Well, in comparing a Speed Queen TL machine to an HE FL machine of the same brand, it doesn't appear that energy use is all that big of a deal.

MRB

Here is a link that might be useful: Energy Star

I think DOE requires them to put a bright yellow sticker on the front of the unit that says what the annual average cost to run the unit is, just like refrigerators.

Call a retailer, they should be able to tell you what is on the sticker.

Good idea.

Here is the label from the SQ website.

The sticker on the front of my SQ FL machine says $20 (for comparison)

Here is a link that might be useful: Speed Queen

This post was edited by mrb627 on Sun, Mar 2, 14 at 12:58

I have couple-months-old SQ 542 TL. It came with a sticker exactly like the one mrb627 posted.

I also suspect (but don't know) the the gov't figures have to do with washing "full loads". However, "full load" with the SQ as-delivered is actually only 70% full (because of gov't-mandated fill-limit adjustment) so I suspect a normal person running actually-full tub (like I do) would use/spend more than this sticker indicates.

Thanks for all your reply's. I quess I was kind of thinking more in the line of someone who had previous owned a HE Samsung, LG or Kenmore washer and then replaced it with the SQ washer. Did you notice a significant change in your utility bill after the switch in washers? Thanks again.

We recently switched from a WP Duet FL to a Speed Queen toploader. While I know the SQ uses more water (a good thing in my book) I think the biggest difference, in our case, is the longer drying times since the SQ doesn't spin as fast. Drying towels takes a good bit longer than it used to.

That said, we are thrilled with our SQ.

Kenz5,

I made the jump from a Speed Queen top load to a Speed Queen front load 8 years ago.

My demographics:
-I have four kids
-did NOT change factory default water level on TLW
-water is cheap where I live (Great Lakes region)
-waste water is cheap to dispose of ($180 yearly flat fee regardless of usage)
-natural gas is very low cost here and I have a gas water heater
-I wash 95% - 98% of my loads warm wash and cold rinse

I could not notice a change in utilities before vs after. It's probably $3 to $5 a month at most.

Laundryvet

Thanks shaggnasty and laundryvet as that was the kind of info. I was really looking for. Maybe it's not that big of a difference in energy costs after all?? Many thanks!