EnerGuide Appliance Directory 2005

Appliance Energy-saving Tips and Distributors by Brand Name

Clothes Washers

What's best – front-loading or top-loading? The drums in top-loading washers appear larger than those in front loaders because of the need for an agitator – the large posts set in the middle of the drum. In fact, both types have about the same capacity; however, front-loading washers use about 40 percent less water per load and 50 percent less energy than top-loading washers. Front-loading machines also use less detergent.

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. 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 average, new clothes washers are 22 percent more energy efficient than those complying with the previous standard. In 2007, new energy efficiency standards will require clothes washers to be about 20 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 at least 50 percent less energy per load than other washers. Presently, 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.

To be ENERGY STAR qualified, clothes washers must meet or exceed a modified energy factor (MEF) of 40.21 L/kWh/cycle or higher. The MEF means that the calculation takes into account the amount of energy used by the dryer to remove moisture content.

To be ENERGY STAR qualified, clothes washers must meet or exceed a modified energy factor (MEF) of 40.21 L/kWh/cycle or higher. The MEF means that the calculation takes into account the amount of energy used by the dryer to remove moisture content.

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 different features, all of which affect energy consumption. That's why EnerGuide groups clothes washers according to 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.
Note: The energy rating for clothes washers is based on 392 normal-cycle operations per year.

Energy- and money-saving tips

• Be sure to read your new appliance's owner's manual; it's 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'll save money on your water-heating bill. To save more, wash in warm rather than hot water – you'll use 50 percent less energy, and your clothes will come out better rinsed and less wrinkled.
• Consider washing your laundry in cold water whenever possible. There are detergents now being formulated to dissolve better in cold water.
• 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're fully loaded. That's why it's important to buy a machine that matches your family's needs.
• If your machine has a water-level selector, make sure you 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

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