Does the washing machine heat the water itself or does it take hot water?

Housewives who buy a washing machine for the first time often don't understand how exactly the water for washing is heated. Users often think their "home helper" immediately draws hot water from the tap, but in fact, the washing machine usually heats the water itself. This is very convenient, as it eliminates the risk of sudden hot water outages, which often occur. Let's take a closer look at how exactly the water is heated.

Does the machine require hot water supply?

In rare cases, it is possible to connect a washing machine to the water supply so that it takes hot water instead of cold, but this is of no use. This is due to the fact that all washing machines are equipped with a heating element (TEH) in the tank, which is capable of heating even ice-cold water to a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius in a short period of time. This is why household appliances are connected to a cold water pipe.

To ensure proper water intake, the pipe must meet the minimum pressure requirement. Otherwise, the machine will not fill and will only display an error code. In this case, you'll either have to wait until the pressure in the pipe returns to normal or call a service technician to install a special pump to increase the water pressure.

There is no single water pressure rating that is suitable for all washing machines, as different brands have different minimum pressure requirements.

If you don't have such a pump at home, but you do have information about the pressure in your pipes, you can pre-select appliances that can operate in these conditions. Washing machines can be divided into several types based on minimum requirements:

• Models from LG, Electrolux, Daewoo, Zanussi and Samsung can operate with a pressure of at least 0.3 Bar;
• Products from Indesit, Whirlpool, Beko, AEG, Ariston, and Candy require a pressure level of at least 0.4 bar. While some can operate at lower pressures, experts recommend avoiding these risks.
• 0.5 and higher bar is required for Bosh and Miele equipment, however, it is worth considering that some models of these corporations can work with lower pressure, but it is not worth finding out this experimentally - it is better to seek advice before purchasing;
• 0.6 and more Bar is requested by “home helpers” of the Atlant company;
• Finally, 0.8-0.9 bar is required to connect modern Kuppersbusch washing machines. If you choose a machine from a more recent development, you'll only need about 0.5 bar.

High pressure requirements aren't always the norm, as manufacturers strive to sell as much product as possible. This is why even the most common washing machines often operate perfectly well even with low water pressure.

So, we've established that the washing machine heats the water itself, rather than taking hot liquid ready for use. All that's needed is to ensure adequate pressure and clean water so it doesn't contaminate clothes during the wash cycle. If the pressure in the pipes is fine, but the cleanliness is not, then a flow-through filter, which is easily found in any home appliance store, can help.

Washing machine filter

A water filter can be a lifesaver for communities where people suffer from poor-quality hard tap water. This liquid not only negatively impacts the quality of washing but also the safety of household appliances, as it can damage the heating element, requiring replacement. To prevent this, we've compiled a short list of the best water filters for use with washing machines.

• The Geyser 1PF is one of the most affordable filters, and also one of the most popular. It costs only about $3, and the chemical solution loaded into the transparent flask is enough to purify 8,000-10,000 liters of water. The transparent housing makes it easy to monitor, so you'll always know when it's time to replace the filter. The only drawback is the unreliable connection, so you need to be very careful during installation to prevent leaks due to installation errors.
• The Typhoon 10 VV Geyser is an option for those who don't skimp on their health and the safety of their appliances. It costs approximately $85, which includes a cartridge. This model requires preliminary calculation of the expected load, but after installation, it can filter even hot water. The device filters liquids using carbon at a rate of 20 liters per minute, has a drain for filtered residue, and a valve for relieving excess pressure. The only downsides are the high cost and the fact that the durable steel body is susceptible to corrosion.
• The AQUAFILTER FHPR-2 is another budget-friendly device for homemakers who meticulously manage their household. It costs approximately $5.50, for which you receive the filter itself and filter media. One filter media replaceable is sufficient to purify 8,000 to 12,000 liters of water. Another advantage is the transparent housing, which makes it easy to monitor the current status of the chemical filter.
• The new A271 water purifier features an innovative design, meaning it lasts twice as long as other water purifiers. It's easy to install, improves washing quality, is made of durable brass alloy, and flows approximately 18 liters per minute. The only drawback is the high price—approximately $29 per unit, and a filter is not included.
• The Unicorn WM34 is another inexpensive but effective solution for poor-quality tap water. It costs about $2, but the filter cartridge must be purchased separately. The housing is transparent and extremely durable, withstanding temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius. It has a flow rate of 50-60 liters per minute, enough for 6,000-7,000 liters of water.
• Finally, we'd like to highlight the ELECTROLUX E6WMA101, an affordable magnetic filter that helps save money on other water protection measures. It's relatively inexpensive—approximately $16—and uses a magnetic field to purify water, making it easy to install outdoors.

As you can see, finding a decent, inexpensive filter is very easy these days, and it's truly worth it, as it can significantly reduce the lifespan of your washing machine.

   

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