If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, the one you get could have a big influence on your environmental impact.  That’s because front loading machines use much less heat, detergent, and washers than standard types.  The significantly more efficient and effective designs have been working at Laundromats for ages, but they’re only recently becoming popular for homes.

You can find great front loading washers from all the major brands, from Frigidaire to GE to Kenmore, offering efficient cleaning power, electronic features and attractive design.  Look for an Energy Star certification to let you know the machine’s energy efficiency level.  Your appliances will pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time, just through the energy savings.

Ordinary top loading washing machines use anywhere up to forty gallons of water per load, versus about twenty five even for top loading Energy Star models.  A forty percent water savings translates into a fifty percent energy savings.  Front loaders save even more, since the horizontal axis on which their drums rotate saves energy and water.  Unlike a top loader, the tub doesn’t have to be filled completely to do its job.

The spin cycle on a front loader helps you reduce drying energy, too (if you’re using an automatic dryer instead of a line).  That’s because they spin clothes faster, forcing more water out of the fabric before the load is even finished.  Front loading washers put less stress on your clothes, enabling them to last longer, too.  The average lifespan of a good front loader is ten years, and most of them pay for themselves in only six.

Remember only to run the washing machine when you have a full load to do, and wash with cold water unless absolutely necessary (pre-shrinking, for instance).  Heating the water is about eighty percent of the energy cost of using a washer.  Clean the lint trap on your dryer and wash loads back to back to use residual heat, and use an indoor rack or a clothes line whenever it’s feasible.  You’ll save energy as well as your clothing, which won’t fade, stretch, or wear out as easily.

A front loading washing machine is an excellent choice for anyone who’s in the market for new laundry appliances.  The difference it can make in your energy usage is significant, and it’s one more step in having a less expensive, more efficient household.  Check out all the great models on the market today!