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HE Washing machines... A few weeks ago my 15 year old washing machine would stop after the fill cycle. I figured it was the sensor on the lid, so I banged the machine a few times and it started working again. Saturday it completely stopped working. Banging didn't help. Due to it's age, I felt it was time to replace it as repairs are often half the price of a new machine. My wife and I visited the Sears outlet last week looking for a new refrigerator and I considered going again, but my first choice is usually Home Depot. With a little online shopping I called the local store and was told deliveries are 5 days out. Wanting it 'right now' I was told everything comes from the distribution warehouse with the exception of two high end units and one HE style floor model I could pick up. They made a good deal with me offering some discounts that dropped the price by $100. I called a handyman with a truck and asked if he could meet me at the store. We had the old machine out and scraped the area clean to set the new washer in place. It was 10pm and my wife suggested we continue in the morning. I got up early Sunday to connect hoses and adjust the leveling feet. HE (high-efficiency) washer technology is new to me but not difficult to understand. It's amazing how the reader reviews went from one star to five, many because they didn't understand the concept. Hundreds of reviews to skim over (before going to make a purchase) and I always feel the buyer beware is less about the product and more about the reviewer. One review gave the washer one star because the delivery guys stained the customers carpet when rusty water spilled out of the old washer as they rolled it outside. There are many irrelevant comments in product reviews. We've done 3 loads so far. My initial thoughts are: Totally different sounds than a conventional machine. Expect it to sound more like an MRI than washing clothes. Much longer wash cycles. Nearly double with the setting on 2 rinses. Less soap needed. Half from what we are accustomed to use in a standard machine. The first round of jeans came from the dryer and feel softer. We never use fabric softener so it must be removing soap residue the other machine didn't get out. The manufacturer claims less energy used and hot water savings. My wife brought up we don't use hot water and washing for twice the time could actually cost more than a conventional washer. I didn't disagree. I have a plug-in device called Kill-A-Watt that allows you to check the actual power usage of appliances. It calculates peak settings and I think it also checks usage over a specified time. I'll have to see what the readings are for a standard load versus a heavily soiled load. As far as the longer wash cycles, the dryer always takes longer than the washer, so this shouldn't be an issue. In the mean time, I'll be open minded about this washing machine . |
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I know HE machines are used in Europe. Does anyone have experience with them in Asia?
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