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Buyer’s Guide

  • Ask for ENERGY STAR.

    When buying a clothes washer, ask for an ENERGY STAR qualified model to be sure it’s energy efficient. Use the store locator to find a retail outlet that sells ENERGY STAR qualified products.

  • Check the yellow EnergyGuide label.

    This label helps you determine how much energy it takes to operate the model, compare the energy use of similar models, and estimate annual operating costs. Learn How to Use the EnergyGuide Label PDF Exit ENERGY STAR.

  • Think carefully about the size of the washer you need.

    While a larger model will obviously hold more clothes, it will also use more energy. On the other hand, a model that’s too small will require a lot more clothes washing. ENERGY STAR qualified models are also available in stackable and under-the-counter designs, which fit in smaller spaces.

  • Choose a model with a high Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and a low Water Factor (WF).

    Modified Energy Factor (MEF) is a measure of energy efficiency that considers the energy used by the washer, the energy used to heat the water, and the energy used to run the dryer. The higher the MEF, the more energy efficient the clothes washer. Water Factor (WF) measures water efficiency in gallons of water consumed per cubic foot of capacity. The lower the WF, the more water efficient the clothes washer. Both MEF and WF are listed on the ENERGY STAR qualified product list:

  • Look for several water level options.

    Choose a washing machine that allows you to adjust the water level to match the size of the load.

  • Choose a dryer with a moisture sensor.

    While ENERGY STAR does not label dryers, you can reduce your dryer’s energy use by choosing a model with a moisture sensor. This feature automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry, which saves energy and reduces wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.