Washing machines are a valuable tool in our everyday lives.  However, their frequent use can be quite detrimental on our energy and water usage, as well as our utility bills.  This review will look at the best energy efficient washing machines available.  It will not be looking at the most water efficient models.

European Union energy label

The first place to start when choosing an energy efficient washing machine is to look for the EU energy label.  The EU energy label is a useful guide for buying an energy efficient washing machine.  It shows a rating from A to G, with A being the most efficient.  It takes account of the efficiency of the wash and the efficiency of how dry the clothes become after spinning.  This is crucial, as a better spin can reduce the amount of time you may need to use a tumble dryer.  However, this energy reduction must be measured against the energy used for a stronger spin.  It is recommended, for the highest energy saving potential, to get a washing machine rated A all round.

Recommended models

There are several excellent washing machine comparison websites.  However it is often difficult to make a decision on whether to go for a recommended reliable machine or an energy efficient model.  Ideally, you should aim to get a reliable and energy efficient machine as this will save you money long term.  The savings will come from less energy use, therefore lower bills, and less chance of having to pay out for repairs or a new machine (which uses considerable energy in its manufacture).   Below is a table showing the latest brands of washing machine, their EU energy label rating, their energy consumption in kW/h per wash, and whether they are recommended for their energy efficiency.  It must be noted that whilst checking Which? reviews for the best energy efficient models, three of the top five models had higher energy consumption per wash compared to washing machines recommended by the Energy Saving Trust.

(Source: Woodman-Hardy, 2010)

Quick tips

1. Washing coloured items at 30 degrees instead of 60 degrees C can save more than 50% of the energy used every time clothes are washed at this temperature [1].
2. Use half load or economy settings if washing machines are only half full [2].
3. Lower temperatures can be used for lightly soiled loads.
4. Look out for timer delays when choosing a washing machine to take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity.
5. If you can afford one, a more technologically advanced washing machine is very clever at keeping an eye on washes and automatically adapting your wash to be more energy efficient.   The energy saving technology can adjust temperature settings, wash time, rinse performance and spin speed.
6. Use an eco-friendly washing powder and fabric conditioner in your washing machine to further reduce it’s environmental impact

[1] McCarthy, Easy Eco Auditing, 2008

[2] Carbon Counter, 2007

Useful websites

Washerhelp – http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/topics/eco-energy-labels.html

Energy Saving Trust – http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Energy-Saving-Trust-Recommended-products/Home-appliances/Washing-Machines

EU energy label – http://www.energy.eu/focus/energy-label.php

Green Consumer Guide -  http://www.greenconsumerguide.com/washing_machines.php

Which? – www.which.co.uk