Washer Tips:
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Locate the washing machine close to the hot water tank, if possible, to reduce the heat loss in long pipe runs. Insulate exposed pipes. - Keep your hot-water heater thermostat setting at 120°F. Each 10°F reduction in water temperature will cut the cost of washing clothes by up to 13 percent.
- You can save considerable amounts of energy in the laundry through conservation of hot water and by using your automatic washers and dryers less often and more efficiently.
- Wash most clothes in warm or cold water, using cold-water detergents whenever possible; rinse in cold. You'll save energy and money. Use hot water only if absolutely necessary. Switching the washer temperature setting from hot to warm could reduce a load's energy in half.
- Fill washers (unless they have a small-load attachment or variable water levels), but do not overload them. In general, washing one large load is more efficient than washing two small loads.
- Don't use too much detergent. Follow the instructions on the box. Over-sudsing makes your machine work harder and use more energy.
- Do not over-wash clothes. Delicate clothes don't need as long a wash cycle as dirty work clothes.
- Presoak or use a soak cycle when washing heavily soiled garments. You'll avoid two washings and save energy.
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