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.

Photo of KENMORE 41162 4.3 CU. FT. FRONT-LOAD WASHER - energy efficient laundry appliances on elemental green
Photo of WHIRLPOOL WGD9500EW ENERGY STAR GAS-POWERED DRYER - energy efficient laundry appliances on elemental green

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!

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Photo of BOSCH 24″ COMPACT CONDENSATION DRYER 800 SERIES -- energy efficient laundry appliances on elemental green

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.

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Photo of ASKO T754CW CONDENSER DRYER -- energy efficient laundry appliances on elemental green

6: Asko T754CW Condenser Dryer

A perfect pair with the energy and water-efficient Asko washer, the Asko T754CW Condenser dryer features Asko’s SensiDry technology to stop the dry cycle as soon as the laundry is dry, conserving as much energy as possible. SensiDry detects the level of moisture in your clothes and automatically turns off the machine when they are dry. This prevents shrinking and damage from over-drying, while also saving energy and time.

 

The Double Easy Clean lint filter makes cleaning the filter a breeze, and the double-wall traps every speck of dust. We love the clean, seamless design of this dryer – The allover white is sure to complement any home and any style!

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.

Photo of LG ELECTRONICS 5.7 CU. FT. HIGH-EFFICIENCY TOP LOAD WASHER WITH STEAM -- energy efficient laundry appliances on elemental green
photo of SAMSUNG 4.2 CU. FT. HIGH-EFFICIENCY FRONT LOAD WASHER -- energy efficient laundry appliances on elemental green

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!

After you’ve purchased your ultra-efficient laundry appliances, use them wisely to get the most bang for your buck. For example, heating water accounts for up to 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes! Clearly, it makes sense to only use hot water when it’s absolutely necessary – and your rinse cycle should always be set to cold. Also, only run your washer when you have a full load (but don’t overfill it) and make sure you’re taking advantage of the small, medium, and large settings (as well as any other performance features your machines may have).

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?