Efficient Appliances - Washing Machines II Jim Forgette Stop that water-waster - washing machines Last issue we discussed a way to reduce electrical consumption of standard, full-sized washing machines. This time, a washing machine's WATER-consumption is the topic. Washers can be needless water-guzzlers as well as watt-hogs. Alternatives are available that use up to three times less water than is considered "normal"....giving far more "wash for the slosh". For water efficiency, which type of washer? Water is a valuable commodity. Warm water is even more valuable. Until "ultra-sonic" washers or something equally as revolutionary is massed produced and affordable, we'll have to work with what's available. With good strategy and a water thrifty washer, much less water can get the job done. As a general rule, front loading washers use less water than top loaders. But some newer top loading designs (newer "extra-large capacity" Kenmore, Whirlpool & Kitchenaid brands) compete very well in water efficiency, and are able to wash larger loads than today's consumer-type front loaders. At present, newer front loaders are all made by the same company (even under different brand names), their tub size is smaller, they cost about $200 more, and tend to need repairs much more often than a typical top loader (Independent tests and surveys: see "Consumer Reports" Feb. 1991 magazine.) These shortcomings need to be considered before choosing a front loader for it's superior water efficiency. Furthermore, if the options explained below are employed, a front loader's water efficiency edge all but disappears. A great water saver A very small number of washers have what is called a "suds-saver", which can reduce hot water consumption with no noticeable degradation in cleaning ability. It's been around for decades but has unfortunately lost popularity. Here's how it works: "Suds-saver" allows you to actually save wash water and re-use it for a second (or even third) load of clothes. The final rinse water (cold) is always new & clean for each load. A good strategy with "suds-saver": do a first load of less soiled, lighter colored laundry that needs warmest water - bed sheets, towels, etc. - then save the wash water & re-use it for further loads of progressively dirtier, darker, colored laundry -- work jeans, muddy clothes, throw-rugs, etc. My household of five has washed laundry on home power for seven years now, with and without "suds-saver", and I can testify it really makes a difference in hot water consumption. With it, our solar/wood hot water system is adequate; without it, I can never get a hot shower in edgewise! Our laundry is washed in warm, not hot water (soaps aren't very effective unless water is at least 50øF). Sad but true, "suds-saver" is one of the best kept secrets for gaining hot water efficiency. Part of the reason "suds-saver" is now almost extinct, a large laundry room sink must be present (or any 25 gallon vessel) to store the "grey" wash water. The washer automatically stores then later pumps the soapy wash water back into the washer when the next load is started. Add more soap each time the water is re-used (and please use an eco-friendly, low or no phosphate soap, even if the clothes don't match the "whiter & brighter" advertising bull----). For best hot water efficiency, use a fiberglass type sink (or insulate the container) -the stored water will stay warmer longer. The washer's controls let you choose whether to "save" or not. A small number of Kenmore/Whirlpool model's have come from the factory with this option for many years. A "suds-saver" model will have two drain hoses coming out (the bigger hose, not the one or two smaller, water supply hoses), whereas a non-suds saver model will have only one drain hose. Sometimes the former owner has taken the second hose off. So for these brands, also look at the washer's controls to see if it says "suds-saver" anywhere. I know of only two new models that still come from the factory with this water saving option: Kenmore (Sears), catalog #26R29791N ($480); and Whirlpool, #LA5705XTW1. The factory tells me a retrofit "suds-saver" kit was recently discontinued for newer models (bummer), but may still be available at Whirlpool parts dealers for about $70 (#387172). My neighbor & I are developing a similar water saving "retro- kit" to fit most washers - I'll let you know. Using rinse water for plants Using rinse water for plants is an old trick, but many folks don't know about it. Do you want/need to be a water miser? Consider channeling the washer's final rinse water (it's barely soapy) out to quench the thirst of trees, lawns, etc.--it's 20 or so precious gallons of high-quality grey water that could be put to use! Before the final rinse ends, you'll have to manually switch the washer's drain hose into a separate drainpipe before starting a new load. I don't recommend that you use the soapy wash water for special trees/plants: soap-salts etc. build up & harm/kill them. Soapy wash water ends up in the environment somewhere, so please do your part and use eco-friendly soap. Conclusions If these water saving methods were employed to their fullest, up to three times less water would be wasted on doing laundry. If you used in a washer that's also been "converted" (uses three times less electricity: see HP#22), this "major appliance" would no longer be so major. Smaller home power systems could then afford to support one. Having a full-sized, automatic washing machine at home is wonderfully convenient, and having enough water/electricity to "feed" it brings a larger sense of pride in one's energy independence. Updates from Watt-Guzzler story (HP#22) Restrictions for some pre-1985 Kenmore/Whirlpool washers: In my last article, I suggested an easy-to-convert washer you can do from scratch; an older Kenmore/Whirlpool washer. Well, I have run into a small number of these washers that have an extra large wash tub, and the stock efficient motors are too long and will hit the floor. I have found a quality motor that fits many "un-convertible" washers and other ac appliances with similar 1/3 to 1/2 horse motors. They also "bolt right in" without needing adaptor plates or different drive pulleys. These shorter motors sell for the same price as most standard efficient motors ($250) that don't fit! They have the same 12 month warranty. With the correct custom setup, many more top loading brands are now good converting candidates, including all Maytag, newer Kenmore, Whirlpool, Roper, Capri, Kitchenaid, and newer Speed Queen/Amana washers. Inverter life-span vs. heat (converted vs. ordinary washer) In HP#22, I presented a watt-hour graph, and for it I tested an "ordinary" washer on three different large inverters. After washing just one load, all three inverters were hot to touch (even ones with cooling fans). The outside temperature was only 75øF. Heat is a major inverter enemy, it shortens their life. This is why you'll find cooling fans in better quality inverters (a $100+ option in some). All inverters get old sooner or later, and heat pushes it toward "sooner" rather than "later". I tested the same inverters with the same washers & load of clothes, this time the washer had new efficient motors, the inverters ran cool (even 115vac versions) for the entire time. So if your full-sized washer is inverter powered , a converted washer not only uses three times less electricity, it also helps your inverter stay younger longer. Also noteworthy: In most cases, even a smaller, 400 watt inverter (with induction motor starting ability) is big enough to power a converted washer! Access: Jim Forgette, Wattevr Works, POB 207, San Andreas, CA 95249 ù 209- 754-3627.