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	Washers / Dryers: Green buying guide 5/09 Making green choices How to choose Assessing your needs How old is your current washer or dryer? If you have a favorite high-end, older appliance, you may want to repair it. But skip any repair that costs more than half the price of a new product. Our repair data show that it often doesn’t pay to repair any top-loading washer that's more than four years old, any front-loading washer that’s more than seven years old, or any dryer that’s more than seven years old. Consider replacing a newer model if it has been repair-prone. What size washer and dryer do you need? Try to match your washer and dryer capacity to the largest load your household is likely to generate routinely. Machines with larger capacity let you do fewer loads, saving time and energy. Making the right choice WASHERS: Consider a washer that is both capable and efficient. Washers have become more energy-efficient over the last 10 years. Top-loaders still lag behind front-loaders in energy and water efficiency. But in our latest tests, more top-loaders washed as well as front loaders. To compare washers, check out our Green ratings. DRYERS: Insist on a moisture sensor for dryers. Most newer dryers have moisture sensors that automatically stop the machine when the laundry is dry. Sensors shut the dryer off automatically when the moisture level in the clothes is dry enough and not overdry, which can save energy. By reducing drying time, sensors can also help protect clothing from shrinking and other damage. Consider a gas dryer. The major differences among dryers are not in their overall efficiency, but in the type of energy they use to heat the air. Gas dryers are generally cheaper to run and have less impact on the environment than electric dryers, contributing only about 40 percent as much carbon dioxide. They do cost more, but because their operating cost is typically lower, you can make the price gap in a year or two. If you obtain your power from alternative electric sources such as solar power, you may want to consider an electric option. Getting the most value WASHER TIPS: Keep wash temperatures low. Whichever washing machine you choose, using the lowest appropriate water temperature can help save energy. Reserve hot water for very special stains, like oil, that respond best to hot water, or for allergy-proofing bed linens. Some stains respond better to warm or cold water. Always rinse with cold. You can also lower your hot water heater to 120 degrees. Wash full loads. You’ll use less water and energy per pound of dirty clothes if you wash large loads. Use your washer’s fastest spin speed. The more water your washer extracts from clothing at the end of the cycle, the less energy your dryer will need to dry the clothes. DRYER TIPS: Don’t overdry. That not only wastes energy but can damage your clothes. If your machine doesn’t have a moisture sensor, we recommend using an automatic setting, such as “less dry” rather than a timed setting. You can always increase or decrease it as needed. Clean lint filters and moisture sensors regularly. Cleaning your dryer and washer lint filters will save energy, improve performance, and minimize fire hazards. Occasionally remove the filter and rinse it under running water; clean it with a soft brush if it holds water. The dryer’s moisture sensor, usually located inside the front edge of the drum, will function better if cleaned regularly with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol. Refer to the instruction manual for specific instructions. Consider using a clothesline or drying rack. Hanging even some of your clothing items can help you save energy.   