High efficiency (HE) washers are an advanced type of washing machine that use less water and energy compared to traditional top-load washers. HE washers deliver excellent cleaning performance while saving money on utility bills and water usage.
How Do HE Washers Work?
HE washers work differently than conventional top-load agitator washers in a few key ways:
- Front-Loading Design: HE washers have a front-loading door, unlike traditional top-loaders. This horizontal axis design uses gravity to tumble clothes through water, requiring less water overall.
- Low Water Usage: HE washers use advanced wash systems to penetrate fabrics using very little water. On average, HE washers use 15-30 gallons of water per load, compared to 40 gallons for conventional washers.
- High-Speed Spin Cycles: HE washers spin at very high speeds, extracting more water from clothes. This means less drying time is needed, saving energy.
- Sensors: Advanced sensors in HE washers detect the size of the load and appropriate water level so water isn’t wasted. Sensors also monitor soil levels and detergent concentration for optimal cleaning.
- Gentler Cleaning: HE washers are designed to be gentler on fabrics, resulting in less wear. The tumbling action reduces tearing and pulling. Some models have a spray rinse feature to remove detergent residues.
What Are The Benefits of HE Washers?
There are many compelling reasons to choose an HE washer:
- Save significantly on water bills. HE washers use an average of 25 gallons of water per load compared to 40 gallons for conventional washers. This provides yearly water savings.
- Reduce energy costs. With built-in heaters to boost water temperature and high-speed spin cycles, HE washers significantly cut drying time lowering electricity bills.
- Clean clothes using less detergent. HE washers require less detergent because they create wash motion with less water. Many are designed for high-efficiency detergents.
- Be kinder to the environment. HE washers have a lower carbon footprint by consuming less electricity and water during their lifetime. They often qualify for utility rebates.
- Enjoy incentives and rebates. Many utility companies and municipalities offer rebates on HE washers to promote water conservation in drought-prone areas.
- Get excellent cleaning results. HE washers clean just as effectively, if not better, than conventional washers despite using less water and detergent.
What to Look for in an HE Washer
When buying a new HE washer, keep the following features in mind:
Size Capacity
Look for washers with at least a 4.3 cubic feet drum capacity if you tend to wash large loads or bulky items. Larger families may want a 5 cubic feet capacity.
Spin Speed
Faster spin speeds wring out more water, reducing drying time. Look for HE washers with spins of at least 1000 RPM. Some models offer 1400+ RPM spins for maximum efficiency.
Cycle Options
Look for multiple cycle settings for different fabric types and soils, such as a gentle or handwash cycle. Some models sense load sizes and adjust cycles accordingly.
Steam Cycles
Steam cycles help loosen soils and reduce wrinkles and odors without harsh chemicals. They’re great for freshening clothes between washes.
Noise Level
Front-load HE washers operate very quietly thanks to advanced sound dampening and quiet brushless motors. Look for models rated under 70 decibels.
Connectivity
Many new HE washers offer WiFi connectivity and integration with smart home platforms like Alexa or Google Home for remote monitoring and control.
Top Brands of HE Washers
Major home appliance brands like Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, GE, and Maytag manufacture high-performing and energy efficient HE washer models. When comparing brands, look at features, capacity, cycles, noise ratings, and companion dryer models. Also research product reviews and reliability ratings.
Common Questions about HE Washers
Are HE washers better than agitator washers?
Yes, HE washers are more advanced and efficient overall. They use less water and energy, are gentler on fabrics, clean equally as well, and spin faster – saving time and electricity. The horizontal drum design also causes less wear.
Do you need special detergent for HE washers?
It’s recommended to use high-efficiency (HE) detergents which produce fewer suds and dissolve efficiently in HE washers. Normal detergents may create excess suds and lead to poor rinsing. However, some HE washers are designed for regular detergents.
Can you overload an HE washer?
No, avoid overloading. Clothes need room to tumble properly for effective cleaning. Overloading can also cause excess wear on components. Pay attention to maximum load size recommendations.
Why do HE washers take so long?
The wash cycles take longer because HE washers repeatedly lift and drop clothes in a gentle tumbling motion rather than vigorously agitating them. The cycles are optimized for cleaning effectiveness. Proper loading helps reduce cycle times.
Do HE washers require special venting?
Most HE washers do not require external venting. Some condenser models utilize internal condensers to remove moisture and may optionally connect to a ventilation duct. Consult your manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
High efficiency washers provide a superior cleaning performance while conserving significant water and energy compared to conventional top-load designs. Their innovative wash systems combine front-loading drums, low water use, high-speed spins, advanced sensors, and gentle tumbling. With benefits like lower utility bills, reduced environmental impact, and fabric care, HE washers are an exceptional option when purchasing a new washer. Choose an appropriately sized model from a reputable brand with desired features to maximize efficiency and enjoy years of effective eco-friendly laundering.
What Are High Efficiency Washers? FAQs
What does high efficiency mean on a washer?
High efficiency (HE) refers to advanced washers that use significantly less water and energy to clean clothes compared to traditional washers. HE washers typically use 15-30 gallons of water per load versus 40 gallons in conventional top-loaders.
How is an HE washer different from a regular washer?
HE washers differ in their front-loading design, low water usage, high-speed spin cycles, use of sensors, and gentler tumbling motion. They clean clothes using less water and detergent than regular agitator washers.
What are the benefits of an HE washer?
Benefits include lower water and energy bills, reduced environmental impact, savings from rebates and incentives, excellent cleaning results despite less water, gentler on fabrics causing less wear, and faster spin cycles that decrease drying time.
Do HE washers really save money?
Yes, HE washers can save significant money on utility bills. Reduced water and energy usage saves on monthly costs. Faster spin cycles cut drying time lowering electricity bills. Lifetime savings can be hundreds of dollars compared to regular washers.
How much water do HE washers use?
On average, HE washers use 15-30 gallons of water per load based on load size and soil level. This is a 50-75% reduction compared to the 40 gallons a regular washer uses per load.
Do you need special detergent for an HE washer?
It’s recommended to use high-efficiency (HE) detergent which creates lower suds and rinses cleanly. Regular detergent may cause oversudsing issues. Some HE washers can use regular detergent – check manufacturer guidelines.
What wash cycles do HE washers have?
HE washers have settings like normal, permanent press, delicates, hand wash, and quick wash. Some sense load size and soil level and adjust accordingly. Advanced models have steam, allergen, and sanitizing cycles.
Are HE washers hard on clothes?
No, HE washers are actually gentler on fabrics and cause less wear over time because clothes are lifted and tumbled rather than vigorously agitated. There is less pulling and tearing.
Are HE washers noisy?
No. HE washers typically operate at less than 70 decibels due to noise-reducing insulation and quiet brushless motors. Some even have sound damping systems, making them comparably quieter than older washers.
Conclusion
HE washers require an initial investment but pay back over time through impressive water, energy, and detergent savings. Their innovative wash systems combine advanced features to deliver an extremely efficient clean using minimal resources. With proper use and maintenance, an HE washer will provide years of high-performance operation.