This pressure for greater efficiency will cause major changes in washing machines in the next few years. Search the Oikos Product Directory for a list of companies that make energy-efficient washers . To get a glimpse of America's future laundry, you can look to Europe, where expensive energy and water have been driving efficiency improvements for many years. Less than 5 percent of machines in the U.S. use the H-axis design, most of these are front loaders. Although other efficient technologies exist, it looks like H-axis machines will be a major player in tomorrow's market.
Laundry floats in the tub, while an agitator circulates it through the water.
H-axis machines hold water only in the bottom of the tub. As the inner drum rotates, the laundry tumbles. Less Water V-axis machines use about 45 gallons of water for a full load or 3.5 to 5 gallons per pound of laundry. H-axis machines use from 30 to 50 percent as much water. The Swedish Asko models uses at most 17 gallons for a 6 pound load or 2.8 gallons per pound.