Energy Efficient Washing Machines

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It’s not just energy-efficient washing machines that have created a buzz over the last decade. We now have energy-efficient homes, windows, TV sets — it seems anything that’s built or manufactured has to be labeled “energy-efficient.” Of course, that’s an exaggeration, but the fact remains, we’ve all become increasingly aware of the need to save energy and use it more efficiently than we have in the past.

Respect for the environment and the preservation of natural resources — that’s the mantra governing our lives these days. And this mantra could very well save our planet, allowing future generations to enjoy the bounty of Mother Nature, as the saying goes.

Characteristics of Energy-Efficient Washing Machines

The Energy Star® label is prominently displayed on most appliances and household goods. It’s the internationally recognized symbol that signifies the product has passed government standards for Energy Star® certification. Enlightened consumers who purchase anything from simple electric switches to major appliances now look for this symbol as a way of saying, “Yes, we care about the environment.”

But beyond the Energy Star® symbol, what makes washing machines energy-efficient? What are their key characteristics?

A visit to the government’s natural resources website gives us an idea of what to look for when buying energy-efficient washing machines. It also provides a list of Energy Star®-certified washing machines available at local appliance retailers.

In 1990, washing machines were “energy-holics,” consuming up to 1,218 kilowatt hours per year. By 2003, that number decreased to 883. But did you know that machines with the Energy Star® sticker consume only 296 kilowatt hours per year? When you compare this with 1,218 and 883, it becomes clear why you’d want to own the most energy-efficient appliances, even if it means paying a little extra for them.

When Shopping for Energy-Efficient Washing Machines, Look for These Features:

Flexible water fill controls
More options for cold water rinsing
For the “warm” setting, use less hot water and more cold water
Good mixing valves
Increased spinning speed
Does it use Ultrasonic technology?
Energy Star® sticker — meaning the machine uses 40% less water and 50% less energy, requiring less detergent.

Before buying your next washing machine, ask the sales representative if there are additional water controls or if the machine includes a small load basket. This allows you to use less water for smaller laundry loads.

Also, inquire about the machine’s EnerGuide rating. The lowest rating is usually the best. The EnerGuide black-and-white label is a Government of Canada initiative that provides five key points about the product:

Average energy consumption in kilowatt hours per year
Energy efficiency rating of the appliance compared to similar models
Annual energy consumption range for models of the same type and size
Type and size of the model
Model number

The EnerGuide label is often displayed on appliances alongside the Energy Star® symbol.

Tips for Buying Energy-Efficient Washing Machines

Tip #1: Consider front-load machines. While they may be a bit more awkward because you have to bend to load laundry, they are huge energy savers. One reason is that they don’t have agitators; instead, gravity does the work when the tub spins. This also reduces wear and tear on your clothes.

Tip #2: If you’re single and don’t generate large laundry loads, consider compact-size machines. They use less water.

Tip #3: Look for machines equipped with sensors. These sensors “read” the load size and automatically select the appropriate water amount for the wash.

Tip #4: Look for machines with advanced high-speed motors. These reduce spinning time by extracting more water from clothes in less time, cutting down on the energy required to dry them in the dryer.

Tip #5: If your family generates a lot of laundry, buy a large-capacity machine. This allows you to wash more clothes per load and reduce the frequency of doing laundry. While large-capacity washers may use more energy, you’ll cut down on the number of laundry cycles per week because you can wash more clothes at once, instead of repeating full cycles.

Tip #6: Select machines that offer several programmed cycles and water levels. These options help save two valuable resources: electricity and water. For example, if your clothes aren’t very dirty, choose a gentle cycle. If you have a small load, select “small” for less water usage. This way, the machine won’t waste time filling the tub to its maximum capacity. Additionally, choose a machine with a load sensor — it does the thinking for you and adjusts water levels accordingly.

Tip #7: Be selective about washing temperatures. If your clothes are not very dirty or have no stains, opt for cold water. Washing at 40°C instead of 60°C can save you a third of your energy.

Tip #8: Choose a horizontal-axis washer. These machines can wring more water out, shortening the drying cycle and reducing the energy used.