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The washing machine consumes large amounts of energy and water, so make the wise decision and purchase the most energy efficient model for your lifestyle and space. When we speak about lifestyle, we think about how often we actually use these appliances and what we use them for. In this case, what garments we actually wash.

If you wash often, you will get the best performance from a stainless-steel tub. Those who wash less frequently will probably do fine with porcelain-coated steel or high-grade plastic. There are stacked washer-dryer units in apartment-size or full-size for those with limited space. Remember also that your dryer's capacity should match the size of your washer.

Think about what you will use them for. If your laundry includes a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness, choose a machine that offers specialty cycles such as delicate and extra soak, as well as one for a second rinse. Multiple water-level settings will ensure the most efficient wash for loads of different sizes. You might also like to consider a washer with the ability to raise water temperature, which can be useful for cleaning laundry faster and more efficiently. Other items to consider are automatic temperature regulators; a must in cold climates, they ensure that wash water comes in at a constant temperature for the setting.

There are two styles of washers: front-load, which gives the best energy efficiency, and top-load, which is the most common type. Top-load washers allow the user to put in and retrieve laundry from the machine without bending over. These models have to be placed beside a dryer, however. Top-load models cost less, although it will prove to be less energy efficient in the long run.

Front-load washers are recommended for its energy efficiency, and indeed it has been steadily growing in popularity because of this feature. This type uses from one-third to one-half the amount of water of a top loader, which means that much less heating. And, because it spins faster, clothes come out needing less time in the dryer. Although they save on energy costs, front loaders are more pricey at purchase; you might have to buy a special detergent.

When selecting a dryer, the capacity you choose should complement your washing machine's capacity. A washer with a 3.5-cubic-foot capacity, for example, requires a 7-cubic-foot dryer capacity. You can always buy a stacking model that can fit in a closet if space is a problem.

Dryers are powered by either gas or electricity, with gas being a bit more costly to purchase but the most economical and efficient in the long run. By law, dryers must have at least one automatic-drying cycle, but the best dryers include moisture sensors, which automatically shut down the machine whenever the moisture level in the drum drops below a certain point. Other nice features include a cool-down cycle, which keeps the clothes wrinkle-free, and a damp-dry cycle that allows garments to be prepared for ironing.