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When shopping
for and comparing front load machines look for the EnerGuide
rating label; the lower the number, the more energy efficient the
model is. You will notice that all front load washing machines
also carry the ENERGY STAR®
symbol.
This symbol accompanies the EnerGuide label only on appliance
models that achieve premium levels of energy efficiency, based on
specific criteria endorsed by Natural Resources Canada.
To give you an
idea of the difference in energy efficiency, consider that front
load clothes washers have EnerGuide labels ranging between 184 kWh
to 351 kWh. In comparison, some conventional top-load washing
machine models reach as high as 1011 kWh.
One advantage
of the front load machine is its gentle cleaning method. While
conventional “top-load” washing machines suspend clothes in a tub
of water and pummel them with a central agitator, front load
machines repeatedly tumble fabrics through a small amount of water
in the bottom of the receptacle, with no agitator.
Aside from
gentler cleaning, a key benefit to this method is the reduction in
water and energy use. A typical conventional mode of washing will
use about 33 gallons (151.4 litres) of water per load for the
cleaning and rinsing process. Front load washers use about
one-third as much water and require about 65 per cent less energy
to heat the water during the cleaning and rinsing process.
Gentle
cleaning and the ability to conserve energy and water are not the
only attractive benefits of front-loader machines. Other benefits
include:
-
Less
detergent is used. Decreased water use helps your detergent go
the extra mile, as fewer suds are necessary for each load.
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Reduced
drying time. Front-load washing machines turn much faster during
the spin cycle, extracting more water from fabrics and reducing
costly drying time.
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Space
savings. With the option to purchase a model that stacks onto
the dryer, frontload washing machines are practical for
apartments and small homes with limited space.
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Less noise.
With no agitator, the only sound you hear is the whir of the
spin cycle.
Front-load
washing machines generally cost more than the conventional top
load machines but offer a payback through reduced energy, water
and detergent use. |
