Compared to a model manufactured before 1994, an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer can save up to $110 per year on your utility bills.
Earning the ENERGY STAR means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.
- Through superior design and system features, ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers clean clothes using 50% less energy than standard washers. The Modified Energy Factor (MEF) measures the energy used during the washing process, including machine energy, water heating energy, and dryer energy. The higher the MEF, the more efficient the clothes washer is.
- Most full-sized ENERGY STAR qualified washers use 18-25 gallons of water per load, compared to the 40 gallons used by a standard machine. The Water Factor measures the gallons of water used per cycle per cubic foot (for example, a 3.0 cubic foot washer using 27 gallons per cycle has a water factor of 9.0). The lower the water factor, the less water the machine uses. Saving water helps protect our nation's water supplies. Water factor is listed on the qualified product list.
- Qualified Clothes Washers List
- Most ENERGY STAR qualified washers extract more water from clothes during the spin cycle. This reduces the drying time and saves energy and wear and tear on your clothes.
- ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers are available in both top-loading and front-loading designs.
- ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers are available as both residential and residential-style commercial clothes washers. Residential-style commercial clothes washers may or may not be coin-operated.
Remember, saving energy prevents pollution. By choosing ENERGY STAR, you are helping prevent global warming and promote cleaner air without sacrificing the product quality and performance you expect.
You may also be interested to know that you can save extra energy while washing clothes, whether with a standard or an ENERGY STAR qualified model:
- Wash full loads. Clothes washers are most efficient when operated with full loads.
- Wash clothes in cold water.
What about Clothes Dryers?
ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers because most dryers use similar amounts of energy.
To reduce the amount of energy your clothes dryer uses:
- Use the moisture sensor option on your dryer, which automatically shuts off the machine when the clothes are dry.
- If your clothes washer has spin options, choose a high spin speed or extended spin option to reduce the amount of remaining moisture, thus starting the drying process before you put your clothes in the dryer.
- Air dry clothes whenever possible.