Do the newer front loading style washing machines pay for themselves by saving energy and water?

One pro I've noticed is the capacity is typically larger than the top loaders, and it supposedly spins out more water, leaving the dryer to do less work = less energy consumption. What are other pros and cons of the new washers? Asked by dwdrums 40 months ago Similar questions: newer front loading style washing machines pay saving energy water Environment > Energy.

Similar questions: newer front loading style washing machines pay saving energy water.

Front loaders are not new! I have had the same Frigidaire, Gallery model front loader for more than 11 years. We bought it in Feb of 1998.It has a large capacity stainless steel tub and only uses 33-40% of the water, bleach and detergent my old top loader required.

We do 6 to 8 full (large) loads of laundry each week. Do the math! We’ve saved roughly 60% of the cost of consumables over those 11 years.

I paid $708.75 in 1998 (tax incl. ) . I have had to replace the drive belt once and the door latch once – total $28.00 in repair costs for the machine in 11 years (I did the “work” myself – not much of a big deal.

Those are the pros -- I haven’t found any cons! See below for the latest review of today’s generic front loader. ---- What are the Benefits of a Front-Loading Washing Machine?

Front-loading washing machines have several unique benefits over top-loading models. They are remarkably energy-efficient, and help extend the life of clothing washed in them. Front-loaders are also quieter and have larger capacities than conventional washing machines.

Energy Efficiency--Front-loading washing machines are good for the Earth in not one, but four separate ways. What’s good for the Earth in these cases is also good for the pocketbook, a boon for buyers still suffering from sticker shock. Front-loading washers use significantly less water than top-loaders.

Because of the uniqueness of the wash mechanism, they use as much as 50% less water than vertical-axis washing machines. Not only will the owners of front-loading washing machines be able to pat themselves on the back for conserving water, but they will also be able to boast about their lower utility bills. Because a large part of the energy used by a washing machine goes to heating the water, washing machines that use less water consequently use less energy.

Even on the sanitary cycle, which washes clothes in water as hot as 160 degrees, front-loading washing machines use less energy for heating water than top-loading washing machines washing on the warm or hot settings. Front-loading washing machines also spin faster than conventional machines, so the clothes that come out of them are drier than clothes coming out of a top-loader. This is handy when a harried homeowner has several loads to do in one day, because wash and dry times are closer to the same length.

It also saves dryer energy, because there is less water to be dried by heat. Finally, front-loading washing machines use less soap. Laundry detergents are costly and contain a lot of chemicals that are not readily biodegradable, so using less detergent is a benefit to both the Earth and the consumer.

Easier on Clothing--Wear and tear on clothing can cost a significant amount of money. When clothes last longer, consumers save money. The savings is even larger when expensive work clothes last through several seasons.

Front-loading washing machines cause clothes to last longer by being gentler and reducing drying time. In a traditional washing machine, the agitator beats clothes through the water. This results in stressed and twisted fabrics that quickly become worn.

Horizontal-axis washers clean clothes by tumbling them in and out of the water, a much gentler action. Time in the dryer also causes wear on clothing. Because clothes washed in a front-loading washing machine spend less time in the dryer, they become less worn.

Options--Front-loading washing machines are appliance manufacturers’ luxury models. Consumers looking for the newest and best features will be able to find what they are looking for on front-loading washing machines. Some of the features and options to look for include: Sanitary cycles--Many high-end washing machines come with an option to wash clothes at temperatures high enough to kill bacteria and mildew.

Stainless steel wash tubs--Porcelain-coated wash tubs can chip and rust, and are not able to spin as fast as stainless steel. Quiet operation--Modern floor plans often place laundry areas closer to the living areas of a house, making quiet washing machines desirable. Front-loading washers are quieter than top loading machines.

Stackability--Many front-loading washing machines are stackable without giving up much washing capacity, a nice feature for people who live in compact homes. Larger capacity--Because front-loading washing machines do not contain a bulky agitator, models with super-large capacities are easy to find. CCCheck out the site below for additional info: http://www.googobits.com/articles/p3-448-should-you-consider-buying-a-frontloading-washing-machine.html Sources: personal experience & web search .

