High-Efficiency Clothes Washers (HEWs)
California HEW Standards
HEW Water Factors | Smart Rebates Program
The water efficiency of clothes washers is rated using the term "water factor" to describe and compare its water use. Water factor is measured by the quantity of water (gallons) used to wash each cubic foot of laundry. For example: a washer that uses 45 gallons of water with a 3 cubic foot capacity of laundry will have a water factor rating of 15 (45÷3=15); while a washer that uses 24 gallons of water to wash the same amount of aundry will have a water factor rating of 8 (24÷3=8). The lower the water factor rating, the more water efficient the clothes washer. A clothes washer with a water factor rating of 6 uses half the amount of water compared to a washer with a rating of 12, to clean the same amount of clothes.
A typical clothes washer has a water factor rating of 12 to 13. Water efficient clothes washers have water factor ratings of 9.5 or less. Some super efficient machines have ratings lower than 5. The High Efficiency Washer (HEW) does not compromise cleaning effectiveness for water efficiency. Most tests prove the HEW cleans better and is less damaging to clothes when compared to typical washers.
A typical vertical-axis top loading washer needs a large amount of water to suspend the clothes in the water to allow "back-and-forth" agitation during the wash cycle, the extra water is not needed for cleaning purposes. HEWs use a horizontal-axis design (and usually front loading) that turns the clothes over, in and out of the water bath, to create the needed agitation.
Finding Water Factors Ratings for HEWs
The Council’s MOU requires its member water suppliers to provide incentives or institute ordinances requiring the purchase of HEWs that meet an average water factor value of 5.0. Discovering the water factor rating of clothes washer is not always easy. Though manufacturers measure water factors for each model of washer, manufacturers are not required to display the rating on the machine. Fortunately, there are two sources that collect and report water factors for nearly every HEW in the market.
Energy Star Program
Energy Star™ appliance labeling is a Federal project dedicated to consumer awareness for energy efficient products. Most Energy Star clothes washers are also water efficient. Their website at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clotheswash.pr_clothes_washers includes lists of high efficiency clothes washers, and water factor ratings are included on for washers designated as Energy Star. Not all energy efficient washers are also water efficient.
Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE)
CEE is a non profit corporation, established to promote the manufacture and purchase of energy efficient appliances. CEE maintains a list of high-efficiency washers for the benefit of utilities and consumers. The CEE list of clothes washers includes water factor ratings for each make and model. The CEE uses water factor criteria (in addition to energy efficiency) to create its approved lists. The list can be internet accessed at www.cee1.org. Most CUWCC water agencies offering rebates use the CEE criteria for rebate eligibility.