You can identify a high-efficiency (HE) washer by its design or by looking for a specific logo. Knowing if you have an HE washer is important because it determines the type of detergent you should use.
Identifying Your High-Efficiency Washer
According to the provided reference, there are clear indicators to help you determine if your washing machine is a high-efficiency model:
1. Check the Washer Design
The most common way to tell is by the physical characteristics of the machine:
- Front-Loaders: All front-loading washing machines are HE washers by design.
- Top-Loaders: For top-loading machines, check the drum. If it's a top-loader without an agitator in the middle of the drum, it's an HE washer by design. An agitator is the tall, finned spindle typically found in older or traditional top-load washers that twists and turns laundry during the cycle. HE top-loaders use impellers or wash plates at the bottom of the drum instead.
2. Look for the HE Logo
If you are still unsure about the type of washer you have based on its design, you can look for the HE high-efficiency logo on the machine itself. This logo is usually found on the control panel, lid, or near the detergent dispenser.
To summarize the key identification points:
| Washer Type | Agitator Status | Is it HE? | How to Confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-Loader | Not applicable | Yes, by design | All front-loaders are HE. Check for HE logo too. |
| Top-Loader | Without an agitator | Yes, by design | Look inside the drum; check for HE logo. |
| Top-Loader | With an agitator | No | Traditional design, requires regular detergent. |
By checking these points, you can easily determine if your washer is a high-efficiency model.
