How to Make a Dishwasher Energy Efficient

Save money and energy by utilizing your dishwasher in the most efficient manner possible. Save money on water and heating bills by allowing a dishwasher to do its job. Scrape large food particles from your dishes and let the dishwasher do the rest. Conserve energy by following these tips to make your dishwasher energy efficient.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Install an ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher. Use less energy by upgrading dishwashers manufactured before 1994.

2. Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Use the air-dry option to make your dishwasher more energy efficient. Open the door of the dishwasher to air dry your dishes if your machine does not have an air-dry feature.

3. Skip pre rinsing or using "rinse hold" features on your dishwasher. Most modern dishwashers clean dishes without utilizing this feature which uses three to seven gallons of hot water.

4. Determine if your dishwasher has a booster heater. Reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees if a booster heater is present to increase energy efficiency. Heating water for each cleaning cycle is where dishwashers use the most energy.

5. Review the dishwasher's instruction manual for optimum loading instructions. Fill your dishwasher according to manufactures' suggestions to allow for proper water circulation. Clean your dishes right the first time and prevent the need to rerun a load.

Resources

• Learn more about ENERGY STAR appliances on the Energy Star website.
• Visit the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy website for more information on this topic.
• Energy saving tips are available on care2's website.

[mrbios]

on 8/17/2007 My low end whirlpool does a very poor job cleaning especially if the dishes arn't washed right away. The power consumption is amazing 1100Watts! and 700 during the heated dry cycle. Turning off the heated dry cycle means wet dishes even after days. The majority of the power is used just to run the small electric motor.

The best way to save power is to leave the heat dry on which kill germs and shorten the main cycle by several clicks (shortening the clean time by 10 minutes or so)