EnerGuide Appliance Directory 2007

Appliance Energy-saving Tips and Distributors by Brand Name

Clothes Washers

What is best – a front-loading or top-loading clothes washer? Truth is, both have the same drum capacity, but ENERGY STAR qualified models typically do not need the large agitator in the middle that swishes the clothes around the post. New energy- and water-efficient machines use the power of the drum to tumble the clothes through the water and to spin them at high speeds, extracting most of the water out of the clothes at the end of the load.

EnerGuide rating update

In 2004, an amendment to Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations introduced a new minimum energy efficiency standard for clothes washers and a new test procedure from which the EnerGuide rating is determined. Note: The energy rating for clothes washers is based on 392 normal-cycle operations per year.

The new test procedure for clothes washers reflects changes in usage patterns. For example, consumers are now washing fewer loads of laundry using the hot water setting. The test procedure also factors in the amount of water removed from the clothes during the spin cycle, thus saving energy when using the dryer.

On January 1, 2007 Canada regulated a new minimum energy efficiency standard in order to stay current with technology improvements. This new standard requires clothes washers to be about 21 percent more efficient than the 2004 models.

ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers

The best energy performers are ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers, which use 35 to 50 percent less water and 20 to 50 percent less energy per load than other washers. Only standard-size clothes washers with minimum tub capacities of 45 L (1.6 cu. ft.) qualify for the ENERGY STAR mark. ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers are available in both top-and front-loading models

On January 1, 2007, the ENERGY STAR criteria for qualified clothes washers changed from a Modified Energy Factor (MEF) of 40.21 L/kWh/cycle (1.42 cu. ft./kWh/cycle) to an MEF of 48.45 L/kWh/cycle (1.72 cu. ft./kWh/cycle). The MEF includes a calculation that takes into account the amount of energy used by the dryer to remove moisture content. In addition, a maximum water factor (WF) was introduced. A WF considers the amount of water used per cycle based on the capacity of the washer. The WF of 1.07 L (8.0 gal./cu. ft..) also took effect on January 1, 2007.

To achieve this target, a clothes washer must have advanced design features that deliver cleaning performance using less water and energy. Some ENERGY STAR qualified models can be stacked or mounted under countertops. This is a useful feature for people who are short on space, such as those in apartments. Check with the manufacturer to see which models have this feature. Look for the star () in the right-hand column to find ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers listed in this directory.

Clothes-washer categories

Clothes washers are available in various sizes and with a variety of features, all of which affect energy consumption. That is why EnerGuide groups clothes washers into two categories, enabling you to compare the energy consumption of similar models.

Standard clothes washers

This category includes standard-size top- and front-loading clothes washers. These are the only models that can qualify to carry the ENERGY STAR mark.

Compact clothes washers

This category includes top- and front-loading models with capacities of less than 45 L.

Energy- and money-saving tips

• Be sure to read your new appliance's owner's manual. It is full of hints to help you operate your clothes washer at optimum efficiency.
  
  
• Studies show that clothes rinsed in cold water come out just as clean as those rinsed in warm, so go cold! You will save money on your water-heating bill. To save more, wash in warm rather than hot water – you will use 50 percent less energy.
  
  
• Consider washing and rinsing your laundry in cold water whenever possible. There are detergents now being formulated to dissolve better in cold water.
  
  
• Use detergents formulated for high efficiency washers (often called high efficiency (HE) detergent). HE washers use less water than traditional washers. At lower water levels, cleaning problems can occur if detergents create too many suds or if soils can't be completely rinsed out of both the laundry and the washer.
  
  
• Are those clothes extra dirty? Instead of washing them twice, use your washing machine's pre-soak cycle.
  
  
• Clothes washers are most energy efficient when they are fully loaded. That is why it is important to buy a machine that matches your family's needs.
  
  
• If your machine has a water-level selector, choose the correct setting for each load.
  
  
• Whenever possible, place your washing machine close to your water heater to reduce heat loss in the connecting pipes. Wrap any exposed pipes with insulation, especially where they are close to uninsulated walls.

Listing of Clothes Washer Distributors by Brand Name