Saving energy on laundry day not only helps the planet, it can reduce your utility bill. Often for new home-buyers, the most energy efficient thing you can do is purchase a washer and dryer that is engineered to reduce energy consumption.
What to Look for in an Energy Saving Laundry Appliance
The best way to find an energy-efficient washer and dryer is to look for laundry appliances that have the Energy Star symbol. Energy Star is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to promote energy efficiency. Clothes washers and dryers boasting the Energy Star symbol cut energy consumption by 25% and water consumption by 33%. This reduction of energy use is beneficial because it has the potential to help the environment as well as save you time and money.
Energy Saving Tips
If you’re not in the market for new laundry appliances, don’t worry. There are still plenty of things you can do to reduce your energy use while getting your laundry done. No matter which type of laundry appliance you have, here are some laundry best practices to help you save energy on laundry day:
- Dry bulkier cottons like towels and blankets in a separate load
This helps items dry faster, using less energy. - Use the cool-down cycle
This allows your clothes to finish drying with the heat remaining in the dryer. - If you have a front-loading washing machine, always use HE (High Efficiency) detergent
Front-loading machines require HE detergent because other detergents create more suds. More suds will affect your machine’s performance and could eventually cause damage - Wash and dry full loads
Run full loads when you can because whether you’re running a light load or a full one, you’re using the same amount of energy. - Wash in cold water
Save the energy it takes to heat the water for your cycle by washing in cold water as often as possible. - Use a drying rack or hang clothes outside to dry
Skip the dryer altogether and air dry as often as you can. This will also help your clothing last longer. - Choose high spin or extended spin
High or extended spin features reduce the amount of remaining moisture in your clothes after washing. The less moisture there is in your clothes after washing, the less time and energy they will need in the dryer. - Leave washing machine door open
Saving energy includes properly cleaning and maintaining your appliances so they perform at their best. Leaving your washing machine door open prevents mold and mildew from building up in the drum. - Clean your washing machine
Saving energy includes properly cleaning and maintaining your appliances so they perform at their best. Follow your owner’s manual to keep your machines working for years to come. - Use the low heat setting
Use less energy with longer drying cycles on a lower heat setting. - Clean the lint screen after Every. Single. Load. (This is a safety issue as well)
Clogged lint screens can lead to fires. Cleaning the filter after each load improves air circulation and increases the efficiency of your dryer. - If you use dryer sheets scrub the lint filter regularly to prevent buildup
Dryer sheets can cause a film to form on your dryer filter which will reduce air-flow. Scrub with a toothbrush to remove this film.
That seems like a long list, but making these little tips consistent habits in your laundry routine will save you money for years to come.