Traditionally, consumers seeking high-efficiency laundry turn to front-loading machines. In fact, the survey uncovered that more than a third of consumers agreed that top-load washers use more energy than front load machines — a common misconception in today’s marketplace.

“Historically, front-load laundry pairs have led the industry in capacity and efficiency,” said Mary Zeitler, home economist, Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science, “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 use up to 50 percent less energy than traditional models by washing clothes in a smaller pool of water. With less water in the cycle, the machine needs less energy to heat the clothes. Additionally, HE machines spin clothes at a faster rate and extract more water, thus reducing the amount of time required in the dryer.

“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.”

With proper maintenance on their HE machines, consumers can ensure peak efficiency and energy savings for years to come. It is best to use only HE detergent with HE washers to prevent oversudsing and build-up of residue. Futhermore, it is best to run full loads, but not overload the washer, to make sure clothes come out clean.

Whirlpool brand now offers two of the most eco-conscious top-load washing machines on the market — the Cabrio HE washer and an updated “Classic” conventional washer, in addition to the popular front-loading Duet model. All three models are ENERGY STAR qualified and use at least 50 percent less water and energy than conventional machines.

For more information on high-efficiency and HE laundry, consumers can log onto http://www.whirlpool.com.

Seattle Housing Authority, one of the nation’s largest public housing agencies, has found a way to cut fuel consumption by 37 percent at a 120-acre redevelopment in West Seattle. Named High Point, the new pedestrian-friendly community features a mix of 1,700 low-income and market-rate properties, plus ample park space, a seniors’ village, a neighborhood center, a new medical and dental clinic and a public library.

Tom Phillips, Seattle Housing Authority’s senior development manager, says High Point has set a new standard in sustainable green building for housing authorities. “Our design team includes firms that are among the region’s leaders in sustainable development, and who share Seattle Housing’s passion for building a greener, more affordable and more livable community.”

The community features an innovative natural drainage system and a host of energy-efficient and water conservation solutions, such as a Baxi Luna combination heating and domestic hot water wall-hung boiler in rental homes.

“Baxi Luna is an elegant, all-in-one, backpack-sized boiler with tankless hot water capabilities,” says Matt Sullivan, the project manager of Mithum, a leader in reduced energy use. “It generates fuel-use savings while helping us to make the most of space limitations. It allows us to fit a stackable washer and dryer in the same closet as the combination central heating and domestic hot water boiler.”

An independent study showed that High Point homes with Baxi units recorded total fuel savings of 37 percent. The report also noted that the inclusion of conservation technology, including the Baxi hydronic heating system, makes housing even more affordable as utility rates increase and public utilities and government agencies add new financial incentives for conservation.

Seattle Housing Authority also installed its first Baxi solar water heating system at High Point this spring and expects it will generate additional fuel and cost savings. The renewable energy system is backed up by the Baxi Luna 3 Comfort combination heating and domestic hot water boiler, which is capable of accepting pre-heated water from the solar storage tank.

Visit http://www.wallhungboilers.com to learn more about proven Baxi energy-efficient, eco-friendly heating solutions.

In a recent Whirlpool Corporation survey fielded by Harris Interactive, 84 percent of consumers said that energy — not water or time — is most important to them when it comes to home appliance efficiency. Despite the significant gains in efficiency over the last 30 years, nearly 70 percent of consumers cited a kitchen appliance as the one that consumes the most energy on a day-to-day basis.

“In the past, consumers did not need to look beyond the kitchen to find the home energy hog,” said J.B. Hoyt, Director, Regulatory Affairs and State Government Relations, Whirlpool Corporation. “Even today, cooking appliances are not ENERGY STAR qualified. However, recent innovations in appliance efficiency, particularly when it comes to the refrigerator and dishwasher, can really help consumers conserve resources.”

For example, the Resource Saver Refrigerator from Whirlpool brand uses less energy than it takes to power a 60-watt light bulb, exceeding federal efficiency standards by 30 percent. Moreover, the Resource Saver Dishwasher uses one-third less water and energy than dishwashers manufactured before 2000.

“Efficient appliances like these should help consumers save on their energy bills,” said Hoyt. “They are an important first step toward achieving an ‘eco-kitchen.’ However, homeowners also need to make sure to do their part to help.”

Small lifestyle changes can help appliances run at peak efficiency and conserve energy. For example, running the dishwasher late at night can help consumers avoid peak hours, and keeping the refrigerator stocked and at the recommended temperature can save energy as well.

Similarly, consumers can reduce energy when preparing a meal. Placing multiple foods in the oven can efficiently utilize heat, and selecting an appropriately sized pan for each burner can increase the efficiency of the range.

Cooking appliances also feature innovations to help conserve energy. The Whirlpool range with Energy Save mode conserves electricity when the oven is not in use, while the over-the-range Velos microwave can cook up to 47 percent faster than a traditional thermal bake oven when in SpeedCook mode.

To learn more about energy-efficient kitchen appliances, consumers can visit http://www.whirlpool.com.