What are the advantages/disadvantages of a cold fill washing machine?

Question

I'm shopping around for a washing machine and have noticed that some are cold fill only. I want to understand if that is good/bad and what the potential costs to me might be.

Answer 1

Washing machine manufacturers say that a cold fill washing machine increases washing efficiency when using biological detergents and washing at 40°. This is because the enzymes in the detergent work best at low temperatures and die off at high temperatures. They also say it is more economical to heat the small amount of water up inside the washing machine than to use the inefficient hot water systems in most homes.

However, there are many people that don't use biological detergents because at least one member of the family is (apparently) allergic to them and suffers irritation. These consumers would therefore miss out on the biological powder-boost benefit from cold fill washing machines.

Answer 2

That's a very good question. Quite hard to answer too as the amount and type of washing you do will determine whether having a cold fill only or hot and cold fill will cost more. I'd want to know what the manufacturers claim the energy use is for each type and at what cycles (remember there are so many types and you have to estimate what your average wash type is going to be) - the load capacity, the spin cycles etc will also come into play. Providing you can get reliable energy info from the manufacturers I'd set up a spreadsheet to play with the figures to see what is best. At the end of the day you'll be faced with the actual costs of the machine, the features you desire on the machine, the size of the machine and whether or not you have to have it plumbed in (i.e. if you choose to have dual fill because you have a combination boiler). Tough one!

Answer 3

Cold Fill Washing Machines

Answer 4

I don't have a cold fill machine myself but my sister does and she hates it. She says it takes a long time to do a wash, which is no good if, like most people you are in a hurry. Ask at the shop how long the washing cycles are. I think lucky_topher must have seen the site in my link.

Answer 5

if you have a ready supply of hot water a cold fill machine is not a lot of good for you because the water going into the machine is hot, therefore you have already paid to heat the water. but if you dont have a supply of hot water the machine will bring the water up to the required temperature of the program you set thus running up your electricity bill, but this can sometimes work out cheaper than using your boiler

Answer 6

although it is OK to wash in cold water, There are times you want and need Hot water, Like when your white get dingy they will get cleaner in hot water. I also feel hot water going through the pipes will ward off the pipes freezing in the winter. I have never heard of a cold water washing machine. As for price I'm sorry that I don't know.

Answer 7

Most new machines are cold fill only these days as it's more cost effective.

Answer 8

A cold water only washer will only take water from the cold pipe and not the hot so you wouldnt be wasting "already paid for" hot water . It does keep the bills down and does get clothes cleaner!!.

Answer 9

The good news is that you only need a cold water supply, so easier to plumb in.

The bad news is that it insists on heating it's own water, increasing the energy usage, even though you may have a tank full of hot water already 'paid for'

Answer 10

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