Save Energy and Money With an Energy Efficient Washing Machine

Saving money on energy can be tough, especially when energy prices are on the rise. Today, more than ever we all need to watch our wallets and make savings wherever we can. If your family needs to cut back on its use of energy one of the first places you should look is your home appliances. Home appliances can use a great deal of energy, and replacing those old inefficient washers, dryers and other appliances with new and more energy efficient models can save you a bundle on electricity and water costs. We live in a world of scarcity and rising fuel cost, so an eagle eye can make all the difference. In fact energy efficient appliances can more than pay for themselves over time, and the special tax breaks for buying energy efficient appliances can make these purchases even wiser.

Buying an energy efficient washing machine is one of the best ways to save both money and energy in the long run. But it is important to shop wisely when looking for an energy efficient washer as there are many pitfalls that you don't want to fall into. Some important things to look for when shopping for a new washing machine include:

- Look for a front loading washing machine. While front loading models are generally more expensive to buy, they also tend to have larger load capacities than top loading models. There is often a misconception that the opposite is true, but this is not always the case. Top loading machines in launderettes are the exception to the rule, not the rule itself. Since washing only full loads is one of the best ways to save energy and money, this greater load capacity can save you a bundle.

- Look for a washing machine with a faster spin speed. Aside from making less noise for less time, a faster spin speed with a more powerful motor will siphon more water through the washer and reduce the necessary drying intervals.

- Avoid washing machines with a central agitator. A central agitator can waste a great deal of energy. That is why many newer model front loading washing machines are designed without one.

- Look for a washing machine with an automatic load size sensor. This is becoming the standard and most top brands now offer multiple models with load size sensors. This will help your washing machine make more efficient use of both energy and water.

Flashing lights, buttons and dials are all well and good and can provide that illusion that your getting real value for money, but often the feature that these operate are not used. Looking for these features will help you find the most energy efficient washing machine for your home. Since these vital appliances are responsible for such a large percentage of the average home's energy use, buying the most energy efficient washing machine you can find can have a big impact on your monthly energy costs. Add to that the benefit that you reducing your carbon footprint and doing a little more to save the environment and you can immediately see the it makes sense to opt for an energy efficient washing machine.