With energy costs unlikely to drop dramatically anytime soon, saving money on your electric bill demands a proactive approach. Likely the obvious things come to mind — insulating, turning off lights when you leave a space, turning down your thermostat in the winter and raising it from the summertime. Among the biggest energy drains is the laundry room. Simply changing the way you do your laundry and keeping your equipment in good repair will save you considerably. Even if you use a gas water heater or gas drier, you will notice the difference in your electric and gas utility bills.
Monitor Your Water
Somewhere around 90 percent of their energy utilized just to clean a load of laundry goes to heat the water, so simply turn down your electrical water heater’s temperature or, even better, use cold water to get all. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, cold-water washes may conserve enough energy to power the average home for up to fourteen days. Additionally, run only full loads to your greatest electrical savings, even if you’ve got a gas water heater. It takes as much power to run the washer full because it does mostly empty. If you must run a partial load, then adjust the load-size index.
Adjust Your Settings
If your washer has energy-saving features such as presoak and “suds saver,” use them. Presoaking heavily soiled loads — even if you use warm water to get the soak — not just aids the clothes get cleaner, it saves on energy-consuming repeat washes. The suds saver option allows you to reuse wash water from lightly soiled loads. Only use it if you intend to clean the next load instantly. If your dryer has an “Auto Dry” setting, it saves you more than just energy. Over-drying your clothes also wears out your clothes quicker than drying just until no more damp. Additionally, taking out your clothes when slightly damp and hanging them up instantly may eliminate the need to iron your clothes, conserving power.
Change Your Habits
Don’t overload your washer or drier — but don’t underload this, either. Aim to fill both appliances fully to avoid costly moment loads. Use the appropriate amount of detergent, advises the California Energy Commission. Too many suds causes your drier to work harder, using more power. In the drier, sort your clothing by fabric or weight. For example, mixing laundry such as heavy sweaters, jeans or towels with mild T-shirts and underwear makes the appliance run more than needed to ensure everything is dry. Time your wash to run back-to-back dryer Plenty to make the most of already hot dryers. To shorten drying time even more, throw in a clean, dry, sorbent towel to absorb excess moisture. Dryer balls or even tennis balls help air circulate better, resulting in less dry time as well.
Maintentance Saves Energy
Clean the dryer’s lint trap after every load. Additionally, clean the exterior exhaust vent periodically — maybe from the spring and fall — to get best results. Clogged filters and vents limit heat, ultimately lowering your dryer’s performance. Fit your exterior vent using a flapper to prevent cold air from entering your property, increasing your heating and electrical costs. At times, even seemingly unrelated measures impact your laundry’s electrical consumption.
Concentrate on the Gear
There’s no arguing the energy-efficient drier is the wind and sunlight outdoors. Likewise, washing your clothes by hand saves the most money, if not elbow grease. Doing away with your washer and drier is perhaps impractical. But when it is time to upgrade, choosing the right appliance can save you considerably. Compare models and look closely at the Energy Star specifications. Energy Star-rated washers and dryers will use up to half as much energy and water than older versions. Also, look at a front-loading washer. Front loaders use significantly less water than top-loading washers.