Summertime can do a number on your energy bill. The kids are home for summer, cooling is at an all-time high, and you’re looking for ways to cut your energy bill in half. Learn how to turn laundry day into pocket savings with this guide.
1. Air dry whenever possible.
It’s summertime, so chances are the sun is shining. Take advantage of that natural (and free!) drying power. You can hang your clothes on a line or drying rack outside after taking them out of the wash. As an added bonus, some would even argue that sun-dried clothes smell better.
2. Perform regular maintenance.
If you prefer using the dryer to the sun’s energy, make sure to clean the lint filter after every load. This helps your dryer run more efficiently. As for your washer, be sure to check the drain hose if you notice any water still in the washing drum after you finish a cycle. When the spin cycle on your washer isn’t able to remove a good amount of moisture from your clothes, that means your dryer has to work even harder, using more electricity.
3. Run full loads in the washing machine.
Another simple trick: run larger loads. If you only have a handful of whites that need washing, why not wait until you have a few more items to throw in with them? Your washer uses about the same amount of energy no matter the size of the load. You might as well fill it up.
4. Don’t overfill the dryer.
In contrast to the washing machine, your dryer’s efficiency does depend on the amount of clothes in every cycle. If you put too many clothes in, it will take longer for the clothes to dry. You might even have to run the dryer twice just to ensure all the moisture is gone. To save on energy costs, avoid overloading your dryer whenever possible.
5. Wash your clothes on cold.
Choosing to wash your clothes on warm instead of with hot water can help to reduce energy usage. And to get even more savings, opt for the cold setting. If you think your clothes might not get clean enough in a cold cycle—not to worry! There are cold water detergents specially formulated to ensure your clothes come out the wash stink- and stain-free.
6. Do your laundry outside of peak hours.
When is the best time of day to wash clothes to save energy? Try washing your clothes either in the early morning or at night. Demand for electricity goes up during the daytime in summer months, as you and all your neighbors are cranking up the A/C. Peak hours in the summer are usually from 10 in the morning to 8 at night. To save big on your next energy bill, the best time of day to do laundry is outside of those peak hours.
7. Opt for more energy-efficient machines.
Finally, it might be time to think about replacing your washer and dryer. Not only do newer models have some amazing features that’ll change your laundry life, they’re also more efficient. When shopping for a new washer and dryer, look for those that are Energy Star certified. Certified washers can use about 25% less energy than traditional models, while certified dryers can use about 20% less energy. New machines and energy savings, total win-win!
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