Energy Smart Design

In America, it is estimated that some 35 billion laundry loads attributed to dryers and washers chew up 2.6% of total home utility bills.  The bulk of this energy actually goes to the heating process in both washers and dryers.

Sometimes, consumers can get really misguided about the criteria in choosing energy-efficient washers and dryers.   The washer is undoubtedly the one piece of equipment in your household that wastes a huge amount of water.  People often think that they need big capacity machines to work on the dirty leftovers or stubborn stains deposited on the clothes.  In reality, the only guarantee we get from bigger machines is simply more water is going to be used, which does not translate to more efficient or more thorough wash.  Instead, look out for less water and energy efficient washers.  

One prime candidate is front-load washers, which washes more thoroughly with the use of an agitator rather than demanding a drum-full of water. The difference in results is overwhelming such that even loading washing machines are now designed with less water in mind. You can achieve substantial savings when you use an ENERGY STAR energy efficient washer in place of your pre-1994 washing machine.  

The immediate saving is on your energy bill -- by way of $110 reduction every year.  Additionally, such washers can cut down 7000 gallons of water per year.  To help you visualize that, just imagine the amount of water that goes into 3 backyard swimming pools, on the assumption of a washer with 11-year lifecycle. As per an ENERGY STAR explanation, combination of high MEF (modified energy factor) and low WF (water factor) would make water and energy efficient washers.  

One other advantage for newer machine is the relatively low amount of water used per cycle (25 gallons compared to 40 gallons required for the older types).  

The ultimate benefit is the earth can breathe a little bit easier.  Reports have suggested that if the majority of American households switched to energy efficient washers by 2010, carbon emissions across the country will be lowered by 28 million metric tons each year. Yearly running cost of a dryer is around $85 and the amount runs up to $1100 throughout its lifecycle. ENERGY STAR does not provide product specific rating as it observes there is little distinction in terms of energy used. It advises that a functional dryer should run its course until end of its lifecycle.  

However switching to a washing machine with higher speed spin-cycle can force water out more quickly, which in turn shorten the time required for the subsequent drying process. Brand-new dryers typically come with faster spin cycles, thus reducing the overall dry cycle time.  

Certain new dryers are even equipped with automatic moisture sensors which automatically power off the machines when they detect the laundry load is dry.