{"id":9,"date":"2009-09-14T10:16:00","date_gmt":"2009-09-14T17:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2009\/09\/14\/front-loading-washer-dryers-is-it-time-to-upgrade\/"},"modified":"2009-09-14T10:16:00","modified_gmt":"2009-09-14T17:16:00","slug":"front-loading-washer-dryers-is-it-time-to-upgrade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/front-loading-washer-dryers-is-it-time-to-upgrade\/","title":{"rendered":"Front Loading Washer & Dryers: Is it Time to Upgrade?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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F<\/span><\/strong>or the past five years or so, high efficiency\u00a0 (H.E.) front loading washers have been all the rage.\u00a0 Not only do they look neat with all the digital features, they’re cool with new colors – red, blue, silver — never seen before in our hum-drum laundry rooms.\u00a0 Things are looking up!<\/span><\/p>\n

As a technology lover, I figured it must be time to upgrade, right?\u00a0 Who could pass up all those bells and whistles and futuristic style?\u00a0 But before I can shell out a sizable chunk of money for these beauties, I\u00a0must do my homework first.\u00a0 So I surfed the web and talked to my friends who have high efficiency front loading machines.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Here’s what I found out…<\/span><\/div>\n

What is a High Efficiency Front Loading Washer?<\/strong><\/span>
\nFirst off, what is a H.E. front loading washer?\u00a0 Most are front loading washers like the type you’d see in a laundromat.\u00a0 They\u00a0are characterized by: 3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Rotating Drum<\/strong>\u00a0that tumbles clothes through less water.\u00a0 This\u00a0compared to a top\u00a0loader which rubs clothes against an agitator in a tub full of water.<\/span><\/p>\n

A High Pressure Spray Rinsing<\/strong> that saves water and helps get soap out of clothes.<\/span><\/p>\n

A faster Spin Cycle<\/strong> that cuts down on water and causes clothes to be “drier” out of the washer.<\/span><\/p>\n

A More Efficient Motor and Automatic Sensing<\/strong> that conserves water and energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Top Loading Machines<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Top loading machines are the most common type of washing machines.\u00a0 Laundry is deposited and withdrawn from the top of the machine.\u00a0 Top loading machines are best for people who have back problems as it’s easier to get to the load without bending or kneeling over. \u00a0These machines are less costly and tend to be more reliable.\u00a0\u00a0 I’ve had mine now for nearly 15 years and it keeps on ticking.\u00a0 My mom had hers for over 25 years.\u00a0 So why “throw in the towel (and my socks too!)” and upgrade my laundry machines now?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Let’s delve further into high efficiency front loading machines.<\/span><\/div>\n

H.E. Front Loading High Efficiency Machines<\/strong><\/span>
\nH.E. Front Loading machines have been around enough now that there is ample information available on their benefits and drawbacks:<\/span><\/p>\n

BENEFITS<\/span>:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 Save Money<\/strong> – these machines use far less water and electricity than top loading machines.\u00a0 H.E. machines only fill up partially with water.\u00a0 They lift the clothes up and drop them back into the water, instead of totally emerging them in water as do top loaders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies show that H.E. machines use up to 50% less water and 50-65% less energy than top loading machines. 5<\/span>\u00a0 The U.S. Department of Energy calculates savings of up to\u00a0$50 a year in utility costs. 3<\/span>\u00a0 A $100 a year savings in utility costs is even possible\u00a0with the best energy efficient machines as compared to your old 15 year old top loading washing\u00a0machine. 3<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

o\u00a0 Load Capacity<\/strong> – most H.E. machines can handle more clothes with capacities ranging from 12-20 pound loads.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 Cleaner Laundry<\/strong> – because of their tumbling and drop action, they can clean clothes more fully.\u00a0\u00a0Reports\u00a0from consumer reports, CNET reviews, and interviews with friends confirm clothes are cleaner.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 Drier Clothes Out of the Washer <\/strong>– due to moisture extraction in the spin cycle.\u00a0This also aids with reduced energy consumption.\u00a0 Drier clothes from the washer mean less time for clothes to dry, which equates energy consumption reduction.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 Good for the Environment<\/strong> – due to less energy consumption and <\/span>water usage.\u00a0 A family of four could reduce their water usage by up to 8,0000 gallons a year using H.E. machines.<\/span> 4<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 Stackable<\/strong> – Front loaders can be stacked, making more for space in smaller laundry rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 Home Network Integration<\/strong> – believe it or not, models such as the LG SteamWasher can be integrated into your home network and can show you the washer’s progress on your computer!\u00a0 Cool!\u00a0 Sign me up!<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 High Capacity<\/strong> – purchasing a large capacity H.E. machine will allow you to double the amount of clothes you can put into the washer.\u00a0 My friend, who has a family of 5, is able to wash all the bed linens in one load — a feat not even thought possible with her top loader.<\/span><\/p>\n

NOTE on Detergent:<\/strong>\u00a0 High Efficiency (H.E.) machines work best with low-foaming, high-efficiency detergent which is made specifically for H.E. machines.\u00a0 These detergents are formulated for low water levels and tumbling action.\u00a0 H.E. detergents are comparable in price to normal detergents.\u00a0 Using regular detergents in H.E. machines creates too many suds which will make it harder to get the soap out of the clothes.<\/span><\/p>\n

