Energy-Saving Tips for Your Laundry Routine

Laundry is a weekly chore that can significantly impact your utility bills. The good news is that small changes in how you do laundry can lead to substantial savings over time. Here are our top tips for making your laundry routine more efficient.

1. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used by your washing machine. Modern detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water, so you can skip the hot wash for most loads.

Cold water is actually better for many types of clothing, helping colors last longer and preventing shrinkage. Use hot water only for heavily soiled items, bedding, or to kill bacteria.

2. Full Loads Only

Running your washer or dryer with a small load wastes energy and water. Wait until you have a full load before starting a cycle. However, don't overload the machine, as this can reduce cleaning effectiveness and cause excessive wear.

If you do need to run a smaller load, use the appropriate load size setting on your machine to adjust water levels.

3. Skip the Dryer When You Can

Air-drying clothes is the most energy-efficient option. During warmer months, use a clothesline or drying rack outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. In winter, clothes can dry indoors on a rack near a radiator.

If you do use the dryer, clean the lint filter after every load. A clogged lint filter reduces efficiency and can even be a fire hazard.

4. Use High Spin Speeds

When using your washing machine, select the highest spin speed appropriate for your fabrics. The more water removed during the spin cycle, the less work your dryer has to do.

This simple step can reduce drying time by up to 30%, saving both time and energy.

5. Clean Your Dryer Vent

A clogged dryer vent forces your dryer to work harder and use more energy. It can also be a fire hazard. Clean the vent at least once a year, more often if you notice longer drying times.

Signs of a clogged vent include clothes taking longer to dry, the dryer feeling hot to the touch, and musty odors in your laundry room.

6. Use the Right Detergent

Using too much detergent doesn't mean cleaner clothes—it means more rinses are needed to remove the excess, using more water and energy. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the detergent package.

Consider using high-efficiency (HE) detergent in HE machines. These detergents are specifically formulated to produce fewer suds and rinse more easily.

7. Schedule Smart

If your utility company offers time-of-use pricing, run your appliances during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This is typically during evenings and weekends.

Running your dryer after dinner instead of during the afternoon peak can lead to noticeable savings on your monthly bill.

8. Maintain Your Appliances

Well-maintained appliances run more efficiently. Schedule annual maintenance for your washer and dryer to ensure they're operating at peak performance.

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your appliances and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Start Today

You don't need to change everything at once. Start with one or two of these tips and build from there. Over time, these small changes add up to significant savings on your utility bills.

Need help maintaining your laundry equipment? Contact us to schedule a maintenance visit.