Energy Efficient Washer Dryers Save Money. The emergence of resource-efficient clothes washers on the American market is an exciting development for consumers interested in energy savings and environmental quality. In addition to attractive energy savings, the water savings from these machines is crucial in areas where water is scarce. To understand how horizontal-axis washers use so much less water and energy, consider that in a conventional top-loader the tub must be filled with water so that all the clothes are kept wet. The agitator then swirls the water around to clean the clothes. In contrast, resource-efficient washers need less water because the tub never needs to be filled completely. In horizontal-axis (H-axis--usually front-loading) washers, the tub itself rotates, making the clothes tumble into the water. Redesigned vertical-axis (V-axis--top-loading) washers use sprayers to wet the clothes from above or a moving plate in the bottom of the tub to lift and bounce clothes through the wash water. Resource-efficient washers also reduce the energy required for clothes drying. After completing the rinse cycle, these washers spin clothes faster than conventional top-loading washers, so the remaining moisture content of the clothes is lower. This means clothes need less time in the dryer. At present, some resource-efficient clothes washers are more expensive to purchase than conventional washers; however, their substantial energy and water savings translates into big money savings and a quick return on your investment. Depending on your local energy and water rates and the amount of laundry you do each year, you may realize annual savings of $100 or more. If a resource-efficient washer cost $500 more to purchase than a conventional machine, your savings would be a tax-free return on your investment of 20%. Field studies have also shown that resource-efficient washers are gentler on clothes. Less dryer time also reduces wear-and-tear. With the average load of laundry valued up to $500, this can add up to substantial additional savings. A growing number of energy and water utilities around the country recognize the benefits of efficient clothes washers and are offering rebates to consumers who purchase qualifying machines. Call your local utilities to inquire about rebates in your area. Buying a New Clothes Washer The modified energy factor (MEF) is a measure of efficiency that combines tub capacity and energy use. The higher the MEF, the more efficient the washer. In addition to saving energy by reducing water use, the washers in our list spin clothes faster than conventional machines, leaving less moisture in the clothes and reducing the time and energy needed in the clothes dryer. These dryer savings are incorporated in the MEF rating. Stricter new federal standards for clothes washers will take effect in January 2007. All of the models in our list exceed the 2007 minimum standard. The ENERGY STAR levels for clothes washers will increase along with the standards. Water use is a growing concern in many communities. Reducing the water used in the clothes washer saves both water and energy. Most of the energy consumed to wash clothes is required to heat the water used in the washer. Clothes Dryers Dryers work by heating and aerating clothes. Operation of both electric and gas-fired models is pretty straightforward. In terms of energy use, gas dryers are generally less expensive to operate. There is no requirement to display the EnergyGuide label on clothes dryers, so it is not easy to compare the energy use of various dryer models. However, the energy use of dryers currently on the market does not vary widely. Other than fuel type, the major energy consideration is whether the dryer uses sensors to automatically turn off the dryer once clothes are dry and, if so, the type of sensing mechanism. The best dryers have moisture sensors in the drum for sensing dryness, while most only infer dryness by sensing the termperature of the exhaust air. The lower-cost, thermostat-controlled models may overdry some types of clothes, but even these are much better than timed-dry machines. Compared with timed drying, you can save about 10% with temperature-sensing controls, and 15% with moisture-sensing controls.
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