Did you know that for hot-water laundry loads the majority of the energy used to wash the clothes is used to heat the water?

And were you aware that a clothes dryer is one of the most expensive appliances in your home to operate?

A few simple steps for using your clothes washer and dryer wisely can help you reduce your monthly energy costs.

Washing tips:

• Wash your clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents unless your clothes have oily stains.
• Avoid using the sanitary cycle on your washer unless absolutely necessary. This super-hot cycle, available on some models, significantly increases energy use.
• Wash full loads to avoid wasting water. If you are washing smaller loads, adjust the water level setting accordingly.
• Make sure the washer wrings the water out of your clothes well to decrease their drying time. If possible, select the high spin speed or the extended spin option.

Drying tips:

• Dry towels and heavier clothes in a separate load from light-weight clothes.
• Don't over-dry your clothes. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it.
• Use the cool-down cycle to allow clothes to finish drying with the residual heat in the dryer.
• Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation. If you use fabric softener sheets, scrub the lint filter monthly to remove the film deposited by the sheets.
• Inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. The venting system and interior of the dryer should be cleaned periodically by qualified service personnel.
• Air-dry clothes on clothes lines or drying racks whenever possible.

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