Why it matters Energy-efficient washers and dryers can save you money while reducing environmental damage. Washers and dryers account for about 10 percent of your household energy bills. Not only can energy-efficient models lower these costs, they can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read more about carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and their effect on global warming in the Global Warming Solutions Center section. Saving electricity also reduces the smog, acid rain, water pollution, and nuclear waste produced by power plants. Read more about energy production and its effect on the environment in the Energy section. Efficient washing machines can also help conserve water. A recent government survey showed at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013. An efficient washer can help conserve scarce local water resources and lighten the load on overburdened sewer systems.   Green Ratings    Washers / Dryers Washing machines are listed in order of energy efficiency. You can sort the ratings chart by any column by clicking on the header of the column. Overall score for washers is based on washing ability, efficiency, capacity, and noise. Dryers are listed in order of overall score, which is based on drying performance, drum volume, and noise. Energy efficiency among dryers is not significantly different, however, gas dryers are generally less expensive to run and have less impact on the environment. Dryers with moisture sensors can use less time to dry when an automatic dry cycle is used and therefore be more efficient with energy usage. Ratings last updated: July 2009 (Washers & Dryer) Brand and model Price Overall score Small type: similar model(s) CR Best Buy indicates an exceptional value Discontinued, similar model(s) available Front-loading washers Samsung WF448AA[W] $1500 Electrolux WaveTouch EWFLW65H[W] $1600 GE WCVH6800J[WW] A CR Best Buy $800 GE Profile Steamwasher WPDH8900J[WW] $1300 GE Profile WPDH8800J[WW] $1200 LG Allergiene SteamWasher WM3001H[W]A $1600 Samsung WF419AA[W] $1200 LG WM0642H[W] $900 LG Allergiene WM2688H[WM]A $1500 Bosch Nexxt 300 Series WFMC220[1]UC $800 LG WM2301H[W] $900 Miele Touchtronic W4840 Miele W4800 $1650 $1900 Maytag 9000 Series Steam MHWE900V[W] $1600 Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940F[S] Frigidaire LTF2940F[ ] (Lowe's) $700 Frigidaire FTFB2940F[ ] (Best Buy) $700 $650 Frigidaire Affinity ATF8000F[S] Frigidaire LTF8000F[ ] (Lowe's) $800 Frigidaire ATFB8000F[ ] (Best Buy) $800 $800 LG WM2701HV $1200 Bosch Nexxt 800 Series WFMC840[1]UC $1300 Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3577K[W] Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3574K[ ] $700 $800 Bosch Nexxt 500 Plus Series WFMC544[0]UC $1200 Frigidaire Affinity ATF6000F[S] $650 Kenmore (Sears) HE2 Plus 4751[2] Kenmore (Sears) HE2 Plus 4753[ ] $800 $800 Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW9700V[W] $1500 Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW9600T[W] $1600 Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5t Steam 4778[1] $1600 Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5t Steam 4770[1] Kenmore (Sears) 4775[1] $1600 Kenmore (Sears) 4778[8] $1600 Kenmore (Sears) 4778[7] $1600 $1600 Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW9500T[W] $1500 Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5t 4708[1] $1300 LG WM2016C[W] $800 Kenmore (Sears) HE3t Steam 4674[2] Kenmore (Sears) HE3t Steam 4675[ ] $1400 $1400 Whirlpool Duet HT WFW9400S[W] Whirlpool Duet HT WFW9200S[ ] $1050 $1200 Maytag 5000 Series MHWE500V[W] $1200 Samsung WF218AN[W] $800 Amana NFW7200T[W] $600 Maytag Epic Z MHWZ600T[Q] $800 Kenmore (Sears) HE2t 4756[1] Kenmore (Sears) HE2t 4757[ ] $900 $900 Speed Queen CTSAOA[W]N $1400 Whirlpool Duet Sport WFW8300S[W] $800 Asko Ultracare WL6511 $1300 Brand and model Price Overall score Top-loading washers Fisher & Paykel Intuitive IWL16 $800 Whirlpool Cabrio HE WTW6600S[W] $1000 Maytag Bravos MTW6600T[Q] $950 Whirlpool Cabrio HE WTW6800W[W] $1000 Maytag Bravos MVWB800V[Q] $1100 Maytag Bravos MTW6700T[Q] $1000 Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6700T[W] $1000 Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis HT 2808[1] Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis HT 2809[ ] $1100 $1100 Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6200S[W] $700 GE Profile WPGT9150H[WW] $930 Staber HXW2304 $1300 Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart WA37T26G Fisher & Paykel WA37TG1 $600 $600 GE Profile WPRE6150K[WT] $600 GE Profile Harmony WPGT9360E[WW] $890 GE WJRE5500G[WW] A CR Best Buy $480 Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis 2803[2] Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis 2804[ ] $800 $800 Estate ETW4400T[Q] $400 GE WHDRR418G[WW] (Home Depot) $450 Roper RTW4340S[Q] $330 GE WWSE5240G[WW] $430 Kenmore (Sears) 500 2952[2] $500 Hotpoint VWSR4160G[WW] $400 Frigidaire FWS1233F[S] $370 Whirlpool WTW5300V[W] $450 Whirlpool WTW5800S[W] Whirlpool WTW5821S[ ](Sears) $550 $550 GE WHRE5550K[WW] $530 Maytag Centennial MVWC300V[W] $430 Maytag Centennial MVWC500V[W] $530 Kenmore (Sears) 400 2942[2] $380 GE WLSR2200J[WW] $380 Whirlpool WTW57ESV[W] $530 GE WHDSR109J[WW] $350 Kenmore (Sears) 800 2982[2] $630 Brand and model Price Overall score Small type: similar model(s) CR Best Buy indicates an exceptional value Discontinued, similar model(s) available Electric Dryers Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE3 Steam 8674[2] $1400 Yes Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5 Steam 8772[1] Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5 Steam 8773[ ] (Electric) $1300 $1300 Yes GE Profile Harmony DPGT750EC[WW] $950 Yes Kenmore (Sears) Oasis Steam 6808[2] Kenmore (Sears) Oasis Steam 6809[ ] (Electric) $1040 $1040 Yes LG Tromm DLE8377[W] $1050 Yes Maytag 5000 Series Steam MEDE500V[W] $1100 Yes LG DLE5955[W] $900 Yes LG SteamDryer DLEX3001[W] $1400 Yes Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis 6703[2] Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis 6705[ ] (Electric) $800 Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis 6704[ ] (Electric) $800 $800 Yes Whirlpool Duet Steam WED9600T[W] $1400 Yes Samsung Steam DV448AE[W] $1150 Yes LG DLE2516[W] A CR Best Buy $700 Yes Kenmore (Sears) 800 Series 6982[2] A CR Best Buy Kenmore (Sears) 800 Series 6983[ ] (Electric) $600 $600 Yes GE Profile DPVH890EJ[WW] $1200 Yes Whirlpool Cabrio Steam WED6600V[W] $900 Yes GE Profile DPSE810EG[WT] A CR Best Buy $625 Yes Maytag Bravos MED6400T[Q] $750 Yes Maytag Epic MED9700S[B] $1100 Yes Siemens UltraSense WTXD532[2]US $980 Yes Bosch Nexxt 500 Plus Series WTMC533[0]US $1100 Yes Maytag Bravos Steam MEDB800V[Q] $950 Yes Whirlpool Duet Sport WED8500S[R] Whirlpool Duet Sport WED8300S[ ] (Electric) $700 $800 Yes Amana NED7200T[W] $600 Yes Whirlpool Cabrio WED6200S[W] $700 Yes Kenmore (Sears) HE2 8656[2] Kenmore (Sears) HE2 8756[ ] (Electric) $800 Kenmore (Sears) HE2 8757[ ] (Electric) $800 $800 Yes Bosch Nexxt 800 WTMC832[1]US $1100 Yes Electrolux Perfect Steam EWMED65H[IW] $1500 Yes GE DCVH640EJ[WW] $750 Yes Miele Touchtronic T9800 $1300 Yes Frigidaire Gallery GLER104FS[S] $450 Yes Kenmore (Sears) 6962[2] Kenmore (Sears) 6963[ ] (Electric) $490 $490 Yes Whirlpool WED5800S[W] Whirlpool WED5700V[ ] (Electric) $500 $480 Yes Frigidaire LEQ2152E[S] (Lowes) Frigidaire Gallery GLEQ2152E[ ] (Electric) $700 Frigidaire LEQ2152H[ ] (Lowes) (Electric) $600 $600 Yes Frigidaire Affinity AEQ6000E[S] Frigidaire Affinity AEQB6000E[ ] (Best Buy) (Electric) $700 Frigidaire Affinity LEQ6000E[ ] (Lowes) (Electric) $700 $700 Yes Fisher & Paykel DE62TG1 Fisher & Paykel DE62T27G (Electric) $770 $770 Yes Fisher & Paykel Intuitive DEIX2 $840 Yes Asko TL751XXL[W] $1000 Yes Maytag Centennial MEDC500V[W] $460 Yes GE DTSR495EF[GG] GE DRSR495EG[ ] (Electric) $500 $500 Yes Fisher & Paykel DEGX2 $770 Yes GE DRSR483EG[WW] $550 No Kenmore (Sears) 6952[2] Kenmore (Sears) 6953[ ] (Electric) $440 $440 No Amana NED4800V[Q] $400 No Staber HXD2304E $800 Yes Brand and model Price Overall score Gas Dryers Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE3 Steam 9674[2] $1480 Yes Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5 Steam 9772[1] Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5 Steam 9773[ ] (Gas) $1360 $1360 Yes GE Profile Harmony DPGT750GC[WW] $1020 Yes Kenmore (Sears) Oasis Steam 7808[2] Kenmore (Sears) Oasis Steam 7809[ ] (Gas) $1120 $1120 Yes LG Tromm DLG8388[W] $1110 Yes Maytag 5000 Series Steam MGDE500V[W] $1200 Yes LG DLG5955[W] $980 Yes LG SteamDryer DLGX3002[W] $1470 Yes Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis 7703[2] Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis 7704[ ] (Gas) $880 Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis 7705[ ] (Gas) $880 $880 Yes Whirlpool Duet Steam WGD9600T[W] $1470 Yes Samsung Steam DV448AG[W] $1220 Yes LG DLG2516[W] A CR Best Buy $770 Yes Kenmore (Sears) 800 Series 7982[2] A CR Best Buy Kenmore (Sears) 800 Series 7983[ ] (Gas) $680 $680 Yes GE Profile DPVH890GJ[WW] $1250 Yes Whirlpool Cabrio Steam WGD6600V[W] $980 Yes GE Profile DPSE810GG[WT] A CR Best Buy $700 Yes Maytag Bravos MGD6400T[Q] $780 Yes Maytag Epic MGD9700S[B] $1180 Yes Siemens UltraSense WTXD5522UC $1020 Yes Bosch Nexxt 500 Plus Series WTMC553[0]US $1150 Yes Maytag Bravos Steam MGDB800V[Q] $1000 Yes Whirlpool Duet Sport WGD8300S[R] $750 Yes Amana NGD7200T[W] $670 Yes Whirlpool Cabrio WGD6200S[W] $770 Yes Kenmore (Sears) HE2 9756[2] Kenmore (Sears) HE2 9757[ ] (Gas) $860 $860 Yes Bosch Nexxt 800 WTMC852[1]US $1150 Yes Electrolux Perfect Steam EWMGD65H[IW] $1570 Yes GE DCVH640GJ[WW] $820 Yes Miele Touchtronic T9820 $1350 Yes Frigidaire Gallery GLGR104FS[S] $520 Yes Kenmore (Sears) 7962[2] Kenmore (Sears) 7963[ ] (Gas) $540 $540 Yes Whirlpool WGD5700V[W] $580 Yes Frigidaire LGQ2152H[S] (Lowes) Frigidaire Gallery GLGQ2152E[ ] (Gas) $770 $650 Yes Frigidaire Affinity AGQ6000E[S] Frigidaire Affinity AGQB6000E[ ] (Best Buy) (Gas) $750 Frigidaire Affinity LGQ6000E[ ] (Lowes) (Gas) $750 $750 Yes Fisher & Paykel DG62TG1 Fisher & Paykel DG62T27G (Gas) $850 $850 Yes Fisher & Paykel Intuitive DGIX2 $850 Yes Asko TL751GXXL[W] $1080 Yes Maytag Centennial MGDC500V[W] $520 Yes GE DRSR495GG[WW] $580 Yes Fisher & Paykel DGGX2 $790 Yes GE DRSR483GG[WW] $620 No Kenmore (Sears) 7952[2] Kenmore (Sears) 7953[ ] (Gas) $500 $500 No Amana NGD4800V[Q] $480 No Staber HXD2304G $850 Yes Learn even more about product performance including:   - washing performance   - capacity   - gentleness   - noise   - cycle time by subscribing to   Energy calculator The energy calculator is only available online. Specific issues   What government & industry are doing Minimum federal energy-efficiency standards. The federal government sets minimum energy-efficiency standards for several appliances including washers and dryers, and runs the mandatory EnergyGuide and voluntary Energy Star programs. As of January 2007, all washing machines were required to become 21 percent more efficient than the prior minimum allowed. The standards have also played an important role in promoting the design and production of appliances that cause less environmental damage. Tax incentives. Some states offer tax incentives to encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient appliances. To find out what’s available where you live, contact your state energy office or local utility company. The online Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy also has information about these and other incentive programs. What you can do   Recycling & disposal Disposing of your machine. Nearly 90 percent of all household appliances, like washers and dryers, are now recycled, thanks largely to state and municipal bans on disposing of these products at landfills. The dealer who sold you your new washer or dryer may offer to haul away the old one. Otherwise, check the zip code searchable database on Earth911 (see under “Metal/White Goods”), which includes information on curbside recycling. Consider donating it. If you decide to replace a still-working washer or dryer, and it is a relatively efficient unit, consider donating it to a person or charitable organization that can use it. Paying to repair a donated washer or dryer may also make financial sense for someone who would otherwise not have one.
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