How it Work
There are two types of washing machines: the top loading and
the front loading. The top loading (AKA the
impeller type) uses an impeller to rotate and scrub your laundry. The front
loader has a perforated drum that rotates at a predetermined speed and
direction set by the different washing cycles. The
front loading washing machine uses less water than a top loading
machine, but is unable to perform a “soaking” cycle where the machine tub is
left full to treat tough stains.
Drums for both types are suspended in a frame
within the housing. An imbalance protection system shuts down the unit whenever
there’s an uneven load. The washing machine uses
rubber tubing for hot and cold water supply lines and includes a discharge
drain to release waste water. The flexible rubber tubing prevents damage to the
piping system from washer
What Can Go Wrong?
Washing machines use a drive
belt - connected to an electric motor - to rotate the impeller or drum. The drive
belt degrades over time and will eventually cause the machine to stop working.
A washing machine repair technician may be
needed to replace the belt. The electric motor operates inside a damp
environment. Typical motor problems and general degradation can be caused by
overly full laundry loads or repeated slippage of the drive belt.
Environmental Impact
The difference between a low and high
efficiency washing machine is partly measured by the cycle settings they
offer. The load carried in each cycle will also affect the energy consumption. Energy usage per load varies
significantly by age and condition of the washer, but a gross estimate based on
six loads per week will consume about 996 kilowatt-hours (kWh), producing about
1,530 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2).