What Does Half Load Mean On A Washing Machine?

If your washing machine has a half load option it allows you to wash small wash loads, save money, save resources and lengthen the life of your washing machine. If your machine has a half load option and you’ve never used it because you’re not sure what it’s for, keep reading.

In this article we look at the half load function; What it means, what it’s for and when to use it.

What Is Half Load On A Washing Machine?

The half load function on a washing machine allows you to wash smaller loads and reduce the amount of water and electricity your machine uses. 

By selecting the half load feature on your machine you are effectively notifying the machine that you’re only going to be washing a small amount of laundry.

This lets the machine know that it won’t need to use as much power and water as it would for a full load. 

Back in the days before the half load function was added to washing machines, you’d either have to wait until you had a full load, or waste electricity, water and money washing a few bits and pieces on a full wash cycle.

What Is The Half Load Function For?

The half load function allows you to wash smaller loads without wasting electricity, water and money. It also helps to maintain the smooth operation of your washing machine which keeps it running longer with less breakdowns. 

This saves you having to wait for enough washing to do a full load.

How Does The Half Load Function Work?

When you select the half load option on your machine, it automatically knows to use less water and less electricity. It has been estimated that using the half load function saves electricity and water by around 30%.

The machine also uses less power which means the machine is likely to last longer too. As it is less likely to wear out so fast if it’s being used sparingly.

Why Do Some Modern Machines Not Have A Half Load Option?

As modern washing machines work using software programmes and sensors, many no longer include the half load option. This is because the software is capable of detecting the weight of the laundry loaded into the drum.

It can also tell just how dirty the clothes actually are, whether the load in the drum is balanced and how much water is needed. There are even sensors that can detect how much detergent is left in the water as the clothes rinse.

This allows the machine to control exactly how much water is needed and when the laundry has been rinsed sufficiently. They do this by using what is known as “fuzzy logic”.

What Is Fuzzy Logic?

More and more washing machines are using fuzzy logic because it improves the performance of the machine and saves resources like water and electricity which in turn, save you money.

In general terms, fuzzy logic works by finding solutions using multiple reasoning of the same variable. It’s a sort of “if that then this” type of logic which has been adapted for washing machines using certain preset criteria.

Fuzzy logic controls all of the washing functions performed by your machine. From how much water the load needs, how hot that water needs to be, how long the wash cycle needs to be, how long and how much water is needed to rinse that particular wash load and the optimum spin speed needed to remove the water at the end of the cycle.

It can also detect the weight of the load which means the machine will automatically run a half load wash. Or it can tell you if the appliance is overloaded.

Fuzzy logic can detect how soiled your laundry is, rebalance the load if it is unbalanced and even detect the type of fabric in the wash and adjust the cycle accordingly.

It can also offer advice on the amount of detergent needed for each load. In some cases the machine will remember past wash programmes selected and adjust them to keep running costs down.

Why Do Some Modern Machines Still Have The Half Load Option?

Even with all of the technical advances associated with modern washing machines, some still include the half load function. There are a few reasons for this which include;

• Customer Preference
  Many people prefer to have the option of the half load function because they either don’t trust modern technology or they don’t know about the sensors and fuzzy logic technology.
• The Possibility Of Technological Failure
  As with any thing that’s programmable, there’s always the option for that programme failing for whatever reason. By physically selecting the half load function, you can be sure that it will be applied by your washing machine.

Should You Use The Half Load Function On Your Washing Machine?

If your washing machine has the option for half load, and you have a few bits and pieces that need washing but not enough for a full load, you should use the half load function. Using the half load function will result in lower water usage, lower electricity usage and keep your machine running properly for longer.

If your washing machine is one of the more up to date models that doesn’t have the half load function, it probably uses fuzzy logic to adjust automatically.

SEE ALSO: What Is KG Mode On Washing Machines?

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