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What Is a High-Efficiency Washer, and Do I Need One in My Laundry Room?
Wash away any confusion you have about the HE label
Photo: John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images
Photo: John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images
Highlights
A high-efficiency washer saves up to 50% energy and up to 65% water.
These washers are up to 40% larger than traditional models.
HE washers can wash larger loads of laundry but use more detergent per load.
An HE washer costs an average of $500 to $2,000.
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When shopping for a new washer, you may come across a small HE symbol on some models. This stands for high-efficiency, but what is a high-efficiency washer? Is it better than a more traditional model? There are many differences between these two types of washers, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons to determine which option is right for your home.
What Is a High-Efficiency Washer?
A high-efficiency washer, or HE washer, has features that help reduce the amount of water and energy the appliance uses to clean your laundry. This appliance uses less water at a higher pressure along with faster drum spinning to get clothes thoroughly clean while lowering your utility bills.
HE washers are usually front load rather than top load, although you can find both versions, depending on the brand.
What’s the Difference Between a High-Efficiency Washer vs. a Standard Washer?
Before you repair or replace your appliance, you’ll want to consider the differences between a high-efficiency washer and a standard model.
| HE Washer | Standard Washer |
|---|---|
| 20–50% energy savings | 20–50% higher energy use |
| 30–65% water savings | 30–65% higher water use |
| Usually front load | Usually top load |
| Up to 40% larger | Smaller size |
| Larger load capacity | Smaller load capacity |
| No or small agitator | Large agitator |
Energy and Water Savings
The biggest difference is the energy and water savings: HE washers use 20–50% less energy and 30–65% less water than standard washers. HE washers will always meet Energy Star® requirements.
Size and Load Capacity
High-efficiency types of washing machines are larger in size, with washer dimensions up to 40% bigger than standard models. That means you can wash more clothes in every load, but you will need a bigger laundry area to accommodate the larger appliance.
Spinning vs. Agitating
HE washers either have a smaller agitator or no agitator at all. Instead, high-efficiency washers use a constant tumbling or spinning motion to clean clothes.
Pros and Cons of a High-Efficiency Washer
A high-efficiency washer seems like a smart choice. By using less water and energy for every load, you’ll save money on utilities. But there are some drawbacks to owning an HE washer you’ll want to consider.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower utility bills | Requires special detergent |
| Higher load capacity | Takes up more space |
| Eco-friendly | Uses more detergent per load |
Pros
There are several benefits to installing a high-efficiency washer. This appliance uses a constant spinning motion and high-pressure water to clean clothes, which lowers the amount of water and power used to clean every load of laundry. That means you’ll notice lower rates on your utility bills over time.
The larger size accommodates up to 40% larger loads, which could save time week after week. When you can put more clothes in every load of laundry, you’ll wash fewer loads of laundry per week.
Ultimately, the combination of lower water and energy use and washing fewer loads of laundry makes for a more eco-friendly laundry process.
Cons
HE washers require a specialty detergent, which is designed to produce less suds to make it easier to rinse away with less water. While your clothes will still get clean, HE-compatible laundry detergents may be more expensive than standard laundry detergent.
Not only do you need to buy this special detergent, but you’ll also need to use more of it per load. That’s because an HE washer has a higher load capacity. The more clothes you’re washing in a load, the more detergent you’ll need.
Owning a larger washing machine is great for cleaning more clothes at once, but it also means you’ll need more space for installing the washer. If you have a cramped laundry room, you may need to consider a smaller model or find a new place to install the larger HE model.
When to Choose a High-Efficiency Washer
If you want to wash fewer loads of laundry, save money on your monthly utility bills, and enjoy a more eco-friendly laundry routine, an HE washer may be a good option for your family. However, if you’re in a small space or you’re not interested in spending more on speciality detergent, you may want to stick with a more traditional model.
No matter what type of washing machine you choose, be sure to hire a local appliance installation pro to handle the install. These pros will make sure your new washer meets local drain code requirements.
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