How to Save Energy While Doing Laundry

Doing multiple loads of laundry each week is sure to impact your energy bills. While washing clothes is necessary for your family, how you go about completing this chore will influence how much you owe when the bill arrives. If you are looking to save energy in the laundry room, review the tips outlined below to see how you can make improvements in your household:

1. Use Cold Water for Wash Cycles

Many homeowners leave the washing machine dial set to “warm,” which requires your water heater to work overtime when multiple loads are in line for washing.

Try picking up high-efficiency detergents optimized for “cool” or “cold” wash cycles. Your clothes come out just as clean without the extra costs.

2. Only Wash Full Loads

Washing machines have large loading compartments for a reason. Gather articles of clothing from all family members and wash similar colors together to make a full load. Your appliances use roughly the same amount of electricity no matter the size of the load, so make each wash worthwhile.

3. Hang Clothes to Dry

If you are not in a rush, consider hanging up t-shirts, pants, socks, and other items to dry. Cutting out the use of the dryer means you’re saving energy. Hangers and clothespins are available at local department stores and last for years.

4. Utilize the Extra Spin Function on the Washing Machine

Select washing machines give you the option to add an additional spin cycle. Using this option squeezes extra water out of clothing for faster drying times.

5. Load the Dryer Appropriately

If you have to use the dryer, make sure there is room for air to circulate. For instance, separating towels from socks and undergarments allows items to dry more thoroughly.

6. Purchase Reusable Dryer Balls

Reusable dryer balls also help separate clothing inside the dryer, creating open spaces where heat can enter and improving your dryer’s efficiency. Better air circulation translates to dry clothes in a single run.

7. Change Out Dryer Loads While the Machine Is Warm

Stay on top of wash and dry cycles to take advantage of heat trapped in the loading compartment. Your dryer will end up working less to keep clothes at the set temperature.

8. Clean the Dryer’s Lint Screen and Air Duct

Performing these tasks is crucial for dryer efficiency and your family’s safety. Scrub dryer lint screens with a soft toothbrush to pull away films and buildup. You can also reduce energy costs by clearing air ducts to prevent overheating.

9. Clean Moisture Sensors Inside the Dryer

Choosing to use automatic dryer settings ends the drying cycle once enough moisture is removed from the load. In most cases, this setting saves energy as opposed to setting a timer. Wipe moisture sensors inside the loader using a damp cloth to clear away lint and films so the technology functions as intended.

10. Purchase a High-Efficiency Washer and Dryer

Full-size ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines run on just 14 gallons of water. Compare that with older washers that called for up to 40 gallons per load.

ENERGY STAR dryers are often equipped with moisture sensors and air-dry settings to cut back on energy usage by up to 20%.

Your Source for Residential Energy Services

Changing up your laundry routine isn’t the only way to make your house more efficient. Shipley Energy specializes in energy solutions for the home. If you live in select parts of Pennsylvania or Maryland, we’ll help you choose and install heat pumps, water heaters, boilers, and more for your family’s needs. Complete a contact form online to request any of our services today!

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