Looking back on the last year, I wanted to single out the most green cost saving purchase I made in 2008. Without question it would have to be my front loading washing machine. Top loading machines use a crazy amount of water and energy. I’ve mentioned the benefits to front loading washers in this column in the past and after a year using it, here are some more numbers to convince you.
• Purchase price $1000
• PGE/EBMUD combined rebate $200 *
• Manufacturer rebate $150
• Sold my old one on craigslist.com $100
• Out of pocket $550
Now the savings – I’ve done a lot of improvements over the past year which have collectively reduced my water, gas and electric totals, but based on timing of these changes, I’ve estimated the savings listed below as a direct result of the new washing machine. The water savings is obvious, these washers, like new dishwashers, use much less water, about 40-60% less! Electricity savings are significant too – 30-80% less. But how do you save gas? Two ways, heating 40 gallons of water for a top loader versus 15 gallons of water for a front loader puts a lot less energy into your hot water heater. And, here’s the best part – front loaders spin fast, real fast. That means your clothes are much more dry when then come out – my dryer cycles are 20 minutes shorter now – 35% less energy used.
• Water savings – $4/month savings
• Electricity savings – $12/month savings
• Gas savings – $12/month savings
Over $300/year in savings – less than two years and I’ve paid for the washer. I’ll be making a profit on this washing machine by the end of the summer!
It’s pretty likely that your washing machine will die in the next 10 years, save yourself money now, and change it out. If you also change out an old refrigerator and a bunch of CFL’s, we’ll all be doing our part to reduce CO2 emissions – and all this savings uses technology that’s been around for years.
* EBMUD rebate information: http://www.ebmud.com/drought/rebates.html
Tags: electricity savings, environment, front loader, front loading washing machine, gas savings, green tips, save gas, save water, water savings
