The estimated energy use of an automatic dishwasher ranges from 20 to 30 kilowatt-hours per month, excluding hot water use. This energy use is based on washing one load of dishes per day. The lower figure applies if the air-dry cycle is selected or the dishwasher is stopped at the end of the final rinse and the dishes are allowed to air dry.
The dishwasher uses about 9 to 16 gallons of hot water per cycle. The lower figure applies if the short wash cycle is selected.
About 80% of the energy needed to operate a dishwasher is used to heat the water. Therefore, the most efficient dishwashers are those that use the least hot water.
Following are tips for using your dishwasher:
- Scrape off, don't rinse, large food pieces. Prerinsing is generally only recommended in cases of burned-on or dried-on food. If you must prerinse, use cold water.
- Be sure your dishwasher is full, but not overloaded, when you run it.
- Select an energy-saving wash cycle whenever possible, such as the "light wash," "econo," or "short" cycle, to save energy.
- Let your dishes air dry. If you don't have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse and prop the door open a little so the dishes will dry faster.
- When shopping for a new dishwasher, look for the ENERGY STAR® label to find a dishwasher that uses less water and 25% less energy than required by federal standards.
