What should I look for when buying a Clothes Washer?

Think carefully about the size. ENERGY STAR certified models are also available in stackable and under-the-counter designs, which fit in smaller spaces.

Save the most by choosing a model with a high Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) and a low Integrated Water Factor (IWF). Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) is a measure of energy efficiency that considers the energy used by the washer during the cycle and while on standby, the energy used to heat the water, and the energy used to run the dryer. The higher the IMEF, the more energy efficient the clothes washer. Integrated Water Factor (IWF) measures water efficiency in gallons of water consumed per cubic foot of capacity. The lower the IWF, the more water efficient the clothes washer. Both IMEF and IWF are provided for each model listed in the ENERGY STAR Product Finder.

Advanced Technology

Most ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers do not have a central agitator.

Clothes washers that have earned the ENERGY STAR use next generation technology to cut energy consumption by 25% and water consumption by 33% compared to conventional washers.

ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers come in either front-load or redesigned top-load designs. Both configurations include technical innovations that help save substantial amounts of energy and water.

• Many have sensors to monitor incoming water temperature closely.
• They also rinse clothes with repeated high-pressure spraying instead of soaking them in a full tub of water.
• Front-loaders tumble clothes through a small amount of water instead of rubbing clothes against an agitator in a full tub. Advanced top loaders use sophisticated wash systems to flip or spin clothes through a reduced stream of water. Both designs dramatically reduce the amount of hot water used in the wash cycle, and the energy used to heat it.
• Efficient motors used in ENERGY STAR certified washers spin clothes two to three times faster during the spin cycle to extract more water. Less moisture in the clothes means less energy used by the dryer.

For both models, check to see if you need to use special detergent. Low-water washers use special low-suds detergent for best results. Ask your sales representative for recommendations on detergent use.