Hard-working laundry home appliances are an everyday convenience that can quickly gobble up energy, especially for growing families. As a result, finding the best washers for energy savings is a top priority for eco-homeowners. In this blog, we will explain how to find efficient laundry appliances for your eco-home.
What is an eco-home?
An eco-home is designed to reduce the occupant’s carbon footprint and the environmental impact made during construction. Eco-homes use innovative energy-saving building materials and techniques, including:
- Sustainable materials and building practices.
- Advanced monitoring technologies, such as smart thermostats.
- Water-saving fixtures.
- Natural materials to improve indoor air quality.
- Structural innovations such as green roofs.
- ENERGY STAR® appliances like heating/cooling, kitchen appliances, and laundry appliances.
What are efficient laundry appliances?
Energy-efficient laundry appliances are designed to reduce energy waste by using improved functional features. They are certified for their energy performance and are the hallmark of energy-efficient laundry appliances.
The Best Washers: ENERGY STAR® and EnerGuide Labels
The best washers for energy savings will display the ENERGY STAR® label, certifying they have been tested to meet and often exceed the energy consumption standards set by the government.
When shopping for the best washers, the EnerGuide label breaks down energy consumption based on standard household use as well as the average energy costs. You can use EnerGuide labels to compare performance between various brands and models.
Online Research for Best Washers
Online reviews reduce the legwork required to shop for the best washers and dryers. You can start with reliable sources known for reviews, such as Consumer Reports, The Spruce, and Good Housekeeping. These publications conduct independent testing and include user comments and feedback, ideal for making a short list for your research.
Best Washer Retailers Near You
Use your short list of brands and model numbers to find the best washer prices at retailers near you. Price comparisons can tell you a) if any of the appliances you are considering are on sale, and b) the best regularly priced deals. With pricing in hand, you can decide which stores you want to visit to see the washers and dryers in person.
Consumers’ Washer Reviews
As you conduct your price research, be sure to read customer washer reviews. Reviews provide real comments from actual customers who have purchased the appliances, so you can spot possible issues. For example, if you have a bad back, look for comments about difficulty getting clothes out of the washer.
Best Washers: Front Load vs. Top Load
Washers come in two basic designs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
1. Front loaders
Front-load washers are very popular, as many homeowners find them more aesthetically pleasing with matching doors that create a modern, unified look. Front-loaders use a tumbling action to circulate clothes while featuring higher spin speeds.
The Pros:
- More energy savings
- Reduced water waste
- The tumbling function is more effective at cleaning
- Tumbling is more forgiving on fabrics, so clothes can last longer and look better
- The efficient spin cycle extracts more water, reducing drying time for even more energy savings
- Usually can handle larger loads
The Cons:
- More expensive, especially if you require pedestal drawers to increase the height
- Wash cycles are longer, although dryer time can be reduced
- Higher maintenance due to the rubber seal being prone to mould and mildew
- Some people find larger loads noisier due to more vibration
- Must use high-efficiency detergent
- It can be harder to unload for some people, as you have to stoop to access the laundry
2. Top loaders
Top loaders are traditional washers with a lid that opens from the top. Many homeowners find them less appealing as they look old-fashioned. They clean clothes using an “agitator” in the centre of the tub.
The Pros:
- More affordable
- Tend to have shorter wash cycles
- Easier to load and unload with a convenient top lid
- Can be opened mid-cycle to remove or add items
- No risk for mould or mildew, so they are lower maintenance
The Cons:
- Agitator takes up space, so it’s not as useful for handling larger loads
- Not as energy efficient
- Uses more water
- The agitator is tougher on fabrics
- Clothes tend to come out wetter, so they take longer to dry, are heavier to lift, and use more energy to dry
Best Washers: Heat Pump vs. Conventional
Natural gas and electric washers are facing new competition with the introduction of heat pump laundry appliances. Heat pump technology is a completely ventless, closed-loop system most commonly used for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
In fact, chances are that if you have an eco-home, the heat pump was highly recommended for your HVAC system. Some more advanced heat pump laundry appliances are unique all-in-one washer/dryers, completing the wash, rinse, and dry cycle in one machine. They are highly efficient, low-maintenance appliances that complete a load of laundry in as little as 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on load size and type.
Here’s how each type of system works:
- Conventional: A conventional dryer generates heat by drawing in cool air and warming it, either via electric coils or gas burners. The built-up heat and moisture in the drum must then be expelled through a vent.
- Heat pump: The heat pump’s closed-loop system does not use vents to expel hot air and moisture. Instead, it uses condenser coils to heat air, circulate the heat into the drum, and then cool the air using an evaporator, repeating the process until the drying cycle is complete.
The Benefits of Heat Pump Laundry Appliances
Consumers are discovering the advantages of heat pump-powered appliances, including the following:
- Use about 70% less energy compared to conventional appliances for at least 28% energy savings.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
- Shorter cycles, thus saving time between loads.
- A self-contained system does not create humidity in your laundry room, thus reducing the risk of mould in poorly ventilated rooms.
- The laundry room can be located anywhere, as no vents are required.
- Easy installation without the need for vents.
- Lower temperatures are used for a gentler drying process that helps clothes look better and last longer.
Contact the Professionals at Euro-Line Appliances
Hopefully, our comprehensive overview of the types of laundry appliances available will help streamline your shopping process for the best washers and dryers, as well as increase your energy savings.
Euro-Line Appliances specializes in state-of-the-art, innovative European appliance brands offering leading-edge technology for advanced energy efficiency. Click here to learn more and view our exclusive promotions. You can also call us at 1-800-421-6332 or contact us online.