I’ve heard that front load washers are more efficient.  Is this true and why so? Cindy, Dallas

David Wax - CEO FreeGreen

When shopping for an energy efficient washer and dryer, you might find that most washers are front loading (also know as vertical-axis washers).

So, what is it that makes a front loading washer more efficient than a top loading (horizontal-axis) washer?

According to Energy Star, front loading washers are up to 40% more efficient than top loaders.

Top loading washers fill the tub with about 40 gallons of water in order to soak the entire load of laundry.

The tub of a front loading washer rotates so that laundry tumbles into a smaller amount of water (18-25 gallons) at the bottom of the washer, therefore, the tub does not need to be filled completely.

In addition, front loaders remove more water because they spin clothes faster so less time in the dryer is needed. This does not mean you won’t see a top loading washer that is also energy efficient; some have been made to spray water from the top of the tub or they use a moving plate to toss clothes up and down so less water is needed to wet the entire load.

If you are sold on the idea of an energy efficient washer you may find that it is more expensive than a conventional one, however, the water and electricity saved are worth the greater initial cost. For more tips on buying an energy efficient washer visit The Federal Trade Commission.