High-Efficiency vs. Conventional Washing Machine: What’s the Difference

Investing in a large appliance such as a washing machine is a big deal. With all of the models and brands available, choosing can be difficult. One major decision when choosing a washing machine is whether to go the high-efficiency route or the conventional route. This article will provide the key differences between the two most popular types of washing machines out there today.

The general size of washing machines has stayed the same, but some of the key nuts and bolts of high-efficiency washers are different than conventional washers. High-efficiency washers do not come with an agitator, the plastic post in the middle of conventional washers that jostles the clothes during the wash cycle. Without an agitator, high-efficiency washing machines tumble your clothing instead. This cleaning method is similar to the tumbling motion the dryer makes. Additionally, high-efficiency washers can be top or front loading, whereas conventional washers require to always load from the top of the appliance.

If you’re concerned about excess water usage harming the environment, then a high-efficiency washing machine can help rectify that. According to  Consumer Reports , some high-efficiency washers help consumers use half the water during a load of laundry than conventional washers. High-efficiency washers can wash larger loads on smaller amounts of water, partly due to the absence of the agitator taking up space.

Utilizing a high-efficiency washer can help reduce energy bills due to several aspects of the appliance. Most importantly, the larger load capacities reduce the number of loads of laundry for most consumers, causing the biggest dent in energy usage. High-efficiency washing machines also have higher spin cycle speeds, allowing for shorter spin cycle energy use. Lastly, high-efficiency washers using less water require less heat for the hot-wash cycles, an advantage for those being energy conscious.

While there are several benefits to using a high-efficiency washer, the downside is that they require more TLC to maintain. Due to lower water usage, soap and debris often accumulate on the sides of the interior drum. As a result, it requires users to run the machine’s cleaning cycle more frequently than a conventional washer. It is also important to leave the front door and gasket open while the washer is not in use to keep the area dry and prevent mildew and mold growth.

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