| Being green is all the rage these days and with | | | | regular laundry detergent and HE detergent is that |
| good cause. Conserving energy and water is a | | | | you use less high efficiency laundry soap and it |
| great way to help the environment. Best of all, | | | | suds less and rinses better. Because laundry soap |
| these energy efficient washers have the added | | | | tends not to dissolve properly in very cold water, |
| benefit of saving you money over time. There | | | | many machines are calibrated to ensure that the |
| are lots of front load washers on the market | | | | water on the cold cycle is at least 30 degrees |
| today, and for those looking for a more traditional | | | | Fahrenheit. Look for the HE symbol on detergent |
| top loader, there are still options available. | | | | packages. |
| High efficiency (HE) washing machines are available | | | | HE washers are designed to use a minimal |
| from trusted manufacturers such as Maytag, | | | | amount of water with each cycle. This, combined |
| Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE and Fisher Paykel. Many | | | | with the fact that they spin clothes much better |
| models are available in a rainbow of colors to suit | | | | than regular washers, means less drying time and |
| the décor of any household, particularly if | | | | greater energy savings. In the U.S., high efficiency |
| the machine will be in a high visibility area such as | | | | washers are Energy Star compliant and your |
| the kitchen. Whether you are looking for a front | | | | electric and water bills will noticeably drop, |
| load washer or a more traditional top load | | | | offsetting the slightly higher price of your washer |
| configuration, there are many options to choose | | | | over time. Some power companies also offer |
| from with a variety of capacities to suit your | | | | rebates when you upgrade to a high efficiency |
| laundry needs. | | | | model, making HE washers even more affordable. |
| There are several physical feature benefits of | | | | In late 2009 or early 2010, states will also be |
| high efficiency washers. In front load models, | | | | offering consumers rebates on Energy Star |
| there is a compartment for adding HE detergent, | | | | compliant washers purchased once the program is |
| fabric softener and bleach. Top loaders generally | | | | in effect. |
| have more traditional receptacles for these liquids. | | | | As you can see, high efficiency washers are a |
| High efficiency top load washers will generally not | | | | must when it comes to being environmentally |
| have an agitator in the tub. The tub movement | | | | conscious and saving money. An HE washer, over |
| and the water, which jets to tumble the laundry, | | | | its lifetime, will pay for itself in energy and water |
| agitate the clothes. No agitator means less wear | | | | savings. These washers also are much gentler on |
| on your clothing, saving you the cost of replacing | | | | your clothing and decrease your dry cycle, |
| worn or torn items. | | | | reducing your costs even further. If you are in |
| High efficiency washers must use high efficiency | | | | the market for a new washing machine, a high |
| laundry detergent. HE detergent is available in both | | | | efficiency washer should be your first choice. |
| liquid and powder form. The difference between | | | | |