Low-Energy Laundry Rooms

More Work, Less Energy

Your dirty-clothes pile may seem to take on a life of its own, but your energy bills don’t have to grow along with it. Use the following steps, and you’ll be spending less time using your washer and dryer.

Think Before You Dry

Wash and dry clothing on low-heat settings when it’s practical. In nice weather, take a cue from your grandmother and use a clothesline.

Pictured here:
Sunline Parallel Aluminum Clothes Dryer
$69.99
Available at HardwareStore.com

Fill 'Em Up

Fill washers and dryers to capacity, but don’t go overboard and overload. Laundering larger loads is more cost-efficient than smaller, more frequent loads.

Take Clothes for a Spin

Set your washer to a rapid spin cycle. This reduces drying time by wringing excess water from your clothing.

Fast Fact: Washers
Most washing machines expend 90% of their energy on hot-water cycles. Washing clothes in cold water can shave more than $60 per year from your power bill. But use a cold-water detergent if you’re concerned about cleansing effectiveness without hot water.

Pictured here:
Tide Coldwater Detergent
Details available at Tide.com

Beware of Blockage

Keep dryer lint filters clean, and check exhaust vents to make sure they’re free of blockages.

Courtesy of Alabama Power