How to Save Energy in the Laundry Room

It takes a lot of energy to run your washer and dryer--bad news for your utility bill and for the environment. Here are simple ways to cut back on the energy that's used in your laundry room.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drying rack or clothes line

1. Only wash full loads. Washing a couple of small loads of laundry requires more water and electricity than running one full load.

2. Choose the shortest wash cycle that will get the job done. Longer wash cycles require more energy, and the extra wash time usually isn't necessary--unless you're washing very dirty clothes.

3. Choose the shortest drying time required. Overdrying wastes energy and shortens the life of your clothing, so you should only run the dryer long enough to dry your clothes--and no longer. Many dryers include a moisture-sensing feature that automatically cuts off the dryer when it senses that your clothes are dry--a great feature to use if you've got it.

4. Fold clothes as soon as the dryer stops. Clothes that are left to wrinkle will either have to be ironed or touched up in the dryer, meaning more energy use.

5. Air or line dry your clothing, and skip the dryer all together.

6. Clean your dryer lint trap after each use. This will ensure that your clothes dry as quickly as possible.

7. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. If you're using a top-loading washer, use it until it dies. Then, upgrade to a more energy-efficient front loader.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult the owner's manual for your washer and dryer for unit-specific tips on how to maximize efficiency.
• While full loads are a good idea, it is not a good idea to overload your machine. This can warp the drum, and greatly reduce the lifespan of your washer.