Do you know that washing machine consumes around 12-15% of average household electricity consumption? With higher oil prices projected in the next coming years, it's no wonder more people are turning to energy saving appliances to conserve their electricity usage.

The good thing is, with the advancement of technology, more washing machine manufacturers are focusing on producing washing machine that more efficient in the use of energy. Nonetheless, be prepared to fork out at least 10 to 15% for a washer that consumes less energy. Here are a few design features that you can look out for if you plan to purchase an energy efficient washer.

Eco Buttons

This will show you what the temperature for washing the clothes as well as indicate to you the loading levels for the washing machine. Look for higher spin speed as it can help to expedite clothes moisture reduction and as a result, ensures lesser energy usage.

Energy labeling

The good thing is, you can find out how efficiency a washer is with the energy labeling stickers on the washing machines at the showroom. These labels will be an indication of how much energy the washing machine consumes in relation to spin speed, washing performance as well as water usage.

Ecolabel

Although it seems similar to the energy label, the Ecolabel is voluntary in nature. It spells out both water and electricity energy consume for the appliance. You may not find many washer brands carrying this Ecolabel. In fact, consumers tend to trust this label more as manufacturers are required to pay a license fee, which means that the washing machine has passed the required energy efficiency standard. And if you are curious, Hoover's appliances were the first to achieve this Ecolabel in 1993.

To summarize, if you are looking to buy a new washing machines, remember the following points:

Look for washing machine that runs on less than 160 units of Kwh or below.Buy the right washing machine capacity usage. If you do not have a need for a 10kg washing machine, get a smaller 5kg one instead. Buy a hot-filled washing machine. Such washer losses less heat when compared to conventional washing machines.