1. Why choose an ENERGY STAR labeled clothes washer? |
ENERGY STAR labeled clothes washers use superior designs that require less water to get clothes thoroughly clean. These machines use sensors to match the hot water needs to the load, preventing energy waste. There are two designs...front-loading and top-loading:
- Front-Loading
ENERGY STAR qualified models are similar in design to washers used in laundromats. These horizontal-axis or tumble action machines repeatedly lift and drop clothes, instead of moving clothes around a central axis.
- Top-Loading
Some of these ENERGY STAR qualified washers use sensor technology to closely control the incoming water temperature. To reduce water consumption, ENERGY STAR labeled top loading clothes washers spray clothes with repeated high pressure rinses to remove soap residues rather than soaking them in a full tub of rinse water.
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2. Which products qualify for Minnesota Power's rebate? |
All ENERGY STAR clothes washers qualify for the rebate.
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3. Where can I get an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer? |
You may purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer at any of these participating retailers.
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4. What can an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer save me? |
ENERGY STAR qualified washers use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load.
- The washer design causes less wear and tear and fewer wrinkles on clothes.
- Bulky items such as blankets fit easily in the super capacity basket.
- Better water extraction means less dryer time, for further energy savings.
A typical household does nearly 400 loads of laundry per year, using about 40 gallons of water per full load with a conventional washer. In contrast, a full-sized ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer uses 18-25 gallons per load. You could save 7,000 gallons of water per year or more. And, you are saving all the energy that would have been needed to heat the water. This adds up to savings for you and a big boost for the environment. |
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5. How do I choose the right clothes washer? |
Here are some tips for buying a new clothes washer:
- Choose a washing machine that has several options for adjusting the water level. A small load should have the option of using a smaller amount of water.
- Choose a model with a "mini-basket", a small tub that fits over the agitator. This allows you to wash very small loads.
- Look for pre-soaking options. Both pre-soaking options and "suds saver" features conserve energy, although the latter option is rare.
- Choose a washing machine with faster spin speeds. Higher spin speeds can result in better water extraction and reduce drying times.
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6. What is the difference between top-loading and front-loading clothes washers? |
Top-loading models look like conventional machines from the outside, but these ENERGY STAR qualified washers use different types of washing action to get clothes clean with less water and energy. Many have sensors to monitor incoming water temperature closely. They also rinse clothes with repeated high-pressure spraying instead of soaking them in a full tub of water.
Front-loading models are similar to machines used in laundromats. They use a horizontal or tumble-axis basket to lift and drop clothing into the water instead of rubbing clothes around a central agitator.
Both top-loading and front-loading ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers save water and energy. They also use faster spin speeds to extract more water from clothes, reducing dryer time and energy use.
For both models, check to see if you need to use special detergent. Low-water washers use special low-suds detergent for best results. Ask your sales representative for recommendations on detergent use. |
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