According to Harris Interactive’s recent survey, more than 80 percent of respondents said energy is the most important thing to them. And almost 60 percent understood what high efficiency (HE), means in relation to laundry appliances. Few consumers know that they have the option of choosing between top-load and front-load configurations.

Front-loading washers have been the choice of consumers who want high-efficiency laundry. The survey revealed that over a third of respondents agreed that top-load washers consume more energy than front-load machines. This is a common misconception in today’s market.

“Historically, front-load laundry pairs have led the industry in capacity and efficiency,”Mary Zeitler is the Whirlpool Institute’s home economist. “but nearly three-quarters of American households rely on top-load laundry configurations. Now, as more families look to save on energy, water and utility costs, it is important to understand that they can enjoy the best of both worlds.”

High-efficiency washing machines wash clothes with less water, which means they use half the energy of traditional models. The machine uses less water to heat clothes because there is less water. HE machines also spin clothes faster and extract water more efficiently, which reduces drying time.

“Now that high efficiency is available in both configurations, it is important that consumers understand the difference between a high-efficiency machine and other models,” said Zeitler. “Since an HE machine has such a tremendous impact on household energy and water bills, I recommend consumers seriously consider these models when replacing older machines. The savings add up fast.”

Consumers can enjoy years of energy savings and peak efficiency by maintaining their HE washers. To prevent residue build-up and excess sudsing, only use HE detergent in conjunction with HE washers. To ensure clean clothes, you should run full loads but not overload your washer.

Two top-load washing machines from Whirlpool are now available: the Cabrio H washer and the updated Whirlpool HE washer. “Classic”There are two models: the front-loading Duet washer and the conventional washer. All three models have been certified ENERGY STAR and consume at least half the energy and water of conventional machines.

Consumers can log onto for more information about high-efficiency laundry and HE laundry www.whirlpool.com.