• by Sarah Mahoney , October 14, 2010

With new energy and water efficiency requirements looming, Whirlpool is introducing what it calls the "industry's most resource-efficient laundry pair," a front-loading washer and dryer.

Called the Duet, the machines exceed the current government requirements by 160%, on average. The washer can use as few as 11.5 gallons of water per load. It includes an "EcoBoost" option, which reduces the water temperature and increases agitation duration, delivering the same results while using less water and energy.

Over the appliance's lifetime, the Benton Harbor, Mich.-based company claims, it saves $3,300 in energy costs and an average of 12,857 gallons of water annually per household.

Equipped with what the company calls its 6th Sense technology, the laundry apps include tools like Stain Assist and Hints & Tips; its liquid detergent reservoir can hold up to 36 loads in one fill.

At $1,099, the premium product faces a tough road, however. Appliance sales, in general, are tied to the housing market, which continues to be soft. And sales of laundry appliances are down about 7% in the most recent sales period tracked by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

In August, Americans bought 1.05 million washers and dryers, compared to 1.13 million in the same period a year ago.

A Whirlpool spokesperson declined to comment on how the Duet will be marketed.