High Efficiency Washing Machines Save $$$ Every Month
Did you know that the many washing machines being made nowadays cost only a small percentage to run when compared to the last generation of washers? A new machine can help you save a good deal of money on both your power and water bills.
New washing machines use scales and sensors in order to determine how much water is needed. In most cases, the user no longer sets the water level. This allows the machine to efficiently use only what it needs. While this will help lower your water bill, chances are it is the electric bill you are more concerned about.
Everyone has seen those yellow tags and stickers that appear on appliances. These are energy consumption ratings from the United States government. Many modern washing machines use under 130 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year. That’s an annual operating cost of only $13, including hot water! Modern non-high efficiency washing machines use about four times as much power.
Unfortunately, the federal government is a little behind in their estimation of electric prices. Their numbers are based on electric costs of about $.10 a kilowatt hour. I pay almost $.25 a kilowatt-hour. Come to think of it, I have probably been paying a lot to run my washing machine. Given its age and condition, I bet it is about half as efficient as even the low efficiency models being made now. It could be costing me around $150 a year to run. At that price, a new machine would pay for itself in just over three years.
Modern washing machines also incorporate features that the old fashioned ones did not. For one thing, they have become more sleeker and stylized in appearance. Electronic controls are now more common than the mechanical dials of the past.
Companies like Maytag offer features that include a self-cleaning mode. As high-efficiency washers have a reputation to get a little funky, that is a great option. Many Whirlpool washers offer a self-balancing feature. This could cut down on having to run down to the basement when the machine is trying to shake itself apart.
One important thing to remember is that the high-efficiency washing machines need a special detergent. Make sure you only use the high-efficiency detergent. It may seem like it costs more, but you use so much less that it costs about the same. Normal detergent is mostly water. This is the same stuff, minus the extra water.
It may seem like shelling out the money for new appliances is expensive. But if you can afford to do it, they will save so much power that they will literally pay for themselves. And while these machines pay for themselves, you’ll enjoy the conveniences that come from using newer appliances.