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What should I look for when buying a Clothes Washer?
Think carefully about the size. ENERGY STAR certified models are also available in stackable and under-the-counter designs, which fit in smaller spaces.
Save the most by choosing a model with a high Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) and a low Integrated Water Factor (IWF). Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) is a measure of energy efficiency that considers the energy used by the washer during the cycle and while on standby, the energy used to heat the water, and the energy used to run the dryer. The higher the IMEF, the more energy efficient the clothes washer. Integrated Water Factor (IWF) measures water efficiency in gallons of water consumed per cubic foot of capacity. The lower the IWF, the more water efficient the clothes washer. Both IMEF and IWF are provided for each model listed in the ENERGY STAR Product Finder.
Advanced Technology
Most ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers do not have a central agitator.
Clothes washers that have earned the ENERGY STAR use next generation technology to cut energy consumption by 25% and water consumption by 33% compared to conventional washers.
ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers come in either front-load or redesigned top-load designs. Both configurations include technical innovations that help save substantial amounts of energy and water.
- Many have sensors to monitor incoming water temperature closely.
- They also rinse clothes with repeated high-pressure spraying instead of soaking them in a full tub of water.
- Front-loaders tumble clothes through a small amount of water instead of rubbing clothes against an agitator in a full tub. Advanced top loaders use sophisticated wash systems to flip or spin clothes through a reduced stream of water. Both designs dramatically reduce the amount of hot water used in the wash cycle, and the energy used to heat it.
- Efficient motors used in ENERGY STAR certified washers spin clothes two to three times faster during the spin cycle to extract more water. Less moisture in the clothes means less energy used by the dryer.
For both models, check to see if you need to use special detergent. Low-water washers use special low-suds detergent for best results. Ask your sales representative for recommendations on detergent use.
Save in So Many Ways! Choosing an ENERGY STAR certified washer saves you enough money to pay for the dryer.
If you're not using an ENERGY STAR certified clothes washer, you're wasting 6 gallons of water every time you wash.
Washers with agitators pull and rub clothes to get them clean. Clothing damage can be seen in the amount of lint in your dryer.
In recent years, clothes washer technology has seen dramatic improvements in efficiency and functionality. Selecting an ENERGY STAR certified washer gets you all these premium features and functionality, with the following additional benefits:
- Get a shower of water savings. New ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers use advanced technology to dramatically reduce water use. Full-sized washers that have earned the ENERGY STAR use 14 gallons of water per load, compared to the 20 gallons used by a standard machine.
- Long live your clothes. Instead of twisting and pulling clothes around a turning agitator, front-load and advanced top-load clothes washers use sophisticated wash systems to gently flip and spin clothes through a reduced stream of water. This lengthens the life of often-washed items. Because they are so gentle, many models can safely clean silk, wool and other hand-washables.
- Take time out. Without a bulky agitator, there is more usable space in the washer for laundry — especially larger items like comforters. More capacity means fewer loads of laundry each week. What will you do with your extra time?
- Save the environment. Approximately 65 percent of U.S. electricity is generated by burning coal and natural gas, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers use less energy and help us reduce our impact on the environment. By reducing water consumption, ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers also help preserve our lakes, streams, and oceans. Find out more ways to save water and help protect our nation's water supply.
Choose the right type of clothes dryer
Electric vs. Gas
Many of the latest dryer models are available in both electric and gas versions, so you can choose which option is right for you.
- Gas dryers may cost less to operate, depending on the electric and gas rates in your area, but may have a slightly higher initial price tag. Like most electric dryers, gas models require venting to the outside of the home, in addition gas models also require a dedicated gas line which may not be practical for some types of housing and could add to the cost of installation.
- Electric dryers may be slightly less expensive to purchase initially, but may be more costly to run than gas models, depending on your area’s utility rates. For homes where outside venting may not be practical, ventless electric models are available that do not require venting. Electric dryers do not require a dedicated gas line, but most standard sized models require a 240 V outlet. Alternatively, some compact dryers are available for a 120 V outlet.
Heat Pump Dryers
For even more savings, consider ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryers - they can save 20-60 percent more than conventional clothes dryers. Consumers with high clothes dryer usage and high electricity rates have the potential for large energy and cost savings.
Heat pump dryers take in ambient air, heat it, and then recirculate it in the dryer to maintain the temperature without using much energy. Rather than releasing moist air through a dryer vent to the exterior of the home as a conventional dryer does, a heat pump dryer passes humid air in the dryer drum through a condenser to remove the moisture without losing too much heat. The condensed moisture (water) from the drum is drained or emptied out of a holding tank in the dryer.
When considering a heat pump model, keep in mind:
- Initial Cost vs. Ongoing Savings – Clothes dryers, like all products that use energy have two price tags: 1) the initial cost of the product at the time of purchase, and 2) the cost of energy to operate that product over its lifetime. For a higher initial purchase, a heat pump model can save more energy and money with each load. Heat pump dryers take in ambient air, heat it, and then recirculate it in the dryer to maintain the temperature without using much energy.
- Venting – Since a heat pump dryer does not release air through a home’s exterior, there is no need for a dryer vent. Any existing dryer vents should be removed and/or sealed to prevent air leakage, which can add to the total initial cost for selecting a heat pump dryer. For homes without an existing vent, a heat pump dryer can offer a significant cost savings during installation, since the investment in putting in a new vent is not needed.
- Water Drainage – A heat pump dryer’s condenser removes moisture from the air during the drying process, resulting in water that needs to be drained. If installation of a drain for the water is not feasible, a water tank will need to be emptied after each dryer load. Many manufacturers sell a device that allows a heat pump dryer to use the clothes washer drain to remove the water. Depending on the configuration of the dryer and the clothes washer drain, these devices may not work in some situations.
Choose the right size for your capacity needs:
- If you are replacing a dryer, consider how much laundry you dry each week.
- Drying -- too large of a load will cause it to take longer to dry. The drum needs to be large enough to allow a full load from the washer to tumble freely, with enough space left over for hot air to circulate.
- Too small of a load can cause problems, too. Drying a single towel for 30 minutes will cost about as much as drying a full load for the same time. Smaller loads can actually take longer to dry without benefit of the tumbling effect of a full load.
- It is a bit easier if you are buying both a matching washer and dryer - manufacturers normally design these pairs to work together with the same sized load.
Choose a model with a high Combined Energy Factor (CEF)
Combined Energy Factor (CEF) is a measure of energy efficiency that reflects the energy use of the clothes dryer - the higher the CEF, the more energy efficient the clothes dryers. You can find and compare the CEF for all certified dryer models using the ENERGY STAR Product Finder.
Increasing Functionality and Performance
- Moisture Sensors -- Many new clothes dryers come designed with a moisture sensor, which automatically ends the drying cycle when clothes are dry.
- Automatic Cycle Termination – Select a product with automatic termination to help prevent your clothes from over-drying. Not only will this feature save energy, but it will also save wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.
- Delayed Start – Delay start gives you the option of setting the dryer to begin according to your schedule. In some cases delaying the start of the dryer could save on energy costs.
- Steam – Many dryer models come with a steam cycle option or feature to help release wrinkles and remove odors in clothing.