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Jump to the present, and you are certain to be impressed by the technological advances of this unassuming
household appliance we have come to take for granted. Today, washing machines come in all shapes and sizes.
They are available in several color schemes and offer a wide array of dynamic features that our ancestors
couldn't even fathom. If you are in the market for a new washer, there are several factors you should consider
before making your decision. Remember that today's better washing machines are an investment that can last
10+ years.
Frequent Washers
Almost all washers do a fairly good job cleaning your clothes. If you are washing 1 load per week, any ma-
chine will suffice. But if you do 3 or more loads per week, every week, year after year, investing in a good ma-
chine can make a significant difference in the effort expended as well as the energy required. Some very small
washers use as much as 1200 kwh (kilowatt hours) per year, while the most efficient front-loading models use
only 300 kwh per year. And those same machines use much less water, so you can feel good about not only
your water bill, but also your environmental conservation efforts.
Categories
Today's modern washing machines can be divided into three categories, based upon varying levels of
automation:
• Fully Automatic – These washers are in complete control. They rely upon sensors to automatically de-
tect specific fabric types and configure water levels, wash time and the amount of detergent necessary to com-
plete your wash.
• Semi Automatic – These energy-efficient washers use "load sensors" to decide upon the amount of wa-
ter and detergent necessary to complete the wash based on your wash load.
• Conventional or Manual – These washers provide you with ultimate control. You must decide upon
the wash cycle, water level and appropriate amount of detergent to complete the wash.
Loading System
The next criteria you must take into consideration is the machine's Loading System:
• Top-Loading – "Top-Loading" refers to washing machines that open from the top. These washing ma-
chines rely upon either a "pulsator" or an "agitator" wash, both of which spin your clothing back and forth
throughout the detergent-filled water until it is clean. The basket then spins at a very high speed to remove ex-
cess water and detergent, and the process is repeated to ensure that any remaining detergent is removed. The
machine then spin-dries the clothing until it is ready to line dry or enter a clothes dryer. Top-Loading machines
are simple to load and very convenient as the wash cycle will resume if you interrupt it to add or remove cloth-
ing.
• Front-Loading – "Front-Loading" refers to washing machines with an opening in the front rather than
the top. Clothes are "tumble" washed in Front-Loading Machines, meaning they are cleaned as they tumble in
and out of the detergent-filled water and are then spun to remove excess water and detergent. Then they are
rinsed and spun dry once more. Front-Loading washers use far less energy, water and detergent than their Top-
Loading counterparts. Additionally, dryers can be stacked on top of them to conserve space.
High Efficiency
Purchasing a high efficiency front-loading washer will positively effect both the environment and your
checkbook. The most energy efficient machines utilize as little at 300 kwh per year, whereas less efficient top-
loading models can easily use over 900 kwh annually. Although front-loading washers cost more to purchase,
they tend to pay for themselves after just a few years of use. Due to minimal power and water usage, a high ef-
ficiency model not only saves you money, but also is more sensitive to the environment because it uses less wa-
ter and less detergent.
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