I come from a front-loader family... and the other "official" benefit of a front loader is that the tumble action cleans clothes more gently and effectively than the vertical agitator of a top-load machine. The biggest benefit that we get out of the front loaders is that we always buy them as a stacking set, and so they take up half as much space in the laundry room. However, some people like the benefit of placing them side-by-side on stands, and being able to load and transfer and unload without as much bending and lifting.As for the spin cycle, yes, on high speed spin, our machine gets clothes almost wearably dry.

(things that get hung to dry don't drip on the floor at all) as far as energy savings, I obviously don't have any comparison data, because I have not used a top loading machine in the home for about 30 years... other factors I have seen are: our washing machine runs very quietly. The drive motor is nearly soundless in operation - such that the laundry room door dampens the sound of the normal cycle, and the spin is barely audible in the rest of the house - equivalent with the dryer. I typically use half the detergent recommended by the detergent manufacturer (but make sure to use HE detergent, which is designed not to froth up) my machine is the standard size heavy duty, and I typically load it with 4 pairs of work pants at a time.

(I think my wife packs in 5 or 6 pair) I don't notice the machine having imbalance problems, like older machines frequently did - don't know if it's less susceptible or if I'm less aware of it, but I suspect the former. TheLightWorks's Recommendations Maytag Neptune 24" Electric Dryer - MDE2400WH Maytag Neptune Front Load Washer or Dryer Pedestal - 15,, gh - Drawer - MAL1800AX / MAL1800AXM - c "Maytag Neptune MAH8700AWW 27"" Front-Load Washer, 5 Cycles, AutoTemp Wa : White" All Small & Mighty, Triple Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free Clear for gh Efficiency/Front Loading Washing Machines, Case Pack, Nine - 32 Load Bottles (288 Loads) Amazon List Price: $53.91 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 16 reviews) I think these are middle-of-the-road in terms of price and features - but it gives you an idea of style. Our set is the Kenmore equivalent, and lets you fine-tune the wash cycle to add features like an extra rinse cycle.

2 to confirm: yes, buy HE-type detergent for a front loader. (available in most popular brands)also to refer to her answer: yes, it's true. My work clothes are typically only retired due to on-the-job damage, and the washer and dryer cycle are typically about the same.(40 minutes) .

To confirm: yes, buy HE-type detergent for a front loader. (available in most popular brands)also to refer to her answer: yes, it's true. My work clothes are typically only retired due to on-the-job damage, and the washer and dryer cycle are typically about the same.(40 minutes).

3 Frigidaire recommends HE detergent (low sudsing) but I have found that any type will work. HE is not always available in the less expensive brands i.e. ERA etc.I just use less of the least expensive brand of regular detergent and the clothes come out fine.

Re the "newer" models; the only addition they have made in recent years that may be be worth the additional cost is the ability to heat the water to a much higher temp. Than comes out of our WH. However I haven't had any problems using the standard temp supplied by our WH.

No sour smells etc. BTW: love your avatar - Mr. Bean rocks!

Frigidaire recommends HE detergent (low sudsing) but I have found that any type will work. HE is not always available in the less expensive brands i.e. ERA etc.I just use less of the least expensive brand of regular detergent and the clothes come out fine.

Re the "newer" models; the only addition they have made in recent years that may be be worth the additional cost is the ability to heat the water to a much higher temp. Than comes out of our WH. However I haven't had any problems using the standard temp supplied by our WH.

No sour smells etc. BTW: love your avatar - Mr. Bean rocks!

4 Yeah, it sounds like the water heating feature is for sanitary purposes. It kills bacteria at 160 degrees.

Yeah, it sounds like the water heating feature is for sanitary purposes. It kills bacteria at 160 degrees.

" "What is the best top loading washing machine for good quality washing. Not required to be HE machines. " "are than any washing machines that completely drain the water after use.

" "Has anyone seen Earthoid the Energy Saving Search?" "smell in front loading washing machine.

What is the best top loading washing machine for good quality washing. Not required to be HE machines.

Are than any washing machines that completely drain the water after use.

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