My 20-year-old washing machine is finally giving out and it’s time to buy a new one. What are some factors to consider if I want to save energy?
If there ever was a time to shop for a more efficient clothes washer, it’s now. There are several incentives you can take advantage of if you buy an Energy Star qualified model.
• Look for efficiency: According to Energy Star, 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes is in heating water. High-efficiency washers use less water — which means less energy is used to heat water. They also spin clothes better, reducing drying time.
Energy Star washers use about 30 percent less energy and more than 50 percent less water than regular washers. But not all Energy Star washers are equal.
You’ll also want to consider the Modified Energy Factor, which is an overall measurement of a washer’s energy efficiency. It considers the energy used to run the washer and heat the water and the amount of drying time required as a result of the washer’s performance. The MEF required to meet Energy Star standards is 1.8 or above.
Also consider the water factor, which is a measurement of how much water is used to wash each cubic foot of laundry. The smaller the water factor, the more water efficient the washer is. Energy Star qualified washers have a water factor of less than 7.5.
You’ll want to check these ratings before you buy, because only certain models qualify for cash incentives.
• Cash incentives: Clark Public Utilities will give you a $50 instant rebate when you purchase an Energy Star washer from a qualifying Clark County retailer.
If your washer is efficient enough, you can combine this rebate with a $150 rebate being offered by the state of Washington’s Cash for Appliances program. The program, which kicked off in March, is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“Initially we offered $100 rebates on clothes washers, but have increased it to $150 retroactively, under phase two,” said Rebecca Stillings, program manager for the state program in Olympia. “Anyone who previously received a $100 rebate will automatically get $50 in the mail.”
To qualify for the Cash for Appliance rebate, the Energy Star clothes washer must replace an old washer, have a MEF of 2.46 or higher and a water factor of 4.0.
• Rebates apply to more appliances: Stillings said 4,384 qualified washers have been purchased under Washington’s program, of which 105 were in Clark County. “Given the economy, I think the program’s been successful,” she said. “We encourage people to take advantage of these rebates. Just be sure to follow program guidelines on which models qualify.”
Stillings said phase two of the program expands the number of appliances eligible for rebates to ductless heat pumps, dishwashers, tankless water heaters and more.
The Energy Adviser is written by members of the energy counselor team of Clark Public Utilities, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA. 98668. A panel of local energy efficiency and energy product specialists will review your questions. Previous topics are available at http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
