Should i replace washing machine

Dear Recyclebank: My washing machine is one of the big water users in our house. It's over 10 years old. Should I replace it for the water savings, or run it as long as possible since it's not broken? How should I get rid of it when I do replace it? That said, appliances continue to make great strides in efficiency, and it is definitely worth comparing your options.

Since you purchased your current machine ten years ago, the Department of Energy has established efficiency standards that reduce water usage for washing machines by 19 to 35 percent, depending on the model. Since your washer is one of the largest water users in your household, the potential savings from a new machine would likely add up quickly.

Certain models may even exceed these goals; the EPA and Consumer Reports have both noted potential reductions of over 50 percent. These energy savings, even more than water savings, can have a substantial impact on your monthly bills. Appliances also lose efficiency over time. Your washing machine may be using more water than it used to in order to rinse the same amount of laundry, or may be using more energy to compensate for mechanical issues.

If your machine still seems to be working at its highest possible efficiency, you may want to keep it around a bit longer since the energy and water used to mine materials and manufacture new machines would probably make your potential impacts somewhat of a wash pun intended! Department of Energy. RTS Recyclebank partners with cities and brands to reward residents for helping to make their communities cleaner, greener places.

You bought your current washing machine before you had children, or when your children were very small. Since then your family has grown. Washing machine drum sizes vary greatly , starting at 6kg and reaching up to 12kg. The average load weighs around 2 to 2. A machine with at least 8kg should offer enough room for the average family with 2 children. If you have a larger family you should look at larger capacity 10kg machines.

Smaller families who prefer to wash their clothes less frequently in larger loads may also find a bigger drum ideal. New smartphones are launched each year, packed with the latest technology. Washing machines are always evolving and improving too, and come with some amazing features. Stain removal and rinsing technology has become much more sophisticated , helping you better care for the clothes you love.

Energy efficiency has massively improved too, so keep an eye out for washing machines with the best energy ratings. Check out our most energy efficient washing machines. New and exciting technologies make laundry days much easier so you can focus on the more important things in life. Ready to upgrade? Check out our full range here or take a look at our top picks below Individual results may vary.

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Can the right appliance save me money? How can you wash and dry clothes with steam? Dunn, Collin. June 15, May 4, Cite This! Print Citation. If your washer is leaking, there could be several causes. Check the hoses and make sure they're tight. Also, be sure not to overfill the tub with clothing when starting a load.

If you've covered those bases and the washer still leaks, you may have a crack in the tub. This is a major fix, and in most cases it would be more cost-effective just to buy a new washer, especially if it's getting close to its 11th birthday.

If you have an older front-loading washer, you may have found it gets a certain Some Whirlpool, Kenmore and Maytag front-loading washers made between and may fail to adequately self-clean themselves. This can lead to mold or mildew growth inside of the washer that causes a stink.

The companies that make these potentially defective washers settled in a class action lawsuit. You can check to see if your machine is one of those affected here. If you have an affected washer, you may need to upgrade to something else.