When It Comes to Your Home’s Energy Efficiency, the Buck Stops in the Laundry Room
When It Comes to Your Home’s Energy Efficiency, the Buck Stops in the Laundry Room
An enormous amount of energy is required to keep your clothes clean and smelling fresh. The average American family does eight to 10 loads of laundry each week—a significant drain on water, heat, and financial resources, not to mention the environmental impact of detergents, softeners, and dryer sheets. Fortunately, simple tweaks to your laundry routine can boost energy efficiency, save money, and even reduce time spent on chores. These 11 tips will help you get started.
1. Pinpoint Your Golden Hour of Washing
Utility companies often charge higher rates during peak hours, typically between 4 and 7 p.m.. Avoid running laundry during this window to lower costs.
2. Wash Full Loads in Cold Water
Maximize efficiency by waiting for full loads (without overfilling). Cold water cycles use far less energy than heated ones, reducing both utility bills and water consumption.
3. Switch Loads While the Dryer Is Still Warm
When drying multiple loads, reload the machine before it cools. This minimizes energy needed to reheat the dryer.
4. Toss Reusable Dryer Balls Into Each Drying Cycle
These noisy helpers separate clothes, speeding up drying times. Ideal for small or medium loads with enough space for circulation.
5. Clean Lint Filters After Every Load
Dirty filters reduce dryer efficiency and pose a fire risk. Clean them before or after each cycle. Pro tip: Clean vent pipes and dryer hoses every 3–6 months.
6. Use the Fastest Spin Cycle Whenever Possible
High-speed spins remove more moisture, shortening drying time. This saves energy and extends clothing lifespan. Reserve ultra-fast spins for heavy fabrics like towels and denim.
7. Split Up Fast- and Slow-Drying Clothes
Separate heavy fabrics (jeans, bedding) from delicate items. Mixed loads force machines to work harder, wasting energy and risking uneven drying.
8. Use Drying Racks and Clotheslines
Air-drying cuts energy use, eliminates dryer sheets, and freshens fabrics. Opt for a retractable clothesline if aesthetics or HOA rules are a concern.
9. Check for the Energy Star® Label
Energy Star®-certified washers use 25% less energy and 33% less water, saving up to $370 over their lifetime.
10. Buy a Front-Loading Machine
Front-loaders consume two-thirds less water than top-loading models—ideal for large households.
11. Resist Opening the Dryer Door
Peeking mid-cycle releases heat, forcing the dryer to reheat. Wait for the buzzer to maximize efficiency.
