On Nov 12, 2008, at 3:12 AM, Gerhard wrote: > [Default] On Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:33:07 -0400, Carl Denk > wrote: > >> We have an older Maytag washer that has a water saving feature that >> wife >> uses frequently. > > /The/ water saving "feature" most of the US could start using are > front loaders. They use only a fraction of the water top loaders use > (and, if washing hot, only a fraction of the energy). It's a feature > of the principle: instead of filling the whole tub, it is filled only > to some 10% or so for each cycle. Washes better, uses less water, > pumps less detergent into the sewer, uses less energy and the > technology has been around for at least half a century. > > Gerhard We have a front loader. Love it. Another advantage is less noise. Most of the less expensive top loaders are noisy. I'm sure you can get a quiet top loader, but then you're paying about as much as a front loader. A couple of other negatives that may or may not matter for you: The front loaders generally take longer to do a load of wash. They also typically have smaller capacities than the top loaders. If you have huge loads of laundry to do every day, this may matter. We get by just fine with a non-huge front loader doing clothes for 3 adults and 2 kids. Also note that in the US, many cities have rebates for installing a front loader...this can help offset the cost difference. -Pete -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist