(ARA) - Recent water restrictions throughout the country and memories of last summer's rolling blackouts in California and elsewhere are calling consumers' attention to more energy efficient household appliances. Washing machines use by far the largest amount of water of any appliance, with a typical top-loading washing machine using around 45 gallons of water per load.

Consumers who are concerned with conserving natural resources are discovering the benefits of front-loading washing machines. These machines use up to 30 percent less water than top-loading machines, and consume 50 percent less electricity. They also use much less laundry detergent, which not only saves money, but saves the environment as well.

Front-loading washing machines clean by tumbling and compression. Like a clothes dryer, its drum rotates about the horizontal axis, prodding laundry through a tiny pool of water. This process is much gentler on clothes than a top-loading washer, which cleans clothes by twisting and turning them back and forth with an agitator. That means your favorite shirt will last a little longer. Despite all these features, front-loading machines are associated mainly with laundromats in the minds of American consumers. However, they have been popular in Europe for nearly a century.

According to Lynda Coyle, marketing manager for Miele USA, a top German appliance manufacturer, people shopping for new washers, dryers and dishwashers are looking more carefully than ever at the machine's energy usage and ability to conserve natural resources.

Miele washers go a step further than American-made machines by including features such as higher spinning speeds that extract 65 percent of moisture and a special built-in water heater. This means less drying time (and more electricity savings) and better cleaning power without the use of bleach or harsh detergents.

"There seems to be a genuine concern not only for saving money but also for the long-term health of the environment in general," says Coyle, noting that European countries have been well ahead of the United States in this regard for many years. "Our customers are not only asking about everyday water and energy efficiency but about the ability to recycle the appliance in the future," she said.

Miele appliances use raw materials for construction that can be recycled later. While the company uses as many metal parts as possible, those parts that are plastic are labeled as such so they can be easily identified when recycling occurs.

The company is credited with introducing the first mechanical clothes washer in 1901, and has always been committed to making its appliances as environmentally economical as possible. During the past 20 years, for example, Miele's designs have reduced water and electricity consumption in its washing machines by 70 percent and its dishwashers have been improved to use 72 percent less water and 53 percent less electricity. This year the company became the first in the world to install a biological commercial laundry system that recycles 95 percent of used water (see sidebar item).

In order to ensure that its appliances -- which have a life expectancy of 20 years -- remain economical and efficient, Miele developed a PC-based electronic Update Feature in 1995 that transfers new programs to the machine as often as desired. The feature, which is similar to software upgrades on a computer, allows programs to be transferred to the appliance's electronic controls.

Miele's other appliances also feature energy-saving designs. The company's dishwashers use a maximum of 6.3 gallons, with many programs using 5 gallons or less, compared to 7 to 10 gallons for the majority of machines on the market. A unique Top Solo function allows water to go to top and side sprayers only and uses just 3.2 gallons of water. Certain models also are equipped with an Ecosensor, which evaluates the water for particle content and can reuse it for later stages.

Miele's dryers are designed to save energy too by relying on moisture sensors rather than timers to ensure proper cycle length. A drum that rotates in both directions prevents clothes from balling in the machine and helps reduce drying time.

In addition to washers, dryers and dishwashers, Miele manufactures a full line of household appliances including built-in true European Convection ovens, electric and gas cooktops and hoods, built-in coffee systems and vacuum cleaners.

The company's products are available through more than 850 authorized dealers nationwide. For more information on Miele appliances, visit www.miele.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

SIDE BAR:

First Biological Laundry System Recycles Water By 95 Percent

Miele recently introduced the world's first biological communal laundry system in a 500-person apartment building in Denmark.

The system recycles 95 percent of the used water utilizing biological concepts. The entire process takes six days and is done on-site in the laundry room in a glass-enclosed area that looks more like a greenhouse than a water filtration system.

First, the used water is pumped into three basins to allow maximum separation of suspended particles. The water then passes into six tanks containing aquatic plants in which microorganisms degrade smaller particles into the water. Any remaining bacteria are then killed using UV light. The water returned for use is equivalent to potable water.

Not only does the system save water and money but it also prevents discharge of effluents that may be hazardous to the environment.