Laundry Appliance Terms to Know

Volume –This is the tub capacity of the clothes washer or dryer in cubic feet (height x width x depth)

KWH/Year –This number is the estimated annual energy use of this machine under typical conditions. The KWH/Year quoted on  cards is based on an average usage of 392 loads per year, or just under 8 loads per week. Actual energy consumption will vary with load size, frequency & temperature.

Modified Energy Factor –Modified Energy Factor (MEF) is a new equation that compares the relative efficiency of different clothes washers. The higher the Modified Energy Factor, the more efficient the clothes washer is. Note: MEF also takes into account the amount of dryer energy used to remove remaining moisture from washed items.

Water Factor — The Water Factor is the number of gallons per cycle per cubic foot that a washer uses. The lower the water factor, the more efficient the washer is. So, if a clothes washer uses 30 gallons per cycle and has a tub volume of 3.0 cubic feet, then the water factor is 10.0.

Source Material: US Dept. of Energy