DRAWBACKS:<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0<\/strong>
\no\u00a0 Vibration<\/strong> – some H.E. models vibrate excessively during the spin cycle.\u00a0 It depends where you place your washing machine.\u00a0 If you place it on concrete, the vibration will be pretty much absorbed.\u00a0 However, putting it on a wood framed floor will cause the vibrations to be more noticeable.\u00a0 Newer models include reduced vibration features.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 You Snooze you Lose<\/strong> – if you forget to put something in the washer after you pressed the start button – the item is going to have to wait until the next laundry load.\u00a0The door locks so that water doesn’t pour out onto your floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 Digital Breakdowns<\/strong> – some of the higher end models use digital screens which allow you to customize your washing experience.\u00a0 However, digital components can break down or be confusing and this can greatly decrease your front loader experience.\u00a0\u00a0Repairing digital components can be costly.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0 Mold Growth<\/strong> – there have been numerous complaints about strange odors coming from these machines.\u00a0 H.E.\u00a0machines harbor moisture which promotes mold growth, hence the noticeable smell.\u00a0\u00a0Mold growth can be prevented by leaving the washer door open after a load is done and through a little preventative maintenance.\u00a0 To decrease the presence of mold, add 3\/4 cup of bleach to your white laundry cycle to remove any build up in the machine.\u00a04 <\/span><\/span>
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\no\u00a0 Run Time<\/strong> – H.E. machines tend to take longer – expect at least one hour for the wash to be completed.\u00a0 Expect 1 1\/2 hours for the special allergen cycles.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Important Features<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0When shopping for a H.E. front loading machine, here are some features to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ENERGY STAR<\/strong> – ensure your washer is ENERGY STAR – which means the government has declared it to be an energy efficient appliance.\u00a0 While ENERGY STAR does not label dryers, be sure to choose one with a moisture sensor so that the machine will automatically shut off once the clothes are dry.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Capacity<\/strong> – determine the size of washer needed ahead of time.\u00a0 A larger family points to a larger capacity needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Several Water Level Options – <\/strong>or Automatic water Level Sensing.\u00a0\u00a0Water level options\u00a0allow you to reduce water usage by adjusting water to the size of your load.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Yellow Energy Guide Label<\/strong><\/span>
\nChoose a model with a high Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and a low Water Factor (WF).\u00a0 This is a valuable tool in determining how much energy it takes to use the machine and how it ranks compared to other models.\u00a0 The label also provides an estimate of annual operating costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 High Spin Speeds –<\/strong> helps to wring out the water from the clothes before\u00a0going into\u00a0the dryer.<\/span><\/p>\n

o\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Steam<\/strong> – steaming your clothes rather than washing them is more efficient as it loosens\u00a0up dirt\u00a0and freshens up and sanitizes clothes. \u00a0Steaming clothes also reduces water usage as the tub is not filled with water.\u00a0 Both washers and dryers can offer this feature, but not all models offer steam.\u00a02 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u00a0o\u00a0 Quiet<\/strong> – front loaders are amazingly quiet.\u00a0 Yes, you still hear them but you’ll notice a big reduction in volume.\u00a0 Also, because front loaders balance the load better, you won’t hear that loud banging noise like you do with top loaders when the laundry load becomes unbalanced.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
o\u00a0 Delayed Start<\/strong> – washing machines have now joined the fray of delayed starts just like their oven and dishwasher counterparts.\u00a0 With some models, you can set your H.E. machine to begin washing a load at a certain hour.\u00a0 You can start it at 4am to be ready for the dryer by the time you awake, which reduces the amount of time wet laundry sits in the washer.<\/span><\/div>\n
o\u00a0 Allergy Clean<\/strong> – some models offer a special high temperature cycle designed to reduce certain allergens.\u00a0 It helps to reduce dust mite populations and is particularly useful for bedding and pillows.<\/span><\/div>\n
o\u00a0 Automatic dispensers<\/strong> – fill up the dispensers with detergent, fabric softener, and bleach to automatically dispense at the right time.\u00a0 This is HUGE<\/strong><\/span> for people used to top loaders.\u00a0 With a top loader, many of us put the detergent in first, then fill the tub with water, then put the clothes in.\u00a0 This takes a good amount of time and you need to be around to complete the steps.\u00a0 Not so with a front loader.\u00a0 The front loader takes in the detergent along with water and ensures the detergent is thoroughly mixed before combining it with the clothes.<\/span><\/div>\n
o\u00a0 Extra Rinse Cycle<\/strong> – for those people who are extra sensitive to detergent being in their clothes.<\/span><\/div>\n

\u00a0o\u00a0 Pedestal with Bottom Drawer – <\/strong>pedestals\u00a0can be purchased separately for approximately $250 each to\u00a0make it easier to reach inside your washer and provide for extra storage.\u00a0 As pedestals are hollow inside, they will not help much against a heavily vibrating machine.\u00a0 Some people build platforms out of wood or concrete to add height to their washer and dryer rather than purchase pedestals.\u00a0<\/p>\n

My “Squeeze<\/span>” On It<\/span><\/strong>
\nAlthough H.E. front loading machines are very pricey, in the long run they will pay for themselves by lowering your gas\/electricity and water bills.\u00a0 They cause much less wear and tear on your clothes and will clean your clothes more fully.<\/span><\/div>\n
The features I feel are most important are:<\/span><\/div>\n
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