Clothes washer energy efficiency

The average American family washes almost 400 loads of laundry each year using about 40 gallons of water per full load with a conventional washer.

It’s a good thing families can cut their related energy costs by more than a third — and the water costs by more than half — just by purchasing a clothes washer with the ENERGY STAR label.

Is your washer over 10 years old? Replace it with a new ENERGY STAR qualified washer and you could save over $145 each year on your utility bills. That’s like getting your High Efficiency (HE) detergent free year round.

The good news is that new washers on the market today can cut your energy use by as much as 70 percent. They can save you more than $850 in water and detergent over the life of the machine. Best of all, independent studies show they may actually get clothes cleaner!

ENERGY STAR clothes washers range from about 1.6 cubic feet up to 2.9 cubic feet. A typical large-capacity washer, such as found in most households, is about 2.7 cubic feet. For a family that does a lot of laundry, one of the larger models probably makes the most sense. For an individual or couple who do less laundry, a small model will be the most economical.

Look for high-speed spin cycles that remove more water from fabrics, so less energy is needed for drying.

When purchasing a washer, select one that allows control of the water level and temperature. Look for energy-saving features like pre-soak, "suds saver," and cold water settings.

When you look for energy efficient appliances, don't be misled. Names like "Energy Miser," "Energy Saver" and "Fuel Saver" don't necessarily guarantee savings. The best way to determine energy efficiency of appliances is to actually compare information provided by EnergyGuide labels.

Check for rebates before you buy new appliances. Call your utility company to see if they are giving rebates on high efficiency models. When shopping, ask your salesperson about them.

Clothes Washer Energy Tips:

Use cold water and detergent specially formulated for use in cold water.

When laundry day comes, wash only full loads, but do not overload your machine. Wash smaller loads only when you have a small-load attachment or variable water levels.

Use the correct amount of detergent. Too many bubbles make your machine work harder and use more energy.

Presoak or use the soak cycle when washing heavily soiled garments like your kid's soccer uniform. You'll avoid two washings and save energy.

Up to 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes comes from heating the water, so use hot water only for very dirty clothes, and always use cold water in the rinse cycle.