Against the background of higher energy prices, energy-saving equipment is trending. One of the most important selection criteria is the energy class. It is easy to recognize an economic washing machine by marking - the letter “A” with any number of pluses or without pluses means that the device will consume a minimum of electricity.
What does the energy efficiency class mean?
When electricity cost a penny, nobody paid attention to “trifles” like the amount of energy consumed. Today, so that electricity bills do not breach the budget, buyers tend to buy household appliances with a minimum level of energy consumption. Among automatic washing machines (СМА), the most economical ones are A +, A ++ and A +++ classes. However, currently all self-respecting brands produce devices with a class not lower than A.
Rational use and energy saving is achieved in different ways. For example, due to the use of engines with high efficiency, due to the economical consumption of water, etc.
What are the energy classes?
All household appliances are classified into electricity efficiency classes. Each designation - A, B, C, D, E, F, G, corresponds to a certain level of energy consumption. The maximum energy efficiency is shown by machines marked "A", the minimum - "G". Since 1992, the EU has unified labeling - equipment manufactured in different countries has become labeled according to one system. A single European classification was soon adopted worldwide. A sticker with the corresponding marking is glued directly to the body of the CMA.
The energy efficiency of washing machines is defined as the ratio of the number of kW consumed per hour, per 1 kg of laundry. For Class A AIAs, this value is in the range 0.17 to 0.19. In new generation washers, there are variations - A with different amounts of “+”. Having the same electricity consumption, they belong to different classes. Pluses are "given out" to washing machines for the ability to rationally spend electricity. For the consumer, these icons do not carry any specific numerical values. So, “+” play about the same role as asterisks when applied to a hotel.
Who is spending electricity?
For SMA to be economical, its elements must rationally spend electrical energy. Its main consumers in the washing machine are:
- Motor. He sets the drum in motion. The main type of engines used in washing machines are collector ones. They consume 400-800 watts. During washing, energy consumption is less, while spinning, consumption increases.
- TEN. Heats the water in the tank. It may not turn on at all, but it can heat water to 95 degrees. The installed power of the heating elements is in the range of 1.7–2.9 kW.
- Water pump. Pumps water at different stages. Power - from 25 to 40 watts.
- Control Panel. Here, electricity feeds the electronic module, lamps, sensors, etc. The total consumption is 5–10 W, not more.
As you can see, the main consumers of energy are the motor and the heater; the volumes of consumption depend on them.
Top 5 most energy-efficient AGR
All classes A - with one, two and three “+”, spend 45% less energy than the standard mode suggests. Such washing machines are considered super-economical and can last about 15 years. A +++, being a peculiar peak of economy, is not a panacea. Assess the SMA only on the basis of the characteristics.
Not a single manufacturer that claims to be the attention of consumers today allows itself to produce cars with an efficiency below the A-class *. Experts compiled a rating of manufacturers on energy efficiency of their washers. They arranged them in this order - BOSCH, Electrolux, LG, Samsung, Indesit, Zanussi, Ariston, Candy.
* This does not apply to SMA with drying - in such devices it is difficult to minimize consumption.
Leading brands offer many models labeled A +++. Among them are SMA with different drum capacities - from minimum to 12-15 kg, and with different types of loading. Consider the most economical models on the washing machine market.
Bosch WLL 24266 - many programs
Freestanding narrow SMA from a German manufacturer. This is a frontal machine with an average drum capacity - its volume will be enough to wash an average family of 3-5 people. The control panel has a digital display and touch buttons. The tank is made of plastic - this is an inexpensive option to reduce the noise level in the device. The diameter of the loading hatch is 32 cm, this is enough to bookmark large items.
- Capacity: 7 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 42 l per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 17 pcs. (including direct injection, delicate, economical washing, night mode, for children’s clothing, for sportswear, super rinse, quick, preliminary).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A +++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, protection against children, balance and foam level control.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 56/77 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
Benefits:
- It works very quietly. Users claim that the noise level of this machine is lower than that of some Korean SMA.
- Collapsible drum. This design solution allows you to quickly change the bearings - the repair is less expensive than in the CMA with non-separable drums.
- A large number of programs, and they can be tailored to a specific case.
- Does not vibrate even at maximum speeds.
- Reasonable cost. Compared to competitors with similar characteristics, the price is quite affordable.
- Economical use of water and electricity.
Disadvantages:
- The sensor is slow.
- Claims for display quality.
Electrolux EW6F4R08WU - large download
Frontal, freestanding device with a large load. The control panel is equipped with a digital display. There is a convenient rotary knob and touch buttons. The delayed start timer is designed for 20 hours. The tank, like the previous model, is plastic. There is a compartment for liquid powder.
- Capacity: 8 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 52 l per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, economical, for jeans, for sportswear, for outerwear, downy clothes, super rinse, fast).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A +++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, protection against children, balance and foam level control.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 58/79 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x55x85 cm.
Benefits:
- A large set of functions and programs. For the requested price, this modification is "megafunctional" (quote).
- Simple operation.
- There is a quick wash - a very convenient and profitable program for lightly soiled laundry.
