6 Tips to Help Make Any Washer an Energy Efficient Washer

To get the most out of your washer—whether it's a high-efficiency (HE) model or a standard one—it’s important to follow best practices that not only improve its performance but also contribute to significant energy savings. By doing so, you can cut down on energy consumption, extend your washer's lifespan, and keep your utility bills in check.

Read and Follow the Owner’s Manual

This might sound obvious, but a lot of people skip reading the owner’s manual for their washer. It’s easy to just wing it, but by doing so, you might miss out on some great tips that can save you money and energy. The manual isn’t just there to collect dust—it’s full of useful info that can help you use your energy efficient washer to its full potential.

Make Sure Your Washer Is Installed Correctly

Proper installation is key to making sure your washer works efficiently. If the drain hose isn’t set up right, the washer won’t drain properly, leaving your clothes wetter than they should be. And guess what? Wetter clothes take longer to dry, which means more energy use and higher utility bills.

If the washer isn’t leveled correctly, it can cause problems during the spin cycle, leading to more energy consumption and even damage to components of the washer. Who wants to schedule a washer repair just because one foot was shorter than the others? So, follow the manual or installation guide to get your washer set up right from the start.

Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your washer is stable and level:

• Use a level: Check the washer’s leveling front-to-back and side-to-side. Adjust the leveling legs as needed to get it just right.
• Check stability: Make sure all four leveling legs are firmly on the floor. Give the washer a little shake to see if it rocks. If it does, tweak the legs until it’s stable.
• Recheck leveling: After adjusting, double-check that the washer is level and stable.

When your washer is installed properly, it’ll clean your clothes more efficiently and save energy in the process.

Choose the Right Cycles and Settings

Washing machines come with all kinds of cycles and settings, and knowing which ones to use can make a big difference in how much energy and water you use. Here’s how to make the most out of your washer’s features:

• Sort laundry: Different fabrics and colors need different settings. By sorting your laundry, you can use more gentle cycles for delicate items and more robust cycles for heavy-duty items. Sorting also helps you choose the right water temperature for each load, which can save energy.
  • Sort by color: Separate whites, darks, and colors to prevent color bleeding and keep your clothes looking fresh.
  • Sort by fabric type: Keep delicate fabrics like silk or lace separate from heavy fabrics like towels and denim.
• Pick the right water level: Many energy efficient washers automatically detect the load size and choose the right water level. Avoid using extra water unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you can select the water level manually, go for a lower level for smaller loads to save water and money.
• Choose the right cycle: Don’t just default to the normal or heavy-duty cycle every time. For less dirty clothes, use the delicate or permanent press cycle. This not only saves energy but also reduces wear and tear on your washer.
• Use cold water: Unless you’re dealing with really dirty clothes, cold water works just fine. Plus, it cuts your washer’s energy use in half. Use a detergent designed for cold water to ensure your clothes still get clean.

By selecting the right settings, you’ll use less water, save energy, and even make your clothes last longer. These are the hallmarks of a truly energy efficient washer.

Don’t Overload the Washer

It might be tempting to cram as much laundry as possible into one load, but overloading your washer is a bad idea. When clothes are packed in too tight, they don’t get cleaned properly, and they come out wetter, making your dryer work harder (and use more energy).

Overloading also puts a strain on your washer’s components, like the motor and suspension, which can lead to costly repairs or even a replacement sooner than expected.

So, how full is too full? A good rule of thumb is to loosely load your clothes, leaving about 6 inches between the top of the laundry and the top of the drum.

Keep Your Washer Clean and Well-Maintained

Your washer does a lot of work, so it’s important to keep it clean and in good shape to ensure it runs efficiently. Regular maintenance can save you a lot in the long run.

• Clean the inside monthly: Use a washer cleaner like Affresh or Washer Magic to remove detergent buildup. Excess detergent can cause oversudsing, which leads to poor draining and higher energy use when drying clothes.
• Check the drain hose: Periodically pull out the drain hose and check for any lint or debris. A clogged hose can prevent proper drainage, meaning wetter clothes and more energy use in the dryer.

Schedule Professional Maintenance Yearly

Even with regular DIY maintenance, it’s a good idea to have a professional check your washer once a year. A Sears technician can inspect and clean your washer to keep it running efficiently. Here’s what they’ll do:

• Inspect water fill hoses: The technician will check for any wear and recommend replacement if necessary to ensure the washer fills properly.
• Check internal hoses and the tub: They’ll look for any leaks or wear that could affect efficiency.
• Test the drain system: A clear drain system helps your washer spin clothes dry, reducing dryer time and saving energy.
• Check water levels and temperature controls: The technician will make sure these are working properly to prevent energy waste.
• Inspect the suspension system: Ensuring that shock absorbers and springs are intact and the washer is level can prevent excessive vibration and energy use.

You can also bundle washer maintenance service with dryer maintenance to keep both appliances running smoothly and efficiently.

Taking care of your washer not only helps you save on utility bills but also extends the life of your appliance. By following these tips, you can keep your washer running efficiently for years to come. However, if you ever notice any issues, don’t wait until they get worse. Addressing problems early can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements. If your washer needs professional attention, you can easily schedule a washer repair to get it back in top shape.