We decided to go for a F & P top loader 7 kg model. We use a top loader to spin only, sometimes, which you can't do with a front loader. Also, as we get older, not having to bend down to add clothes is nice with a top loader. Also, not all models (top and front loaders) had cold and hot water taps. This was a requirement for us, as we didn't want to be wasting energy heating water when we have solar hot water, coupled with a wet back on the wood heater. Some models have heating elements that go hand in hand with cold water inlet only; not a good idea if you can't disable it somehow.
I asked several people about the 2 labels for energy consumption, on the top loaders. For example, our new F & P top loader has 71 Kwh for a cold wash, and 566 KwH for a warm wash. That is based on 365 washes per year, so that is 0.1945 Kwh or 194.5 watts per wash for a cold wash, and 1.5507 Kwh or 1550.7 watts per wash for a warm wash.
As they base the warm wash on the energy required to heat water, that was a no brainer for us, being off grid. So, each model we looked at, we only had to compare the cold wash energy labelling. We only use the washing machine between 2 and 3 times per week, and then only when there is clear bright skies. I'll be interested to see what the actual power usage is; the power monitor is on loan at present.
As "arttt" mentioned, front loaders don't seem to have the cold water wash energy use recorded. That was also our experience when shopping.
Posted Wednesday 13 Aug 2014 @ 5:56:16 am from IP
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