Front Loading Washing Machines
Front Loaders Save Water and Energy!
Front loading washing machines have been used in Europe for many years, and have recently made their way into North America (B.C. Hydro, 2003). These machines do not have agitators, the large paddle in the center, which actually increases the load size by 30 percent, allowing it to hold more clothing (Eartheasy, 2008). The machines also operate on a horizontal axis, like the dryer, allowing more water to be removed during the wash cycle (B.C. Hydro, 2003). Front loading washing machines have the capacity to reduce water consumption by 35-50%, saving between 14,000-22,000 liters of water per year (B.C. Hydro, 2003)!
These washing machines use less detergent as well, up to two thirds less than a conventional washer (B.C. Hydro, 2003). This practice results in fewer nutrients finding their way into the lagoons, and therefore the lake!
In addition to saving water, these machines also use a lot less energy since there is less water that has to be heated. In a load of laundry, 90% of the energy used goes to heating the water, with a front loading washing machine, the energy used can be reduced by 50% (B.C. Hydro).
A helpful hint for buyers – all front loading washing machines that are sold in Canada are labeled with an Energy Star logo, a logo which most of the top loading washers do not have (B.C. Hydro).
For more information, click here to read an informative brochure put together by British Columbia Hydro!
References:
Earth Easy. (2008). The New Front-Load Washers. Available online: http://eartheasy.com/live_frontloadwash.htm
B.C. Hydro (2003).H.E.L.P Sheet: Energy-Star Labeled Front Loading Washers. Available online: http://www.bchydro.com/rx_files/pshome/pshome1584.pdf
Photo: http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/08/22/green-your-appliances-washers-and-dryers/
