Washers

Here’s a long-term savings tip: If you are ready to replace your clothes washer, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified model. ENERGY STAR clothes washer­s use less than 50% of the energy used by standard washers. Because they use less energy, qualified washers reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses caused by burning fossil fuels.

Moreover, most full-sized ENERGY STAR washers use 18-25 gallons of water per load as compared to the 40 gallons used by a standard machine; that’s a savings of roughly 7,000 gallons of water annually.

Plus, using an ENERGY STAR model adds up to a utility bill savings of approximately $50 per year.

When you are ready to purchase an ENERGY STAR clothes washer, choose a size that meets your household needs and look for one with many water level choices. Be sure to check the yellow ENERGYGUIDE label to determine how much energy the unit takes to operate and estimated annual operating costs. Also, select a model with a high Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and low Water Factor (WF). The higher the MEF and the lower the WF, the more efficient the washer.

Other energy saving tips include:

•    Running full loads whenever possible.
•    Washing your loads in cold water (90% of the energy consumed while washing is due to heating the water).
•    Always using High Efficiency (HE) detergent.
•    Activating the high spin speed option.
•    Using a drying rack or hanging wet clothes outside.
•    Leaving the washer door open after use to allow remaining moisture inside to evaporate.

For more information on how you can transform your laundry room into a “green-friendly”

environment, visit www.energystar.gov.