High-Efficiency Washers & Detergents
High-Efficiency Washers
- High efficiency washers, or HE washers, have been the standard in Europe for many years.
- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, high-efficiency washers save 6,000 gallons of water per year for an average family.
- Offered in the United States for more than two decades, they have increased in popularity as consumers are drawn to their water and energy-saving capabilities.
- High-efficiency washers, both front-loading, and top-loading use a tumbling system rather than an agitator to move clothes through the water.
- In front-loading models, the tub rotates clockwise and then counterclockwise to achieve the tumbling motion.
- Due to their design without a center agitator, high-efficiency washers are more gentle on clothes. The cleaning action is softer and prevents stretching and pulling that can distort clothes.
- Clothes may seem dryer when removed from a high-efficiency machine because more water is removed during a high-speed spin cycle. This reduction of water saves energy if clothes are dried in an automatic dryer.
High-Efficiency Detergents
- One of the most critical steps to successfully operating a high-efficiency washer is to use detergents specially formulated for these washers.
- High-efficiency detergents are formulated to be low-sudsing and quick-dispersing for use in low water volume machines.
- High-efficiency detergents hold soil in suspension, so it is not redeposited onto clean clothes.
- Using a traditional detergent will result in too many suds and prevent the tumbling action required for cleaning.
- Excessive suds can overflow the washer and cause permanent damage to electronic controls.
- Many users complain about musty odors and mildew growth in high-efficiency washers. Excessive detergent residue or fabric softener residue is the culprit. This residue, which also traps laundry soil, is the perfect energy source for mildew growth.
- Always look for the "He" symbol on detergent boxes or bottles. Some presoak products may still be normal to high-sudsing and their use should be limited in high-efficiency washers.
HE Detergent Usage
As with all detergents, take time to read the usage label and guidelines.
- More is not always better! For a normal size load of laundry, use only one to two teaspoons of high-performing high-efficiency detergent.
- If the high-efficiency detergent is not cleaning clothes, do not simply add more. Overdosing leads to additional problems including stiff and scratchy fabrics, trapping of odor bacteria, and streaks from the redepositing soil. Instead, switch to a better quality detergent.
- Most high-efficiency washers have automatic detergent dispensers. Read the washer's care and use guide to discover how to fill the dispensers.
- Most accept either powder or liquid detergents. Never mix the two - caking and clogging can occur.
High-Efficiency Washers & Detergents Facts
- HE Washers use at least 50% less water than traditional washers, washing clothes in a shallow pool of water, then using high pressure sprays to rinse.
- Because they use less water, less energy is used to heat the water — just 20 to 50% of the energy used by traditional washers.
- Less water and energy = environmentally friendly and budget-friendly.
- HE Washers spin faster and remove increased water from clothes, so clothes require less time in the dryer.
- HE Washers produce less suds and keep clothes in constant motion so experts say clothes get even cleaner.
2. Do More Laundry at One Time.
- HE washers offer more capacity than traditional machines because they do not have a large agitator and they use less water.
- Washing more clothes at once means fewer loads!
3. But, HE Washers Have Longer Wash Cycles.
- Since HE Washers use less water, they require a longer wash and rinse cycles.
4. HE Washers are Gentler on Clothes.
- Top loaders use spinning, rotating plates or disks to wash laundry, providing a gentler way to clean clothes; many models recirculate water during the rinse cycles.
- Front-loaders tumble laundry through
thewater while the tub rotates, cleaning clothes efficiently and gently.
Traditional detergents are formulated to work with more water and create excess suds in HE washers, which can:
- Interfere with how HE washers work and even void warranties
- Leave suds behind on clothes
- Leave sticky films of suds and soils in the washer that can cause mold and odor
- Regularly run a maintenance cycle either as a setting on your machine or manually
- Promptly remove washed clothes after the wash cycle is finished
- Keep the door open, especially for front-loading washers, to allow any leftover water or moisture to evaporate
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Roof Leaks fixRoof leaks are probably one of the most annoying problems every homeowner has experienced at least once in his or her lifetime.
Most individuals aren’t even aware just how severe a small roof leak Storm Damage is, mainly due to all the other issues that it can create.
Shingles are usually made from asphalt tar mixed with pieces of rawhide.
Finding your perfect freezer and ice maker appliance is no easy task, so we created a short buying guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing a freezer and ice maker.
Factors to Take into ConsiderationChoosing the right style of freezer and ice maker is only the first step.
Measure the height, width, and depth of the space available and compare it to the dimensions of the unit you’re considering.2.Production Determine how much ice is produced per day.
Some also have speed-production modes for last-minute ice on demand.3.
To reach total possible production, the internal storage area may need to be emptied throughout the day.4.Door If you choose an ice maker without a reversible door, make sure to consider if the direction of the door swing will accommodate the space you have available.5.DrainageSome ice makers need to be installed with proper drainage while others, such as portable models, do not require a drain.
If you purchase a unit that requires drainage, you may also need to consider professional installation or preparation of the area.6.FiltrationSome ice makers offer integrated filters that eliminate contaminants from the ice prior to freezing, which is a great feature for ice you’ll use in beverages.7.EfficiencyRunning your ice maker all day takes energy.
Flooding toilets are an unwelcomed sight for any home or business owner.
Aside from potential health concerns, there is also the trouble of an increasing water bill.Toilet overflows usually require professional intervention, as the water involved may be harmful and the damage sustained widespread.
Before responding to the situation, it is important to understand the common causes of toilet flooding and how to prevent them.
Overflows and flooding occur when something prevents this system from working properly.BlockagesA clog in the system is preventing sewage from being flushed.Damage in the water lineBroken water pipes can cause a massive amount of water to flood the bathroom, which could escalate in a matter of moments if the shutoff valve is not closed in time.Damage in the sewer lineA blocked, broken or cracked sewer line will not allow sewage to drain properly.
When this happens, sewage backs up the sewer line and re-enters the property through the lowest possible point, which is most often be a basement toilet.Shower leakLeaks can form if a shower's foundation is compromised.
ServiceMaster Restore has some tips below.Adjust the fill valve or ballcock to reduce the amount of water entering the tank if the water is continuously escaping down the overflow tube.Check the flapper to ensure that it is not chipped, hardened, or worn.
When an older unit has continuous issues or shows signs of reduced energy efficiency, it could be more economical to upgrade your home comfort system.
A Tempstar dealer can help you diagnose your heating and cooling system, as well as help you choose a replacement that fits your needs and budget.
Some reasons to repair the unit:The cost of repairs is less than one-third the cost of a replacementThe unit is less than 10 years oldThe unit is still under warranty (see your warranty terms) Here are some reasons for replacing your heating or cooling unit:The cost of repairs is near 50% of the cost of a replacementThe unit requires frequent repairs.Humidity problems that signal operating issuesWarranty expirationsHigh dust and low air quality problemsThe furnace is more than 15 years old, and the heat pump or AC is more than 10 years oldart by addressing your air conditioner's stage of life.
Remember that average units have about 10 to 15 years of life in them, so if yours is anywhere close to double digits, replacement may be the better move.
If age isn't a strong deciding factor, think back to how well your unit performed last summer.
Constant repairs, strange noises, higher-than-normal energy bills and other performance issues should also inform your decision to repair or replace.Look for signs of trouble when prepping for the seasonIf you're already thinking of summer, it's a sign that you should start prepping your AC for the season as well.
