Laundry
Kitchen
Washing machine
Your washing machine will be one of your hardest working appliances, and you'll want it to work trouble-free for many years. The energy and water it consumes will be an important consideration given how much it is used, especially if you have (or will have) young children.
The big choice is still between top or front loading. Top loaders are more popular, but you should think about these features of front loading:
- They use between 50 and 143% less energy than top load machines, washing the same load, when tested in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard
- They use about half the water of similar capacity top loading machines
- Most use less detergent
- Tests have shown front load machines wash more gently and fabrics last longer
- They have no agitator so you can fit more washing in the drum than you could in the same size top loading machine
- Some models let you open the door during washing to add extra items (traditionally a convenience factor only for top loading machines)
- High spin speeds extract more water than the same cycles in top loading machines, saving time and energy on drying
- If you choose a combination washer/dryer remember their drying capacity is half their washing capacity.
What to look for when buying a washing machine
- Buy the best machine you can afford
- Energy efficiency – check the Energy Rating label
- Water efficiency – look for a high AAAA rating and compare the efficiency of the cycle you’ll use most
- If it can connect to cold water or dual hose connection and heat its own water, that will save hot water energy
- Features like automatic water level adjustment for load sizes, half load options and recommended lower detergent use that save resources and make the machine cheaper to run
- Size – plan for the next 10 years or more
- Electrical, plumbing and drainage requirements
- Features, like wash programs, rinse options, temperature settings, detergent dispensers, fabric softener dispensers, spin speeds (clothes will last longer if spun at a suitable speed – faster spin options can save you time and energy on drying)
- The ‘computer updatable’ feature so you can get your machine reprogrammed for new technology – and take advantage of new energy and water efficiency gains – without having to buy a new machine
- Whether machine components can be recycled
- Whether you want the washing machine integrated, so it matches your laundry
- Installation cost and whether it’s included in the price
- Warranty conditions and any special incentives included in the price
- Find out your manufacturer’s authorised service agent and length of time parts will be made available.
Clothes dryers
To use dry numbers, all clothes dryers have powerful elements (up to 2200W), and dryers from 4.5 kg up have been shown to use over 3.9 kW of energy per load.
So if your climate and lifestyle means you need a dryer, it’s especially important to look for ways to use less energy.
If you choose a combination washer/dryer remember their drying capacity is half their washing capacity.
What to consider when buying a clothes dryer
- Dryers with auto sensors (that switch the dryer off when the load reaches the dryness you program) are between 5 and 15% more energy efficient
- Match the dryer to the capacity of your washing machine, so you won’t be overloading the dryer
- Buy the best dryer you can afford
- Size – and plan for the next 10 years at least
- Do you want it to hang on the wall, sit on the floor, or sit on top of your front loading washing machine (you can easily buy stacking kits)?
- Venting and power connection – 10 Amp or 15 Amp socket required?
- Installation cost and whether it’s included in the price
- Warranty conditions and any special incentives included in the price
- Find out your manufacturer’s authorised service agent and length of time parts will be made available.
For expert advice on buying energy efficient gas or electric heating or cooling systems, call us on 13 14 27 (Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales).