clothes washers rating and choosing

A qualified clothes washer can save you hundreds of dollars in running costs, and will cause less pollution and less water wasting.

Purchasing a clothes washer

When purchasing...

- Choose a washer with faster spin speeds; this feature will improve water extraction, reducing the drying time;

- Choose a “mini-basket” model, that is, a washer with a small tub that fits inside the regular basket to allow small loads;

- Choose a model capable of adjusting automatically the water level and its working cycle to what you are washing;

- Choose a model with a high Modified Energy Factor (MEF). The MEF is a global measure of the washer and the dryer energy efficiency. The higher the MEF, the better.

- Choose a model with a low Water Factor (WF). The WF is a measure of the efficiency of the washer in terms of consume of water. The lower the WF, the better.

These features are expressed in the USA-Canadian Energy Star label and on their Australian and European equivalents. Pay attention to those labels.

EnergyGuide label (USA and Canada)

USA and Canada Energy rating label for clothes washers In USA and Canada look for an Energy Star qualified model, and check the EnergyGuide labels of the washing machines you are comparing. The labels will tell you how much energy the models take to operate and the annual operating costs.

Europe: the Eco-label for Clothes Washers

In Europe there is a European Ecological Label for Washing Machines, symbolized by a flower in a circle. To receive that label manufacturers must meet several ecological and energy performance criteria: reduced energy consumption, reduced noise, easy recycling, reduced use of water and detergent, guaranteed washing and spin drying performance…

For more information, see: Washing Machines European Eco-Label

Australia and New Zealand & Clothes Washers Labels and Ratings

Australia has also an Energy Rating Label for washing machines (and freezers and other appliances). This label is based on a star rating: the more stars in the label, the better.

See, for more information: http://www.energyrating.gov.au/con3.html and http://www.energyrating.gov.au/con2.html