What To Look For in a New Washer and Dryer
It is important to compare the energy efficiency ratings of different washers before purchasing a new one. Front-loading units are better than top loading because they use less water (especially hot water) and spin more effectively. This means your clothes will be drier when you put them in your dryer and they will take less energy to completely dry.
Front loading washers don’t use a central agitator (the round thing with fins on it in the center of the tub in most top loading washers) but rather tumble your clothes through a reduced stream of water to clean them. This saves you having to fill the tub of your washer with warm water every time. The savings can be significant - up to 40 percent more energy efficient than a traditional tub washer.
Dryers vary little on energy usage, although some use natural gas rather than electricity. Electric dryers are much better because the energy they use to operate is much cheaper. Get one with a moisture sensor that shuts down the unit when your clothes are dry. Alternatively, air dry your clothes whenever possible and save yourself the energy usage of a dryer completely. Dry your clothes outside, however, to avoid raising the humidity level in your home, which increases your air conditioner’s energy usage.
Energy Efficiency Tips For Your Existing Washer and Dryer
- Use cold water or warm water cycles in your washer. Hot water does not get your clothes cleaner and uses an unnecessary amount of energy. Use a cold water detergent and keep your washer on the cold cycle whenever possible.
- Only wash full loads, but don’t over stuff your washer. Putting in too much laundry wears out your washer faster, but doing tiny loads reduces energy efficiency. If you must do a small load, adjust the load size knob on your washer.
- Try to do laundry on weekends or later at night when the overall electricity grid use is lower, as some utility companies charge lower rates during off-peak hours.
- Use the moisture sensor in your dryer, if it has one. This sensor turns off your dryer when the clothes are dry, helping you to conserve energy.
- Clean the lint filter after every load to make your dryer operate more efficiently and check the vent for blockages.
- Separate heavy cottons like towels and dry them separately from lighter items like T-shirts.
- Don’t use your dryer at all - hang dry your clothes outside if possible. This is the most energy efficient option around.
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