Clothes Washer

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label

ENERGY STAR® labeled models meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and cost less to operate than standard models because they:

• Use about 30% less energy.
• Use over 50% less water than regular washers.
• Remove more water from clothes, which reduces drying time.

For a typical household, an ENERGY STAR-qualified washer could save about 7,000 gallons of water per year. Calculations based on nearly 400 loads of laundry washed in an ENERGY STAR washer (18-25 gallons per full load) compared to conventional washer (40 gallons per full load).

Consider buying a “front-loading” model

It uses less energy, water and detergent, and has a faster spin cycle for reduced clothes-drying time and costs.

Compare EnergyGuide ratings

All new clothes washers come with an Energy- Guide label. This bright yellow-and-black label is mandated by the federal government and helps you determine the appliance’s annual operating costs. The smaller the number, the less energy it uses and the more money you save.

Calculate the true cost

Clothes washers last an average of 14 years, so it pays to consider both the purchase price and the cost of operating and maintaining the machine during its lifetime. ENERGY STAR washers may cost more to purchase, but you quickly make up the difference in long-term energy and water savings.