Ways to Make Your Dishwasher More Energy Efficient

Many people don’t know what they did before they got their dishwasher. Though some still find hand-washing their dishes to be somewhat meditative, others rejoice in the ease and speed of washing and drying loads of dishes by dishwasher. Like other appliances, the dishwasher can be used in ways that save energy and thus save you money on your energy and water bills.

Air Dry Your Dishes

Though you can dry your dishes in the dishwasher, it’s more energy efficient to let them dry by air if you don’t need to use them right away. You won’t need to take them out of the dishwasher. Just choose the air-dry setting.

Buy an Energy-efficient Dishwasher

If your old dishwasher is on its last legs and you’re in the market for a new one, buy one with an ENERGY STAR label. Appliances with this label use less energy than those without it.

Don’t Rinse

Pre-rinsing your dishes is also a waste of energy and water. Instead, simply scrape bits of leftover food into the garbage or your garbage disposal, put the dishes in the dishwasher, and turn it on.

Wash Full Loads Only

It may be tempting to turn on the dishwasher when there are only a few dishes inside of it, but you should ideally wait until the dishwasher is full. If you don’t like the idea of dirty dishes sitting there until the dishwasher is full, hit the rinse-and-hold feature.

Use the Dishwasher During Non-Peak Hours

Peak hours are those times when most people use their appliances, so utilities charge more. Many dishwashers have a timing feature that allows you to program them to run while you’re asleep or just before you get up in the morning when your utility company charges less.

Help Your HVAC System

Dishwashers give off heat as they work. Depending on the size of your home, this might be just enough to take some of the burden off of your HVAC system. Some experts recommend running the dishwasher at night during summer and in the morning during winter where its heat can make a difference.

Lower the Water Temperature

Though many dishwashers use water that’s about 140 degrees Fahrenheit, 120 degrees is best when it comes to saving energy. At this temperature, your dishes will still get clean without driving up your bills.

Contact Us to Learn More About Your Dishwasher

Since 1998 our licensed and knowledgeable plumbers have been serving residents and businesses throughout Santa Clara, from California’s Great America to Las Palmas Park and everywhere in between. We pride ourselves on our skills, courtesy, tidiness, and punctuality.

Along with helping customers repair and maintain dishwashers and other appliances, we are pleased to provide drain cleaning and repair, water heater service, gas line service, and faucet repair. Call Smart Plumbers & Rooters for all of your plumbing needs.

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