There
are a few questions that a person should ask when deciding which energy
and water efficient washing machines and dryers to buy:
• What is the Modified Energy Factor (MEF)?
The MEF is the equation that takes the amount of dryer energy it takes
to dry the clothes that the washer washes after the spin cycle has been
completed. The MEF takes into account the functions associated with
both the washer as well as the dryer. MEF is the energy performance
metric that is used to qualify or disqualify washing machines as Energy
Star certified. The higher the number of the MEF is, the better more
efficient the washer should be.
• What about the Water Factor?
The Water Factor is the number of gallons per cycle per cubit foot
that the best energy and water efficient washing machines and dryers
use. In this case, the lower the water factor, the better the washer
is in terms of effiiciency.
• What does “Percent Better” on the list of ENERGY
STAR qualified clothes washers mean?
This percentage represents the difference factor between the Modified
Energy factor of the energy and water efficient washing machines and
dryers you are considering buying and the minimum federal standard for
the Modified Energy factor for this device. In this case, it is best
to look for the higher percentages, as they are the washers that are
considered to be the most efficient. These energy and water efficient
washing machines and dryers far exceed federal mandates.