Never before have there been so many different options when it comes to purchasing a new washing machine for your home. With so much information available about different models, each with their own special features, technology, and ratings, it can be overwhelming to choose which will be the best machine for your needs.
But doing a little research before purchasing a new washing machine can be worth the effort in the long run. Not only are different washing machines for different purposes, but you can also save on electricity and water charges over the lifetime of your machine.
Front vs Top Loaders
When beginning a search for a new washing machine one of the first major differences you will encounter is that some are top loading and others front loading machines.
While it is easy to think that a washing machine is a washing machine, there are some very big differences between the two. Which type of machine you choose not only determines how it washes the clothes, but can also have a major impact on the ongoing cost of the machine.
Top loading washing machines tend to be cheaper to purchase, have a larger capacity, and shorter washing time than front loading machines. Top loaders also allow you to add items once the cycle has started.
Front loaders on the other hand are gentler on clothes, take up less space and offer many more temperature and wash options than top load machines.
But perhaps the biggest difference between the two is their ongoing costs. Front loading machines are generally cheaper to run as they use less water and electricity than top loaders, and their spin cycles dry clothes better – reducing the need to use a dryer.
How Much Difference an Energy Efficient Machine Makes
When it comes to building energy efficient washing machines few brands can compare with Scandinavian manufacturer Asko. With more than 60 years of experience designing and building environmentally friendly products it’s no surprise that they have some of the most energy efficient machines on the market.
Of the seven machines currently with the equal highest five star energy rating on energyrating.gov.au, six are made by Asko. Their 10kg W8844 XL model, along with a further five 7kg machines are all industry-leading in their ongoing running costs. Over a ten year period the estimated running cost for the 10kg machine is $658, and $466 for the 7kg machines.
Also receiving a five star energy rating is V-Zug’s 11004 8kg front loading machine. Using 180 kilowatts for a warm wash, the 11004 would also cost an estimated $466 to run for a ten year period.
To highlight the huge difference energy efficiency can make in the ongoing running costs of a machine it is possible to compare the five star rated machines with their lower counterparts.
At three and a half stars, Samsung’s WD10F7S7SRP front loading 10kg machine is comparable with Asko’s W8844 XL model on face value. But looking at the ongoing costs tells another story. At $1261 to run over a ten year period the Samsung machine is almost twice as expensive to run as the Asko.
This large difference can sometimes make purchasing an initially more expensive machine a better long-term option.
When weighing up the cost and benefits of different machines it is always recommended that you search energyrating.gov.au or the Energy Rating app. A little research using their handy comparison tool can literally save you hundreds of dollars in the long term.
If you are currently looking at purchasing a new washing machine and would like assistance with installation, call our friendly JEDI Plumbing team on 0411 774 381. Servicing Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches we can help you not only save money, but also help you to do your part to save the environment with energy efficient appliances.