What Is a High-Efficiency Washer?
More water doesn't always mean cleaner
Highlights
High-efficiency washers are better for the environment, and your clothes.
High-efficiency washers are larger, so they can clean more at once.
You need to use a special HE detergent with a high-efficiency washer.
What's a high-efficiency washer and how does it compare to the standard washing machine you already own? High-efficiency washers are designed to use less water and a gentler cleaning action when washing laundry. Learn more about the pros and cons of a high-efficiency washer and see if it’s a good fit for your household.
What Is a High-Efficiency Washer and Do You Need One?
A high-efficiency washer uses high-pressure sprays of water to get clothing and household linens clean. To qualify as a high-efficiency washer, an appliance needs to use less water, detergent, and energy than a standard machine.
The average high-efficiency washer is front-loading and doesn't have an agitator. However, top-loading washer models are also available. You can easily identify a high-efficiency washing machine by the "HE" symbol printed on the machine or box.
Your household may benefit from a high-efficiency washer if any of the following apply:
You wash multiple laundry loads per week.
You want to reduce your water usage and energy bills.
You're okay with buying HE detergent, rather than regular laundry detergent.
High-Efficiency vs. Regular Washer
How does a high-efficiency washer compare to other types of washing machines? There are several notable differences. A high-efficiency washing machine:
Doesn't often have an agitator in the center (or the agitator is much smaller).
Has a larger load capacity.
Tumbles or spins clothes, rather than agitating them.
Is always Energy Star® compliant.
You need to use a special type of HE detergent with a high-efficiency washer. HE detergent produces fewer suds than standard detergent and rinses away cleanly, even when the machine uses a lower water level.
Pros and Cons of a High-Efficiency Washer
An HE washer's claim to fame is that it's more energy-efficient and eco-friendly than a traditional machine. That's a big advantage, particularly if you're looking for ways to reduce your utility bills.
Another major plus for HE washers is that they can hold larger loads of laundry. Instead of having to do three or four loads per week, you may get by with one or two. Fewer loads also mean less water and detergent used overall.
However, high-efficiency washing machines aren't without their drawbacks. They're more complicated than traditional machines, which can mean that they require more maintenance to keep them operating at their peak level of performance. They also cost more than traditional machines and you may find that HE detergent is slightly more expensive than regular detergent.
High-Efficiency Washer Installation and Maintenance
If you decide to purchase a high-efficiency washer, you may find it worthwhile to hire a professional washing machine installation company near you. Hiring a specialist to set it up for you ensures it’s hooked up correctly and working as it should.
HE washers usually require a bit more attention and care than standard washers. Since they use less water, you have to be extra careful about the amount of detergent you use and the use of fabric softener. Excess detergent can lead to soap residue buildup, which impacts the appliance's performance. Less is more is a good rule to follow.
Also, to reduce the risk of mold growth, it's a good idea to keep the detergent dispenser and the washing machine door open after loads to allow them to dry thoroughly. You may also find that you need to run a cleaning cycle regularly to help the machine run as efficiently as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you won't break your washing machine if you use standard detergent in a high-efficiency washer, you will negatively impact its performance. At a minimum, the machine will have to work extra hard to fully rinse away the detergent, meaning it will take longer to complete a wash cycle. In some circumstances, the machine won't clean your laundry as well or may overflow as it tries to rinse away the excess suds.
Washer and dryer dimensions vary slightly based on the brand and model of the machine. However, as a general rule, high-efficiency washers will be larger than traditional washing machines. If you have a smaller space, be sure to measure before choosing an HE washer. It's also worth noting that a top-loading high-efficiency washer will have a deeper tub than a standard machine, meaning it may be more challenging to reach the bottom of the tub.