Angelika Schmitz

Washing Machines in Europe – Detailed Assessment of Consumption and Performance

Abstract Washing machines in Europe have to comply with regulations fixed in the Energy Label and Ecodesign legislation. They require declaration of the specific consumption and performance values which are deduced as average values from tests on three different treatments. Detailed data about the individual tests are normally not available to the public but just kept in the technical documentation of the manufacturer. Within the ATLETE II project 62 washing machines were measured to verify their compliance with the declared value. As this was an EU funded project all data are now also publicly available. This set of detailed measured data was used first to get a deeper inside into the performances and consumption values of the specific parameters and second to see how different the approaches are between manufacturers to achieve the same or similar declaration values. Additionally it could be shown that there are significant differences between those programmes used for the declaration and those offered as “normal” programmes to the consumer.

Large Washing Machines Are Not Used Efficiently in Europe

Abstract Washing machines sold for private households are increasing in capacity. The aim of this study was to assess how these higher capacities are utilised by consumers. A consumer survey was conducted in eleven European countries with more than 5,000 participants who are substantially involved in washing laundry. Questions were asked about their washing machines and washing behaviour. The main outcome is that these new machines are welcomed, but it seems that the consumers are not utilising the larger capacities. This may result in higher energy and water consumption as the new machines are optimised to work most efficiently at maximum load conditions.