With eco-efficiency and smart design in mind, the new Whirlpool brand Duet® washer and dryer pair gives wasted energy, water, time and money the one-two punch. The new Eco Normal cycle on the Duet Resource Saver™ dryer offers a precise set of heat and moisture detection sensors, which improve dryer energy usage by 40 percent when used together - saving $837 in energy and water savings over the first five years of use(1).

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In a recent Whirlpool Corporation survey, consumers said the dryer was the appliance that used the most energy on day-to-day basis, second only to the refrigerator; unlike washers, there are no energy usage guidelines for dryers, contributing to this perception. Whirlpool brand developed smart dryer technology to more effectively detect moisture in clothes, avoiding over-drying and wasted time and energy.

"According to other Whirlpool research, the number one unmet consumer concern in the laundry room is the sour smell in damp clothing that sat too long," said Monica Teague, senior manager of public relations, Whirlpool brand. "Knowing this, Whirlpool brand developed the TumbleFresh feature which brings the Wrinkle Shield™ tumbling concept out of the dryer and into the washer. Coupled with industry-leading energy and water efficiency, the new Duet pair makes sense for today's consumer who is looking to get more done without sacrificing eco-efficiency."

For up to six hours after the wash cycle ends, the industry first TumbleFresh feature on the new Duet washer tumbles clean clothes periodically. In doing so, clothes are loosened and freshened to reduce the potential for odor and wrinkles to set-in, as compared to clothes left stagnant for the same period of time. The washer also features a NightQuiet™ mode which even further reduces machine related sound when quiet is absolutely necessary - like during children's naptime.

Together, the new Duet washer and dryer are the brand's most eco-friendly pair to-date. The new Duet washer uses 74 percent less water and 80 percent less energy than a traditional top load washer. With spin speeds of up to 1,300 RPM (revolutions per minute) in the washer and smart moisture sensors in the dryer, consumers can wash and dry a load from start to finish in just over 30 minutes(2), getting more done in less time.

  For more information, please visit www.whirlpool.com.

  Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive via its QuickQuery(SM) online omnibus service on behalf of Whirlpool Corporation between December 29 and 31, 2008, among 2,042 U.S. adults aged 18 years and older. Results were weighted as needed for region, age within gender, education, household income and race/ethnicity. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. Therefore, Harris Interactive avoids the words "margin of error" as they are misleading. All that can be calculated are different possible sampling errors with different probabilities for pure, unweighted, random samples with 100% response rates. These are only theoretical because no published polls come close to this ideal.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Interactive surveys. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the U.S. adult population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to be invited to participate in the Harris Interactive online research panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About Whirlpool Brand Laundry

With annual sales of approximately $19 billion and 70,000 employees, Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Recognizing the average American family does about seven loads of laundry each week, Whirlpool brand is committed to providing forward-thinking laundry appliances that match the lifestyles of all consumers. Brought to United States in 2001, the innovative Duet® Fabric Care system continues to be America's best-selling front load laundry pair, washing 16 pairs of jeans in a single load(3) while using half the water and energy of traditional top-loaders. Further continuing its commitment to innovation, the brand introduced the Duet® steam dryer which relaxes wrinkles and removes odors from fabrics in just minutes. No other laundry brand has fewer repairs, according to a leading consumer magazine; and no other brand sells more laundry products worldwide. For additional information regarding Whirlpool brand laundry please visit http://www.whirlpool.com/. Information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is a global leader in custom market research. With a long and rich history in multimodal research that is powered by our science and technology, we assist clients in achieving business results. Harris Interactive serves clients globally through our North American, European and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

(1) Compared to traditional top-load washer and dryer pairs.

(2) Based on average time of 32 minutes, Quick Wash/Quick Dry cycles, small load of lightweight fabrics.

(3) Various sizes

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: angela_m_hersil@whirlpool.com

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SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation