It seems unbelievable (unless you’re the one doing it), but the typical household in the U.S. does 300 loads of laundry a year. Not only is this a time-consuming activity, it can also eat up a lot of energy and water – that is, if you’re using the wrong appliances. For example, according to the California Energy Commission, older washing machines use 40 gallons of water to wash a full load of clothes while newer standard models use 27 gallons. More efficient Energy Star washers can use as little as 14 gallons per wash. Plus, Energy Star appliances typically use 20% less electricity. On top of all that, some models actually clean your clothes faster and better, too! Are you ready to make the leap? We have some eco-amazing options.
8 Water and Energy Efficient Laundry Appliances
1: Kenmore 41162 4.3 cu. ft. Front-Load Washer
This Kenmore front-load washer deserves recognition for being the ENERGY STAR 2016 recommended efficient washer with the lowest water usage and energy usage (<3,800 gal/year and 90 kw/year). The washer can handle large, bulky loads, from towels to duvets, with ease – no more unbalanced loads or trips to the laundromat! It’s both powerful and ENERGY STAR-certified, so you’ll get a deep clean while still conserving water and energy. And with features like Kenmore Connect to help you troubleshoot technical difficulties and Smart Motion Technology, you’ll spend less time trying to cram as many loads into the day as possible and more time with the family.
2: Whirlpool WGD9500EW ENERGY STAR Gas-Powered Dryer
This Whirlpool dryer combines high capacity with extensive customization options. With an impressive 9.2 cu. ft. basin and endless combinations of “What To,” “How To,” and temperature control options, the Whirpool 9500 can wash any load — perfect every time. Advanced Moisture Sensing helps to conserve energy and prevent damage caused by over-drying by using three sensors to track moisture and temperature, adapting drying times to end the cycle at just the right time. The EcoBoost option saves energy by using less heat and extending cycle time. And the ENERGY STAR dryer exceeds government standards to help conserve natural resources and save money on your utility bills, making it a serious contender for most efficient dryer system.
3: Bosch 24″ Compact Washer 800 Series
The Bosch 800 Series Washer is one of the few ENERGY STAR Qualified washers in the 24″ compact class. The washer’s SpeedPerfect technology provides up to a 40% faster washing time as compared to similar models. This quick-wash design means you can wash small loads (such as 5 men’s dress shirts) in as little as 15 minutes! The AquaStop® Plus technology provides extra protection against water damage to help your clothes stay stronger, longer, while the EcoSilence Motor delivers quiet, efficient, and long-lasting performance. The Bosch 800 series dryer doesn’t just meet the ENERGY STAR Water Consumption Standards, it exceeds them. Talk about a washer that packs a punch – All of these incredible efficiency features fit into a compact 24″ space!
4: Bosch 24″ Compact Condensation Dryer 800 Series
The Bosch 800 Series Dryer is one of the few ENERGY STAR qualified dryers in the 24″ compact class, and it’s been recognized as the quietest of the bunch. Don’t let the compact size fool you – Up to 18 towels can be dried in one load. That’s a lot of volume! This dryer connects right to the Bosch 800 Series washer for easy installation. Advanced Moisture Sensing technology prevents over-drying and wasted energy, making this dryer the superior energy-efficient drying option for small spaces.
5: Asko W6424 Washer
The Asko W6242 washer, the 2014 ENERGY STAR most efficient washer, combines effortless beauty with efficiency design features to bring you a washer that conserves resources while adding a touch of Scandinavian design to any space. With the included SensiSave technology, sensors detect the size of your laundry load and match water levels and time accordingly, conserving water and energy with smaller loads. Unbalance detection allows the washer to adjust accordingly if the load is uneven, so every load is washed thoroughly, every time. This washer also features a child lock and a compartment for liquid detergent which helps to organize your laundry space.
6: Asko T754CW Condenser Dryer
7: LG Electronics 5.7 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top Load Washer with Steam
The largest-capacity top loading model from LG, this 5.7 cu. ft. washer features steam technology to deep clean and remove the toughest stains. LG’s TurboWash technology saves you 20-30 minutes per load as compared to similarly-sized washers, cutting wash time by half without shortcutting cleaning performance – even with larger loads. Another feature those with sniffles and allergies will love – the Allergiene Cycle that uses the power of steam to gently remove over 95% of pet dander allergens from even the most delicate fabrics. This washer was awarded the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient mark in 2015. It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting rigorous energy efficiency performance levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All in all, it’s a washer that doesn’t sacrifice performance for sustainability – or the other way around.
8: Samsung 4.2 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Front Load Washer
The Samsung 4.2 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Front Load Washer is ENERGY STAR/CEE Tier 3-rated. It’s equipped with Vibration Reduction Technology to clean the toughest stains, and offers flexibility with nine custom cycles. The washer is made with premium materials and backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty on the motor. The automatic water level adjustment detects the exact amount of water needed, conserving water use for each and every load. Included Vibration Reduction Technology reduces noise and vibration, so you won’t be thinking about laundry the whole time it’s running!
Here’s one final tip for savvy shoppers: ask your utility provider if they offer rebates for buying water or energy-efficient appliances. Oftentimes they do and it’s an easy way to cut costs. Who doesn’t love saving money?