Reinventing Spin Cycle: Whirlpool Unveils Most Efficient Laundry Pair
Nearly a decade after introducing front-load laundry to the U.S., Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool Corp. (NYSE: WHR) Thursday introduced what it says its the industry's most resource efficient laundry pair -- the premium front-load Duet washer and dryer.
With new energy and water efficiency requirements for household appliances on the horizon, Whirlpool brand -- in conjunction with its Institute of Fabric Science -- created a laundry pair that not only meets, but exceeds government standards to help consumers conserve natural resources and save money.
To do so, the washer uses as little as 11.5 gallons of water per load and exceeds the minimum federal energy standard set for selling appliances by more than 160 percent, on average. The washer's EcoBoost option takes the guesswork out of efficiency by reducing the water temperature and increasing agitation duration so the decrease in temperature is offset by the increase in tumbling to deliver the same results while using less water and energy.
The pair not only keeps clothes looking new longer with gentle wash and dry actions, but also saves as much as $3,300 in lifetime energy costs. And, for every household that uses the new Whirlpool Duet laundry pair, 12,857 gallons of water could be saved every year. If all households in the United States -- 114.8 million according to the U.S. Census -- used the new laundry pair for a year, the country could save 1.47 trillion gallons of water per year.
"As the industry's most resource efficient brand, Whirlpool is dedicated to delivering products that provide superior energy and water savings coupled with exceptional performance," said Wes Pringle, vice president brand business teams, Whirlpool Corp. "Now, nearly 10 years after the introduction of front-load technology to the United States with the first Duet laundry pair, Whirlpool brand is leading the way again with the introduction of the industry's most efficient laundry pair -- the new premium front-load Duet washer and dryer."
Through Whirlpool brand's exclusive 6th Sense technology, intelligent tools that sense and manage what was once beyond a user's control, the laundry pair provides ultimate cleaning, gentleness and efficiency. For example, the pair's built-in suite of Laundry Apps includes features like Stain Assist and Hints & Tips that give practical advice on stains and other everyday laundry questions. Combined with the washer's easy-to-fill liquid detergent reservoir, which can hold up to 36 loads in one fill, the Whirlpool Duet premium washer senses load conditions and manages the precise release of each additive at the right time during the cycle for optimal fabric care and cleaning.
The new premium front-load Duet washer and dryer will be available at national retailers later this year with an MSRP starting at $1,099.
More at www.whirlpool.com or www.whirlpoolcorp.com.
(c) 2010, WWJ Newsradio 950. All rights reserved.
