Laundry Room Savings
March 12, 2024
Doing laundry can feel like a never-ending cycle. However, you can at least save energy and money while doing it.
Here are five ways you can clean up on energy savings while doing laundry:
- Wash with colder water:
According to ENERGY STAR, 90 percent of a clothes washer’s energy use comes from water heating. Washing in cold water is generally as effective unless you are dealing with oily stains. Even lowering the temperature from hot to warm can reduce energy use by nearly 50 percent.
- Maximize Clothes Washer Load Sizes:
Clothes washers use nearly the same amount of energy regardless of the number of items being washed. Using full loads not only saves energy but also reduces the number of laundry cycles you have to complete.
- Clean the lint filter after every use:
Make cleaning out the lint filter part of your post-dryer routine after every load. Not only will this improve air circulation and keep your dryer operating as expected, but it’s also an important fire safety step.
- Use lower heat settings in the dryer.
While it may seem counterintuitive, using lower heat settings in your dryer can save energy, even if it makes your drying cycle longer. It can also protect your clothes from over-drying.
- Choose ENERGY STAR-certified equipment.
When it's time to upgrade your appliances, pick ENERGY STAR-certified models. ENERGY STAR-certified clothes washers use 20% less energy and 30% less water than standard models. Meanwhile, ENERGY STAR-certified clothes dryers use 20% less energy. Efficiency Smart also offers $50 rebates on both items, helping you save even more