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8 Benefits of a Front Load Washer in 2024
Considering an upgrade to your laundry routine? Front load washers continue making waves for their efficient and effective performance. Not only do these machines provide superior cleaning, but they also offer a range of significant benefits that can make laundry day a breeze. Whether you need more space or time, a new front load washer can help. Let's dive into the 8 benefits of a front load washer that can revolutionize how you do laundry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Front load washers use much less water than standard top load washers so they’re better for the environment.
- Using less water means that you’ll save on energy bills because the water heater has to heat less water and the drive motor tumbles a much lighter load.
- Front load washers often last longer that top load washers because they use direct drive motors directly attached to the drive shaft on the spin basket.
1. Water Savings
One of the standout benefits of front loading washers is their water efficiency. Front load washers minimize the use of water when cleaning clothes. Controls and sensors hone in on the exact amount of water needed to clean clothes effectively without wasting any water.
How much water does a front load washer use?
Front load washers use significantly less water than many of their top load counterparts. On average, a front load washer consumes about 13 gallons of water per load, compared to the 30 gallons used by standard top load washers. This reduction not only conserves water but also lowers your water bills. It also saves energy because your water heater has to heat less water for wash loads.
How does a front loader clean laundry with less water?
Front load washers utilize a tumbling action and gravity to clean clothes. Water is sprayed on top of the clothes to thoroughly soak them during the fill process. The drum rotates on a horizontal axis, lifting and dropping clothes into the water. This motion effectively removes dirt and stains with less water.
Why is using less water better?
Using less water is beneficial for both the environment and your wallet. It conserves a precious resource and reduces the energy needed to heat water, leading to lower energy bills.
Washer drive system parts encounter less strain when the machine uses less water. This leads to fewer repairs needed over the life of the washer and increased longevity of the machine.
Additionally, front load washers are designed to deliver excellent cleaning performance using less water without compromising on cleanliness.
By opting for a front load washer, you can enjoy significant water savings while ensuring clean and fresh laundry.
2. Energy Efficiency
Front load washers are recognized for their energy efficiency. Here are some details of their key benefits.
How much energy does a front load washer save?
Front load washers are designed to use less water and energy compared to traditional top load washers. On average, they can save up to 40% more energy per load, translating to substantial cost savings over time.
How does a front load washer save energy?
The energy efficiency of front load washers stems from their unique design and operation. The horizontal drum allows laundry to tumble and agitate, effectively cleaning clothes with less water and energy. Features like automatic load sensing adjust the water level based on the load size, further reducing energy consumption.
By using less energy and water, front load washers help lower utility bills and contribute to a greener environment. Investing in an energy-efficient front load washer is a smart choice for both your finances and the planet.
3. Gentle on Clothes
A significant benefit of front load washers is their gentle tumbling action, which is much kinder to clothes compared to top load washers with agitators.
How does tumbling action protect your clothes?
Front load washers rely on the drum's rotation to move clothes around, avoiding the harsh paddles or fins found in top load washers. This ensures even soaking and washing, reducing the risk of excessive wear and tear.
The absence of an agitator means delicate fabrics and elastic materials are less likely to snag or stretch. Adjustable spin speeds also allow you to customize the agitation level for different fabrics, providing gentle care for items like silk or lace.
With a front load washer, your clothes receive the utmost care, lasting longer and maintaining their quality and appearance over time.
4. Space Savings and Stackability
When space is at a premium, the compact design and flexibility of front load washers offers a smart solution.
Stackability
One of the primary front-loading benefits is the ability to stack the washer with a dryer. This vertical setup saves valuable floor space, making it ideal for smaller laundry rooms or closets. By stacking, you create a streamlined laundry center, maximizing your available space.
Pedestal Storage
Front load washers can be stacked on top of storage pedestals so you can store detergent, fabric softener and other supplies or items in a drawer under the washer to save space. That extra storage helps if you’re facing tight spaces in your laundry room.
A pedestal also raises the height of the front load washer opening so you don't need to stoop down to load or unload the washer.
Counter Space Above the Washer
Because you don’t need to leave room to open the lid, a front load washer can be placed under a counter so you have a counter workspace for folding and storage directly above the washer.
5. Better Cleaning Performance
Front load washers are known for their superior cleaning capabilities. The wash action effectively removes dirt and stains from clothes.
The horizontal drum allows clothes to tumble in and out of the water, lifting dirt and stains with each rotation. Higher spin speeds extract more water during the final spin cycle, reducing drying time and removing more dirt and detergent residue.
With a front load washer, you can trust that your clothes will be thoroughly cleaned, whether you're tackling tough stains or everyday dirt.
6. Spins Clothes Dryer
One of the key benefits of a front load washer is its efficient spinning process. The horizontal drum spins faster and with more stability than a vertical drum, forcing more water out of the clothes.
You’ll encounter significant energy savings when drying clothes that has been spun dryer in a front load washer. Shorter drying cycles will help reduce your energy bills each month and helps you finish laundry quicker.
7. Flexibility in Washing
Front load washers have sophisticated electronic controls that offer a wide variety of cycles and settings. You can wash small and delicate loads as well as large and bulky loads in a front load washer. If you’re in a hurry to finish laundry, you can use a quick wash cycle that takes around 30 minute and still gets clothes clean.
Sensors in front load washers automatically detect load size and optimize the water level and cycle settings to get the clothes clean no matter what you load in the washer. A front load washer initially spins the load when it’s dry and begins adding water and continues to sense the load until the optimum water level is reached.
8. Longevity
Front load washers with direct drive mechanisms offer longevity and reduced stress on drive parts. With regular washer maintenance front load washing machines can last more than 15 years.
The direct drive system, where the motor is directly connected to the spin basket, eliminates the need for belts and reduces the number of moving parts. This design results in fewer wear and tear issues and a longer lifespan for the machine. Many front load washers offer a longer warranty on the motor than top load washers because of their inherent design and longevity. Some manufacturers cover a direct drive washer motor with a 10 year warranty.
The gentle washing action of front load washers also puts less strain on drive parts, contributing to their durability. By choosing a front load washer with a direct drive mechanism, you enjoy a longer-lasting appliance with fewer repairs and replacements needed.
When your current washer breaks down or wears out and you need to replace it, consider buying a front load machine based on these benefits and advantages.
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Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.
Common Repair Washer Symptoms
The most common reasons your Admiral washer is leaking from bottom are a clogged water valve assembly, broken motor or a cracked drain hose.
The most common reasons your Admiral washer is not agitating are a malfunctioning electronic control board, faulty actuator or a jammed door lock assembly.
The most common reasons your Admiral washer is not draining are a broken motor, malfunctioning electronic control board or a jammed door lock assembly.
The most common reasons your Admiral washer is not spinning are a malfunctioning electronic control board, broken motor or a jammed door lock assembly.
The most common reasons your Amana washer is leaking water from the bottom of the machine are a bad tub seal, damaged drain pump or cracked drain hose.
The most common reasons your Amana washer lid lock is not working are a broken lid lock, defective electronic control board or a damaged wire connector.