaders. Instead of a vertical agitator that turns back and forth, the drum of a horizontal-axis washer rotates like that of a clothes dryer, rolling clothes through a small pool of water.
This allows more room for larger loads, shorter and more efficient spin cycles, less detergent required and fewer repairs. One drawback is the need for special "low-sudsing" detergent, which is slightly more expensive and not widely available.
The greatest benefit of a front-load washer is energy savings – because it uses so much less hot water, you’ll save up to $100 a year on water heating!
Other new washer features available include:
- Dispenser trays that automatically dilute and add detergent, bleach and fabric softener;
- Specialized settings for different fabrics;
- Childproof door latches;
- Improved out-of-balance handling;
- Sensors that automatically set the water level; and
- "Stain" cycles that eliminate the need for pre-treating with sprays.
No matter what fancy new features you choose, it always pays to get the largest capacity washer you can afford. You'll fit more clothes into one load, saving time and energy; if you need a smaller load, you can adjust the water level accordingly.
Clothes dryers also have new features
Clothes dryers are also offering more specialized and energy-saving options. Look for a model with a moisture-sensing feature that shuts off the unit automatically when clothes are dry, rather than using a timer.
Other handy features include sneaker or sweater drying racks, self-cleaning or oversized lint filters and special cycles for the new home dry-cleaning kits.
Try specialty models
If you're short on space, take a look at "stacked" or "combination" washer-dryers. A stacked unit places the dryer directly above the washer; this style is available from most national brands.
Specialty manufacturers like Equator offer integrated units that wash and dry in the same washer-size tub. These appliances have the additional advantage of being vent-free, so they can be placed along interior walls. |
