Saving Time, Money & The Environment
Mar 13 '01 (Updated Aug 22 '01)
The Bottom Line Saving Time, Money & The Environment. What more can you ask for?
Recently we have had to make some major purchases around our home. I try to research & compare products before deciding which item we should purchase with my husband. We decided the time had come, it was necessary to replace our tired and worn out washer & dryer. The washer was doing the watts with every load. The dryer was taking up to three hours to dry heavier loads of jeans and towel.
We had watched a program on the Home Channel last year in which they discussed the use of Front Loading vs. Top Loading Washing Machines. There we learned Front Loading Washing Machines are initially more expensive to purchase than some Top Loading Machines. We also learned that Front Loading Washing Machines are made to be environmentally friendly and will lower your electric costs. I knew my aunt had also purchased a Front Loading Washing Machine.
Last week when I knew it was time to make the decision it was time to do some research first. I read several articles at Epinions.com, I posted on a Moms message board and corresponded with some people about their washer choices. I phoned my aunt and talked to her about her washer and dryer set. I visited other websites (i.e. Sears.com) to learn about costs, installation etc.
I made up my mind on the model I wanted and low and behold - What did we find in our mailbox but a sales flyer from Sear. My set was on sale! That evening when my husband got up (he works nights/sleeps days) I showed him the flyer and we decided to go look at the Front Loading Washer/Dryer set last weekend.
We discussed the various facts which we learned about the Front Loading Washing Machine. Over the next few days. Our last purchase was a used set from a reliable appliance store. While the used set had served us well we were interested in the features of the Front Loading Washing Machine. You'd have a hard time to find one used - and we wanted brand new this time.
How is the Front Loading Washing Machine Better for the environment?
#1. They use less water than a Top Loading Machine.
Front Loading Machines work the same way as a top loading machine. With a top loading machine the water fills almost to the very top of the washer basket and washes the clothing by twisting & turning them back and forth with an agitator. I don't care to think about how many clothing items of mine have gotten stuck or ripped on the agitator.
The Front Loading Machine fills with just enough water to wash the clothing. The clothing spins round and round through the water. Your laundry will actually come out cleaner with a Front Loading Machine than a top loader.
**They use less detergent/fabric softener than a Top Loading Machine.
You should purchase a low sudsing detergent. This is better for our septic tank. Laundry and cleaning detergents will interrupt natures way of breaking down waste which leaves your home. Detergent and bleach kill the enzymes and bacteria that are needed - so the less detergent you use the better off your septic system is.
*Note: There is a difference between Low Sudsing Detergent and Regular Detergent. That difference is just what it says - one produces less soap suds and one is the same old detergent we've all used for years.
If you use Regular Detergent in your front loading machine you must use less of it or the suds can pour out of the washer. Keep in mind Front Loading Machines use less water - less water = less detergent. If they don't come out of the washer you to remember that all of those suds will not rinse out in a normal rinse cycle.
When you use less Regular Detergent you will use less soap to clean with and it may not be adequate to clean your laundry. We are using a Low Sudsing Detergent for the above mention reasons. My favorite brand is Tide. I was happy to discover they do make a Low Sudsing Detergent.
#2. They use less electricity.
I don't know about the rest of the country but here in Connecticut we have high electric costs. We pay $150.00 a month average for the use of electricity in our home. Our furnace operates on oil so our electric bill does not reflect our heating cost.
Here I will share with you the comparison of three similar sized Kenmore Washing Machines. Please note the difference in Kilowatts used.
First is a washer similar to what we owned before - Top Loading
Kenmore White 3.0 cu. ft. Super Capacity Plus 27" Top Load Washer $429.88 Energy: 945 Kilowatt Hours per year
The washer of my choice Front Loading
Kenmore White 2.7 cu. ft. Similar features to above top loading. $799.99 Energy: 234 Kilowatt Hours per year
#3. They really spin water out of your laundry. This will require less less time needed in the dryer. I was amazed
at how dry a pair of blue jeans felt when the washer was done. They were clean and fresh and almost dry! A full heavy load dries easily in an hour.
Is there anything else I should consider when looking at Front Loading Washers?
#1.Yes. Several models can be stacked with the dryer on top of the Front Loading Washers. Our Kenmore model can be. Right now we plan on side by side use with a counter or cupboards (yet to be built) over top. In order to put a counter or cabinets above we will need to purchase a special piece of metal to go over top of the washing machine. We can also stack our set which I would like to do in the future to bring the laundry area into a different location in our home.
#2. The Front Loading Washers is low to the ground. If you have back or any physical limitations please be sure you check this type of washer out in person prior to purchase. If you some physical limitations perhaps you could have it installed on top of a short platform.
Conclusion
It was our conclusion (obviously :smile:) to go with a Front Loading Washer.
The model we purchased had over $150.00 in rebates and free delivery/setup.
The options of where and how to set up the set we selected is great.
We have well water and a swimming pool. It is imperative for us to minimize our usage of water. Two years ago we closed the pool in August because it was a dry summer, the well was getting low. Trucking companies jacked the price on pool water up and we opted to pass on their price. We feel now even if it's a dry summer with saving so much water from the washing machine that we can top off the pool as it lowers from evaporation and splashing.
If you have City Water I am sure you see a substantial savings in your water bill.
We liked the idea of lowering our electric bill with the lower kilowatt usage. We also like the fact that the less electric we use the more there is to spread around for others.
Personally I'd rather use less electricity and have see less Nuclear power plants in operation wouldn't you?
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