Washing Machines

Step up to the tub
It ain't no disgrace
Just pull up your sleeves
And get up in place
Then scoop up the water
And rub it on your face
An' go blud-dle-ud-dle-ud-dle
Ud-dle-um-dum
-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

I'm very lucky to have a reliable Maytag washing that is older than our marriage. It was made back in the days when quality mattered. When we had an energy audit the auditor told us that new machines are more energy efficient but the cost savings is not enough to justify buying a new machine.

Our machine is a top-loader, popular in 3 out of 4 households. And yet front-loading washing machines are generally more efficient and clean your clothes better. Also curiously, when I type "washing machine" into Google images, the entire first page is front-loaders. So why are top-loading machines more popular? Consumer Reports investigated and came up with these reasons:

1. Cost: Front-loading machines are 25-50% more expensive. That's a big deal killer.
2. Vibration: Front-loaders shake more and may be noisier depending on your flooring.
3. Awkward: Bending down to add or remove clothes is harder on the back.
4. Mold: The seal on front-loaders gets moldy if you wash only in cold water.

Bottom Line

The article mentions that some who have tried front-loaders change back to top-loaders. Now that I know this, I'll think I'll stick with top loaders in the future.

Help with Winter Heating

"If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?" - Steven Wright

In New York there are signs that winter is approaching - frost on the ground in the morning and even a snow forecast! So with much regret we turned on the house heat and started burning oil. I say with regret because heating oil is VERY expensive this year - a delivery we got last week cost nearly $4/gallon.
Unlike most of America which uses gas or coal for heating, there are many in the North Eastern states that use oil. And not everyone will be able to afford the bill. If this is your situation then check out Consumerist.com on the topic of heat. A recent story, Ways To Get Help With Paying For Heat, recommends the following...

1. Low-Income Housing and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Direct funding for heating bills from October to March

2. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Funds "low-income" homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient

3. Check with your local electrical company for winter assistant plans.
For example: Con Edison provides assistance with bills through the winter months with Level Billing, energy grants for needy families, and payment plan options; 1 (800) 75-CONED.

4. Look for a Salvation Army, an American Red Cross, or a local advocacy center in your town or city.

BOTTOM LINE
Data collected in 2001 indicates that nearly 600 deaths a year are caused by extreme winter weather. Over half of these will be elderly, children or disabled adults in homes unable to afford adequate heating. In late 2008 gas/electricity shut-offs have been running 17 percent higher than last year among customers of New York state's major utilities, and 22 percent higher in economically hard-hit Michigan. Also up are Pennsylvania, Florida and California.

Under the laws of New York and many Eastern and Midwestern states, power CAN NOT be shut off for nonpayment during winter months.