Energy Efficient Washing Machines

Making your home more energy efficient is not as hard as one may think. We have found that making simple appliance upgrades and improving your windows, doors, and insulation can have a huge effect not only on your power bill but on the environment! With approximately 70% of our energy usage in the United States resulting in pollution from coal and natural gas, making your home more energy efficient provides potentially life-saving benefits for everyone!

With the average family doing more than 400 loads of clothes each and every year, energy efficient washing machines can go a long way in saving you money. Washer rebates are offered on models that are marked with the Energy Star qualification use up to 30% less energy. However, it doesn’t stop there! These models also use half the water of your typical washing machine. Clearly, energy efficient washing machines are the way to go and can easily decrease your utility bills by over $100 each year—those are savings worth considering!

Believe it or not, the savings don’t stop there, either. The government provides incentives to those who move toward more energy efficient residential areas. Specifically, you can receive up to 30% back on your home improvement initiatives on your Federal tax refund!

After knowing the savings, you are probably asking what type of energy efficient washing machines you should purchase. First and foremost, look for the Energy Star sticker that ensures energy efficiency. Second, opt for a front loading machine. These machines can hold more clothes and therefore require fewer loads. Since approximately 90% of the energy used in the washing process is to heat water, conserving water becomes a key part in energy efficiency. Plus, we recommend you get a washer with indicators for small, medium, and large loads, as well as heat settings. Washing your clothes on cold and specifying the amount of water needed for the load size can go a very long way.  Washer rebates are available in a bunch of places.  It’s important to make sure that you identify what your washer needs are first, before you think about applying for a washer rebate.

Overall, energy efficient washing machines can play a key role in your desire to make your home more efficient. Upgrading to a qualified model can reduce your bills, save you money in the long run, and also help promote a healthier environment!

Useful Links:

http://www.consumersearch.com/washing-machine-reviews

http://saveenergy.about.com/od/energyefficientappliances/p/eneffwashingmac.htm

http://www.metaefficient.com/washing-machines/the-most-efficient-washing-machines.html