Quote Originally Posted by papaver View Post

Electricity is very very expensive here, so you really have to buy the most energy efficient appliances. This year the Flemish government gave 'eco cheques' to each family. The are 250 euros (350 USD) worth, and you can only buy energy efficient appliances. They are valid for two years. Unfortunately we received ours AFTER we bought our washer.
We have "energy" rebate program here where you buy an energystart certified fridge or washing machine, you get $50 back. whoppie, but I guess every little bit helps. I've heard that the program's being cut, though.

When I replaced my 19 year old top loading washer and dryer earlier this year to an energy efficient pair, I can't believe how much better it is. It uses so little water and clothes come out nearly dry so drying's a breeze. I can also wash bigger items like mattress protector which I never could with my top loader.

I can't wait to replace my equally-old fridge. I can't have ice cream in the freezer because it thaws, then re-freezes continually so that in a week's time it turns into a gooey, frosty blob.