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clothes
washer & dryer energy fact sheet
A
clothes washing machine & matching dryer are truly a
convenience in your home.
Besides
the initial cost of the washer, the operating cost over
the typical life of 11 years can be substantial. Most of
the cost is from the heating of the water used. However,
better detergents today allow for washing in cold water
& this also reduces the strain on local water
supplies & waste treatment facilities.
high
efficiency models
The
energy efficiency of a horizontal axis (front loading)
machine is 5 times more efficient than top-loading models
sold in 1976. While the initial cost is higher than
traditional top loading machines, the savings in energy
costs over the life of the machine rapidly make up the
difference. Look at the yellow EnergyGuide label for
information. An ENERGY STAR® rating on the label
means the washer uses less than 500 Kwh/yr
(Kilowatt-hour - a measure of electric power
consumption) & has an EF (Energy Factor - the
number of cycles that can be completed w/ one
kilowatt-hour of electricity) greater than
2.5.
The
EF of washers that display the ENERGY STAR® logo is
between 2.5 & 4.0. A higher EF number reflects a
higher efficiency. This is for both top & front
loading washers.
Benefits
of Horizontal Axis (Front Loading) Washers
- Saves
energy, soap & water. Less cost to
you.
- Clothes
tumble clean by rising to the top & then fall back
into the water below.
- No
agitator means washing is gentler on your
clothes.
- The
spin cycle removes more water & makes drying time
shorter, resulting in a lower operating
cost.
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