High Efficiency washer Benefits and Costs

[iheartmaytag]

I know I saw this question lately on this board. Is the cost of a new HE washer worth the cost difference, and what is the payback time?

Here is a website that helps answer this and other questions.

Washing Machine Energy Savings

High-efficiency clothes washers save energy in three important ways: More efficient motors than old machines Reduced hot water usage Reduced moisture content of clean clothes …

www.h2ouse.org

 

[iheartmaytag]

Sorry for the double post, it had disappeared at first and sudslocked on me.

 

[jons1077]

Something they missed...

The dollars and cents may all add up to create a savings but here's what I experienced. I spent $2,700 on a high eff. set a few years back and I can assure you that no machine built like it (Kenmore's by the way) will ever make it anywhere near 14 years. I would say the average life of a new HE machine now is closer to the 5 - 8 year ballpark before some very costly repairs start to happen. One of the machines I'm using as a daily driver is a 40 y/o GE toploader...runs like new. I bought the matching set for $100 and spent mayble $100 more in repairs to get them going. So $200 purchase price plus their estimated $2,800 for 14 years of use. Hmm, ok that's about equal to the new set.

Total estimated savings of the life (14 years right?) of an HE machine is roughly $820. Of course that's water savings. I've already spent more just buying the set. To break even I'd have to never plug them in and use them. Of course I would use them and that means stuff will go wrong in a few years. In 7-8 years it becomes to costly to fix and I have to buy another new HE set right? Drop another couple of grand.

I think y'all know where I'm going with this. They are the least bit cost effective. Yes they may cut down on drying time and water use so THOSE should be selling points. But don't tell me they'll save me money because it's not true. It'll cost you double. (And I saved machines from going to a landfill and my clothes are cleaner.)

Thanks for listening.

 

[mr_jms]

High Efficiency Washers Cost

I have a Maytag Neptune front load washer and dryer. Bought the pair May 1, 1999. Both have been great machines. Never any problems...no service calls, no mold, mildew issues. It will be ten years in May 2009. With a little bit of care and common sense, I believe front loaders will last.

 

[seeitrun2006]

I so agree!

If a lot of the owners (AW.org members excluded) of these HE Front Load machines would do what the owner manuals say they would not have a lot of these problems. Using HE detergent, leaving the door ajar after laundry is done or don't leave wet clothes in the machine all day. A little common sense goes a long way!

We have a Whirlpool duet washer we've had 1 year this month and have not had one problem (knock on wood) with any of the issues mentioned.

 

[rayjay]

I also agree....

My LG frontloader will be 5 years old this month. I did have one problem with a little leak by the door. The serviceman came within 2 days, the door was ordered and replaced within a week. I was still able to use the machine in that it did not leak on every load.

I think that everyone has to be patient in that these HE machines are fairly new to the market, and all the problems have not been worked out yet.

 

[iheartmaytag]

When I originally posted this it was not to bash FL machines. I have been researching the Front Loaders and wantd to know what the cost advantage would be for them over a traditional TL machine.

Basically what I am seeing that in other than water usage, being green and saving the planet. The cost payback is not there due to the high cost of the purchase of the FL machine. Perhaps when they become more widespread the prices will come down.

 

[seeitrun2006]

Our water usage did drop

when we purchased our Whirlpool duet FL washer in November 2007. It dropped about $7.00~$10.00 per month. So I would figure we may be saving about $70.00~$120.00 per year on water. So it may take us 10 years to recoup the cost of the machine which cost us $1100.00 when purchased from Best Buy. There my be a little more savings in hot water also as we heat water with gas.

Keep in mind it's just me, my wife and our little Bischon Frise dog that lives in our home. So on average we do anywhere from 6~10 loads per week depending on when we wash bedding, rugs and our dog's bedding.

I hope you don't think I was bashing FL washers. This by far is the best washer we have ever owned. I like it not only because it cleans really well. But the extraction of water is superior to that of top loaders. My GE electric dryer does not take near as long to dry clothes.

Peace,
David

 

[washabear]

In the time I have used a FL, I have seen no appreciable reduction in my water bill. It may fluctuate, but no more than about 50 cents per quarter. I only do 3 loads per week max, so maybe it's not enough to make a difference. I bought an inexpensive machine, so I don't worry about recouping the cost. I do like the FL, but not for any cost/energy savings.

 

[pturo]

There is another savings in a front loader that will not be realized in your utility bill, and that is water runoff/sewage.
If you have a septic tank, or even a drainfield bypass, the lower water consumtion of a front loader can save you from an overflowing septic or a flooded drainfield which is expensive to pump and costly to replace. Thats the funny thing about water: everyone wants it, and then they wants to get rid of it.