Use an Energy-Efficient Washing Machine Correctly!

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Which is better – top load or front load?

Front-load washing machines are more energy-efficient.

Some models however, are more expensive than top loading.   But you should recoup the extra up-front cost by savings in both energy and water.

Front-load machines:

• Are more energy efficient (you use less power and so pay less)
• Use less water (you pay less, and water is a precious resource, so it’s good to use less)
• Are kinder to clothes (the method used is similar to hand-washing, so clothes last longer).
• May have faster spin speeds (so more water is removed from clothing, so you need less drying time (and so save more money and time).
• May offer larger capacity (so you can wash more clothes per load)
• Allow you to place another appliance (e.g.  a clothes dryer) on top, so if you have a small laundry space, this is ideal.

In the last year or so, many top load manufacturers have started to utilise the technologies employed by front loading machines and so if you buy an Energy Star top load machine, it’s much closer in efficiency to a front loader.  Even so, a front loader is still more efficient.

Some people say a front loader is less easy to use due to having to bend down to add and remove clothes.  Personally, I manage fine, even with back problems.

Features of an Energy-Efficient Washing Machine

Once you’ve made the front load / top load decision, it’s time to look at other features.

Which features are the most important for an energy-efficient washing machine?  Next page…..