I've had the machine less than a week, and I have no answers. Why not call Maytyag's 800-number and ask them? If anyone can give you the straight scoop about your questions, it should be them...... Meanwhile, the couple of loads we've done have seemed slower but remarkably quiet than the 40+ year old washer it replaces; it also seems to use an incredibly small amount of water compared to the old one. After you see how well this thing works, your questions might just go away!