If you're in the market for a new washing machine, give thanks to the dirty laundry of tiny Bern, Kansas (population 210). When Maytag and the Office of Renewable Energy were looking for a place to test European-style front-loading washers on Americans born and bred to be top-loaders, they came to Bern. The study took background data on 103 conventional washers in and around the town, then gave them all new front-loaders, also called horizontal axis machines. 20,000 loads and 70 tons of washing later, the results were definitive: across the board the residents of Bern found the new washers did a superior job.

Perhaps more importantly the washers also helped ease a local water shortage, reducing average consumption per load 38%, from about 42 gallons to 26 gallons. Energy consumption fell by 58%, and because the spin cycle also removed more moisture from the clothes, even more energy was saved in the dryers. Now front-loaders are widely available in the US, and lead the ranks in ENERGY STAR compliance. The competition has even spurred the development of new ENERGY STAR certified top-loaders.

Each year we Americans do about 35 billion loads of laundry, accounting for 2.6% of the total residential energy use. Most of this energy is used to heat the water for washing, so reducing water consumption links directly to lower energy costs if you wash in warm but also reduces the strain on municipal water supplies, pumping systems, and waste treatment plants. These washers are also easier on your clothes, pushing the ultimate savings higher.

Want to know more? Clothes washers are rated using a measure called the modified energy factor (MEF), which takes into account how much water it uses, how much energy, and dryer savings resulting from the more powerful spin cycle. The water factor rates its use of water; this matters almost everywhere, but is a premium in areas like the American West and California with chronic water supply issues. Higher MEFs are better.

Dryers are simple devices, and while gas dryers are most efficient, the difference between gas and electric is minimal enough that ENERGY STAR does not even rate them. Compared with timed drying, temperature-sensing dryers save about 10% while those that use moisture-sensing controls save 15%. Or you can save 100% and cut carbon emissions to zero with a clothesline.

Purchasing tips:

  • The more efficient your washer, the lower your climate impact.
  • Check with your local utility for rebates to help you buy a new washer if you're in the market. Because the energy and water savings are so substantial, many utilities now offer rebates for qualifying machines.
  • Buy an ENERGY STAR model. It can save you up to $110 per year on your utility bills and reduce global warming pollutants.
  • Size your washer to meet household needs. Compare your current washer to ENERGY STAR washers which range in capacity from 1.6 to 3.8 cubic feet.
  • Buy a front-loader. You'll save water, energy, and money.
  • Look for clothes washers rated with higher MEFs.
  • Look for flexible water level options so you can adjust the level based on the size of your load.
  • Compare the yellow EnergyGuide labels of the models that meet your needs. Estimated annual operating costs are a quick guide to the most efficient models.
  • Buying from a contractor? Ask for ENERGY STAR.
  • Once you've got the washer installed, wash with cold water.