- There is a function for reloading linen. This option also allows saving - no need to stop, and then restart the program. You can pause the process, load laundry and continue the cycle.
- There is a steam treatment - removes bacteria and allergens. This option is especially important in a home with children and animals.
Disadvantages:
- Additional loading can be done only in the first 10 minutes of operation.
Users note the cost-effectiveness of this washer, including electricity. This is an ideal machine for those who wash a lot and often. It not only spends little electricity, but also offers economical modes. This is an excellent SMA, in addition to the usual set of options, there is additional loading and steam treatment - very important functions for a modern washing machine.
LG FH-2C3WD - Direct Drive
Frontal SMA from the Korean brand. This is a narrow, stand-alone device with direct drive - thanks to it, the reliability of the washer increases, its service life grows, and noise during operation decreases. The tank is made of plastic. Management - touch.
- Capacity: 6.5 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 43 l per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 9 pcs. (including washing of delicate fabrics, for children's clothing, quick wash, pre-wash, stain removal program).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A +++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, balance control and foam level.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 55/74 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
Benefits:
- Quietly working.
- Capacious drum.
- Qualitatively removes dirt.
Disadvantages:
- There is no protection from children.
- Missing timer.
- The washing steps are not displayed.
- Does not display the time until the end of the wash.
Thanks to the inverter motor and direct drive, this SMA not only works quietly, but also saves all kinds of resources. It is a multifunctional device, economical and inexpensive.
Samsung WW70K62E00S - rechargeable
Side loading CMA with superior technical features. An inverter motor is installed here - today it is the best option for washing machines. Thanks to the brushless motor, the durability of the machine is increased, its efficiency is increased, and noise is reduced. This modification belongs to the CMA range with additional loading - there is an additional door.
- Capacity: 7 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 42 l per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, economical, for children's clothes, for black things, super rinse, fast, steam supply).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A +++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, protection against children, balance and foam level control.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 58/74 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
Benefits:
- AddWash technology - the ability to reload. The device is stopped at any time - you can even throw laundry at the end of the cycle to rinse.
- EcoBubble - bubble wash. Allows you to quickly and efficiently wash dirt, even in cold water.
- There is a steam wash - allows you to wash complex and old pollution. Provides antibacterial and anti-allergenic effect.
- There is a "super rinse +" - the smell of detergent is eliminated.
- Inverter motor provides quiet operation and long service life. The manufacturer gives a 10 year warranty on the engine.
- Low water consumption, an indicator of 42 liters - one of the best on the market.
- Silent work.
- A large set of programs.
- After washing, the lock is quickly removed from the door - a minute after stopping.
- Detergent is completely washed out of the tray.
- The set includes Russian-language instructions for a specific model.
- The display has a large and bright screen - it is easy to read information.
Disadvantages:
- Steam is supplied in only two programs.
- It is difficult to maintain the filter - the user had problems unscrewing this element. But then he himself admits - it was necessary to read the instructions first.
- For some, the option of indicators is not in the form of an inscription, but in the form of symbols - sometimes it is not clear what they mean.
- Short drain hose.
- There is no anti-crease mode.
Indesit BTW E71253 P - Vertical
In this model from "Indesit" linen is laid on top. There is a reload function - you can throw forgotten things after the start of the cycle. It is controlled by a rotary knob and touch buttons. There is a timer for 12 hours - for a delayed start.
- Capacity: 7 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 41 l per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, economical, preventing creasing, washing sportswear, mixed fabrics, super rinse, quick, stain removal program).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A +++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, balance control and foam level.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 58/77 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x60x90 cm.
Benefits:
- Wash quietly - wash at night.
- Convenient operation and informative display.
- It thoroughly cleans dirt and delicately handles laundry.
- Compact, takes up little space - easy to place in the bathroom.
- The ability to load laundry during washing - by pausing, then the device continues to work according to the previously installed program.
Disadvantages:
- No child protection.
- Slight spin on the spin.
- No temperature 90 degrees.
- There is no signal to end the cycle.
Users emphasize - this version of Indesit is extremely economical in spending resources - water and electricity. The washing machine is suitable for people who do not pursue design and often wash - this modest-looking machine is reliable, hardworking, quiet and saves the money of its owners.
Conclusions
To summarize:
- Choosing an economical SMA, you can not focus on one indicator, you should evaluate the operation of the device in a complex - take into account the class of washing and spinning, as well as other characteristics.
- Minimal consumption of electricity in its pure form is extremely important for appliances that operate continuously - for example, for refrigerators. If the washing machine works 1-2 times a week, then chasing the extra "pluses" is irrational - the savings will be negligible. For CMA with A +++, the manufacturer will take 10-15% more from the buyer, but whether it is worth overpaying for the sake of slight savings - depends on the frequency of the washings.
- The question of buyers is how much electricity the washer takes, one of the main when choosing the right model.
- Today, almost all brands producing AGR have A +++ class - from Belarusian “Atlanta” to German Miele.
Class A +++ today is found in many models of SMA, but it is not a guarantee of maximum savings. The consumption of electric energy is affected by a whole combination of factors - from water consumption to the frequency of washing.