Front Load Washing Machines - More Affordable and Energy Efficient Than Ever

For design appeal and functionality, front load washing machines have become an increasingly popular choice. US consumers are now flocking to buy what was once primarily a European design. Take a look at some of the features of these machines and you are likely to be won over by the front load camp as well.

Front loaders are generally more costly than top loading machines, but many of their outstanding features help consumers justify the extra expense. And, now that an increasing number of manufacturers have gotten into the front load game, these washing machines have become more accessible to the average consumer budget.

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One of the main well-known advantages to the front loader is its incredible efficiency. Across the board, consumer studies show that water usage and energy consumption is greatly reduced with these washers. Save money in the long-run, especially as energy costs continue to skyrocket.

The added convenience for the front load washing machine user is clear as well. Because they don't have the washing agitator that top loaders do, the average front loader can handle larger load sizes. Many a top loading machine owner has grappled with the difficulty of stuffing in larger articles to be washed. That challenge is eliminated with the front loading option.

Without the agitator that in large part defines the standard top loading machine, the front loading washing machines excel in other categories as well. Many owners have remarked how much quieter their laundry room became after having purchased a front loader. Likewise, the life of their wardrobes have been extended greatly due to the gentler washing process.

The advantages don't stop there. Because of the basic mechanical design, the front loaders are able to spin at greater speeds, which reduces the cycle length. Home makers can do more laundry in less time than ever before.

Aside from all the practical advantages, the design features make the front loading machines attractive to look at as well. Their appearance, across the board, is more in line with that of a professionally designed piece of machinery. A variety of color choices, now made available by most manufacturers, makes the front loader an interior designer's choice of machines.

If you are mulling over the purchase of one of these machines, you'll be happy to know that the variety of options has increased, and nearly all manufacturers have nice entry level choices for the budget conscious consumer. Whirlpool, for example, has multiple models at various prices. Check out LG electronics for some equally affordable machines. If you want all the bells and whistles, consider a front loading machine made by Miele, Bosch or Euro-Tech. Other brands to consider when you are doing your comparison shopping are Amana, GE, and Maytag.

Again, the good news for the consumer is that as more manufactures enter the front loader market, the prices become increasingly accessible. Now is a great time for you to increase your washing capacity, save on energy bills and improve the appeal of your laundry room. The answer -- front load washing machines.

Front Load Washing Machines - More Affordable and Energy Efficient Than Ever

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Best Rated Replacement Windows - NFRC, Energy Star and Consumer Ratings

Best-rated replacement windows should be those that pass NFRC ratings standards, must be Energy Star approved and most of all must be rated highly by consumers. I will provide some few examples towards the end but for now let us review the ratings standards. This will help you avoid being scammed on the future.

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NFRC ratings standards

Consumer Reports

Let me let tell you this - I hope you already know. Many companies and sales reps will advertise a great U-value and make you believe it is actually real. Without NFRC testing it is probably a scam. So to find a good replacement window you need to compare these ratings. By the way NFRC stands for National Fenestration Rating Council. You can find their site online.

Energy Star approved

Energy Star is a program that is supported by the government. It was set up to help businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. This means that a window that is energy star approved means it is energy-efficient.

Consumer Reports and examples of best rated windows

Consumer reports offer a great source of information. I almost prefer these because it is based on user experience not just lab tests - not to discard the two already discussed above.

Some of the best-rated windows include, clad windows. This is because they do not need any maintenance covering on the outside. You can get aluminum-clad windows from Marvin for about 0 for a reference window. You can also try out Anderson windows, which costs somewhere around 0 or so. Some of the best rated replacement windows include fiberglass like Pella Inpervia.

Best Rated Replacement Windows - NFRC, Energy Star and Consumer Ratings

Consumer Reports

Install A Water Heater Timer To Save Energy

Most people are willing to do the little things to save energy and money, but all too often they just do not know what options are available to them. Well, if you are one of the millions of US homeowners that are using an electric storage tank water heater, one of these small things that can make a big impact is installing a timer to regulate when there is power to your water heater and save energy. With the high cost of energy these days, a little extra savings every month can add up to big savings on your budget.

The idea behind installing a timer stems from the inherent inefficiency in the design of a tank water heater. These models are great and do a fantastic job as evidenced by their continuing popularity to this very day. They are affordable and reliable, lasting for many years. But the design of these units leaves a bit to be desired in terms of energy efficiency. The way a conventional tank storage unit works is that water enters a large tank and gets heated by two elements. There is one element up top and one at the bottom of the tank.

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The flaw in the design that renders these models less than optimal in performing their jobs is the fact that water that gets heated and does not get used will eventually cool down and require heating again. This inefficient cycle gets repeated over and over again until the water is finally used in your home. Each time that water gets heated and goes unused, you are wasting energy throwing away money.

That brings us to one practical solution to this problem. If homeowners will take the opportunity to install a timer, then you can prevent the cycle of heating and cooling and only heat water when it is really needed. If your water heater has an adequate first hour heating rating, you only need to give the unit a one hour head start on heating the water you will need in order to have a sufficient supply for your use.

This is a project that most people can do themselves without the assistance of a plumber but there are some situations where installing a water heater timer makes sense and some where it doesn't. If you have already installed a heat trap and insulated your pipes, you won't reap the same benefits as homeowners that do not have heat traps and insulation in place. Also, timers are not a good fit for gas-powered units.

Saving money can be simple once consumers know what their options are and then they take action on the ones that are a good fit for their homes. Installing a water heater timer is one of these simple tasks that people with electric water heaters can perform and save energy and money. You get the financial savings as well as the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are being a responsible user of the planet's natural resources.

Install A Water Heater Timer To Save Energy

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS