2002 Volunteer Leader Training Guide
Save Money and Save the Environment
The New Energy-Efficient Clothes Washers, Dryers and Refrigerators
Handout 1
Clothes Washers
• Dryers
• Refrigerators
Clothes Washers
Nearly 81 percent of U.S. households have a clothes washer. Most of these
washers are top-loading models. Today, however, 10 percent of all newly
purchased washers are front-loading models. Front loaders are technically
horizontal-axis machines and use less water and energy to clean clothes.
Top-loading H-axis machines are also beginning to appear on the market.
The literature refers to H-axis machines as 'front-loading,' 'high
efficiency' or 'tumble-action' washers. Regardless of what they are called, it
is clear that this new design uses only one-third to two-thirds the water used
by agitator washers. Because there is less water to heat, energy use can be
one-third to one-half that of agitator washers.
To better understand how horizontal-axis machines use less water and energy,
consider that in a conventional top-loading machine the tub must fill with water
to be sure that all of the clothes are kept wet. The agitator then swirls the
water around to clean the clothes. In contrast, a front-loader or H-axis model
tumbles the clothes back and forth through a shallow pool of water as the tub
itself rotates -- clockwise and then counter-clockwise. This process does an
efficient cleaning job, is gentle on fabrics and can extend the life of clothing
items. Many front-loading models spin clothes faster than traditional machines,
extracting the maximum amount of water. This means that less energy is required
to dry clothes.
While the new H-axis machines are less expensive to operate, they are more
expensive to purchase. Local energy and water rates and the amount of laundry
you do each year will determine how quickly you can recoup your initial
investment. Another consideration is the type of detergent needed for tumble
action machines. Manufacturers recommend that high-efficiency (HE) detergents be
used in the new high-efficiency washers. These products are low foaming to
prevent excess suds from cushioning the tumbling action and reducing cleaning.
High-efficiency detergents are often more expensive and are not available in all
markets. These factors may also add to the cost of operating an H-axis machine.
As high-efficiency washers saturate the market, HE detergents should become more
cost effective and readily available.
Here's one final advantage of a front-loading washer. If space is tight in
your home, a front-loading washer may be the solution. Some front-loaders permit
stacking the dryer on top of the washer.
Manufacturers of top-loading washers are experimenting with new designs in
order to comply with the Department of Energy's standards which mandate a 20
percent increase in washer efficiency by 2004 and a 35 percent increase by 2007.
Washing without an agitator seems to be the key. Some new models utilize wash
plates that lift and bounce clothes through a spray of water, substantially
reducing water and energy use. Because there is no agitator, wash load capacity
is increased.
Dryers
Recently manufactured dryers are more sophisticated, and models with a
moisture sensor are recommended over those that use a thermostat to determine
when a load of clothes is dry. Dryers with moisture sensors are quick to
recognize when clothes are dry, cut themselves off sooner, save energy and spare
wear and tear of fabric due to over-drying. Consumer Reports note that
moisture sensor models are, however, about $30 to $50 more expensive than those
with thermostats. Over the lifetime of the machine, the more efficient drying of
a model with a moisture sensor will offset the higher initial cost.
Dryers with a cool down cycle (sometimes called 'perma-press' cycle) are
recommended. During the last few minutes of the cycle, cool air, rather than
heated air, is blown through the tumbling clothes to complete the drying
process.
Gas dryers are less expensive to operate than electric dryers. The cost of
drying a typical load of laundry in an electric dryer is 30 to 40 cents compared
to 15 to 20 cents in a gas-operated model.
Refrigerators
Today's refrigerators are spacious with flexible, more efficiently used
storage space. Slide-out and adjustable glass shelves and temperature-controlled
compartments are common in mid-priced models as well as top of the line units.
Some of the new side-by-side models are designed with freezer shelf space wide
enough to hold a pizza box or large turkey -- something that used to be possible
only in refrigerators with top or bottom freezer space.
For families who entertain, some new models have cycles capable of speeding
up ice making. This feature, however, adds to the initial cost of the appliance
and cost of operation. Ice bins placed on the inside of the freezer door are
also new on the market. The advantage of this feature is that it frees up space
on freezer shelves.
Some new models feature filters for water and ice makers. Nice but pricey.
Replacing a filter every 6 to 12 months will cost between $30 and $40. This
option may, however, pay off for families who typically purchase bottled water
for drinking purposes.
Perhaps the most noticeable change in refrigerators during the past 10 to 20
years has been the amount of energy required for operation. Of all the kitchen
appliances, a refrigerator uses the most electricity and can account for as much
as 15 percent of a home's total energy bill. The Department of Energy (DOE)
estimates the energy bill for a typical new refrigerator with automatic defrost
and top-mounted freezer to be about $55 a year. A typical model sold in 1973
will cost nearly $160 a year to operate. That's a difference of more than $100
annually, so it's easy to see why the DOE suggests replacing your present
refrigerator if it's more than 15 years old. New models can be as much as 50
percent more energy efficient than older refrigerators.
Refrigerator manufacturers and the U.S. Department of Energy agreed to new,
more stringent standards to take effect July 1, 2001. Refrigerators made today
are about 30 percent more efficient than those manufactured under the 1993
standards. In 2001, a typical 20 cubic foot model will use 461 kWh compared to
659 kWh for a model just meeting the 1993 standards.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DOE promote the production and
purchase of refrigerators that are more efficient than the federal standards
through the ENERGY STAR®&program. An average-sized ENERGY STAR® refrigerator
sold today uses at least 20 percent less energy than a similar-sized
refrigerator that just meets the minimum federal 1993 standards. Best models
save up to 26 percent over federal standards.
The Alliance to Save Energy reports that an ENERGY STAR® refrigerator saves,
on average, $14 a year and $168 over its useful life. If all refrigerators sold
in a typical year were ENERGY STAR® refrigerators, consumers would save about
$26 million in electricity costs annually and the U.S. would emit about 700
thousand fewer tons of carbon dioxide.
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