Until now, if you wanted a resource efficient clothes washing machine, it was necessary to purchase an expensive front loading version. Top-loading energy-saving washers generally use much less water due to a rinse cycle that sprays the rinse water rather than having a deep fill soak. They also conserve energy by using temperature regulated warm (not hot) water during the wash cycle.
Top-loading, energy-saving washers use two innovative methods to reduce the resources required for a load of laundry. To reduce water consumption, there is a spray rinse cycle that consists of repeated high-pressure rinses to remove soap residues, rather than a soaking cycle with a full tub of rinse water. These spray rinse models average around 25 gallons per wash compared to 40 gallons per wash for traditional soaking models.
To reduce energy consumption, sensor technology is used to closely control the incoming water temperature. Incoming wash water is monitored and adjusted to maintain an optimal temperature. Optimum temperatures are determined for water to be hot enough to dissolve the detergent and provide high performance cleaning, but low enough to save energy and minimize any hot water damage to fabrics. A color-safe wash temperature is monitored to 100ºF and a sensitive fabric setting is monitored to 75°F. The end result is fewer gallons of hot water and reduced water heating energy use.
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Ten loads per week are estimated to save $55 per year where electricity costs 8.47 cents per kWh.
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Washing ten loads per week in a horizontal axis machine can save 30% of the water used by a conventional top loading machine. This can add up to nearly 10,000 gallons over a one year period.
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The "Resource Saver" was introduced in the Fall of 1998, and is available at most major appliance retailers.
A limitation is that a high temperature standard wash is not possible.
Currently, the price tag for the Whirlpool "Resource Saver" washer is between $150 and $200 more than a comparably equipped conventional top-load washer, but at least $200 less than a horizontal axis washer.
Estimates suggest this type of washer can save up to $55 a year on washer costs.
Not Applicable
Asdal Builders: Henderson, Nevada
Chapman Companies: Rancho San Marcos, Santa Fe, New Mexico
MADE Project: Bowie, Maryland
There is no noticeable difference in the installation of top-loading, energy-saving washing machines and other conventional top-loading machines.
Whirlpool maintains a 1 year warranty on the entire washer and multi-year and lifetime warranties on certain components.
The Whirlpool "Resource Saver" clothes washer uses less water and energy than conventional top-loading machines. As noted above, The ENERGY STAR® program has estimated annual electric savings at $55.
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