Energy efficency is now one of the most important important features in the purchase of a washer or dryer according to a new research study by J.D. Power and Associates. The report also revealed that both LG and Samsung  ranked the highest in customer satisfaction when it came to the purchase of a new washer or dryer. 

LG was judged as the best clothes washer vendor while Samsung ranked highest among all clothes dryer manufacturers for the third consecutive year in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Laundry Appliances Study, .

The study measured customer satisfaction with washers and dryers based on performance in six factors: ease of use; features (such as the number of settings available and appliance capacity); performance (including energy efficiency, noise level and how well the appliance functions); styling and feel; warranty; and value.

LG achieved a score of 831 on a 1,000-point scale, performing particularly well in four of six factors: performance, features, ease of use, and styling. Following closely in the washer rankings with a score of 829 was Samsung, which performed consistently well across all factors. Sears' Kenmore Elite brand ranked third with a score of 819, performing well in the ease of use and features factors.

Samsung scored highest in customer satisfaction with clothes dryers (833), performing particularly well in the performance and warranty factors. LG followed Samsung in the rankings with a score of 829.

The study finds that while effective cleaning or drying performance is the most important driver of overall satisfaction, energy efficiency is also critical to the majority of consumers. The percentage of consumers who purchased high-efficiency washing machines—which use less water, energy and detergent than traditional washers—has increased to 60 percent in 2008, compared with 53 percent in 2007. In addition, approximately two-thirds of respondents report that their new laundry appliance is Energy StarTM certified.

The study includes the following key findings:
Laundry appliance owners cite capacity and price as the two most important considerations in selecting a washer or dryer.
Owners report experiencing very few problems with their laundry appliances. Approximately 9 percent of washing machine owners and 6 percent of dryer owners say they experienced a problem.
One in four laundry appliance owners (26% for washers and 23% for dryers) say they purchased an extended warranty or supplemental service agreement.

The 2008 Laundry Appliances Study is based on responses from more than 3,300 consumers who purchased clothes washers and more than 3,600 consumers who purchased a clothes dryers from a retail store this year.

To see the full report go to http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressreleas e.aspx?ID=2008132