Water consumption per cycle
The volume of water used by the washing machine during a standard wash cycle. It is measured while washing the maximum amount of cotton underwear for this model with a normal programme and a temperature of 60 degrees.
When evaluating efficiency, one should consider not only the actual water consumption but also the maximum load. So, for example, a model with a load of 7 kg and a consumption of 49 litres per kilogram of laundry will be more economical than a model of 5 kg with a consumption of 40 litres: the first consumes 49/7 = 7 litres per 1 kg of laundry, the second 40/5 = 8 litres per kilogram. This moment is important, first of all, if a large amount of washing is expected.
Many modern automatic washing machines are equipped with intelligent systems that can adjust the water consumption to the actual load and avoid overspending.
Energy class
This parameter characterizes the efficiency of electricity consumption by the washing machine. Classes are designated in Latin letters from A to G, in ascending order of energy consumption. At the same time, in class
A there are subclasses "A+", "
A++ " and "A+++"; more pluses means less energy consumption, and the most economical option to date —
A +++ — outperforms class A by almost a third.
Machines of classes
A + and above are today considered economical, class A — medium, lower classes — high consumption. However, indicators below A are typical for semiautomatic low-cost models. As well as for units with dryers (see above) in which high energy consumption is simply inevitable.
Energy class (new)
This parameter characterizes the efficiency of electricity consumption by the washing machine. Classes are designated in Latin letters from A to G in ascending order of energy consumption. This was originally conceived until more energy-efficient models pulled up to class A, which eventually received the marking A+, A++, and A+++. Further development of technology has made it possible to go even further, and in order not to produce pluses in energy efficiency labelling, in March 2021, manufacturers returned to the previous indices from G to A, where A is the most energy efficient washing machine. Accordingly, the 2021 models will have modern markings, while older models will be marked in the same way.
Noise class
This indicator allows customers to decipher the values of the noise level in decibels. It is marked, like other classes, in Latin letters, where A is the quietest class of washing machines.