6 Ways to Save Energy in the Laundry Room This Summer
Use these cleaning and maintenance tips to help you save money and energy while doing the wash
Summer is in full swing. This might mean fun in the sun and vacation, but it can also mean a skyrocketing energy bill. Fortunately, there are ways to save on energy costs to keep the bills from piling up and putting a damper on summer fun. Here are six ways to be more energy-efficient in the laundry room and keep some money in your pocket this summer.
2. Wait until you have a full load of laundry. Don’t get carried away doing multiple loads of laundry when they could easily be combined into one. It’s OK to let dirty clothes pile up until you can wash at least one full load. This will eliminate the energy waste that occurs when you do multiple small loads.
In addition, if you have enough clothes to do two full loads of laundry, you can take advantage of a dryer that is already hot from drying the first load. The dryer uses energy to heat up, so if you can throw a second load of laundry into the dryer immediately after the first load is done drying, you can save some energy and money.
In addition, if you have enough clothes to do two full loads of laundry, you can take advantage of a dryer that is already hot from drying the first load. The dryer uses energy to heat up, so if you can throw a second load of laundry into the dryer immediately after the first load is done drying, you can save some energy and money.
3. Clean the lint trap. After every drying cycle, clean off the lint screen. This will help the dryer get adequate airflow and prevent excess lint buildup in the vent.
If dryer sheets are used regularly, the lint screen should be cleaned occasionally with warm, soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to remove any dryer sheet residue.
If dryer sheets are used regularly, the lint screen should be cleaned occasionally with warm, soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to remove any dryer sheet residue.
4. Have your dryer vent serviced. A clothes dryer needs adequate airflow through the vent to properly dry clothes. When a vent is clogged, the dryer has to work harder to remove damp air, thus wasting more energy. During our company’s 13 years of dryer vent inspection, this continues to be the most common reason that people have high energy costs associated with their dryer or think their dryer is not doing its job.
People who have their dryer vent serviced save an average of $18 to $24 per month in energy costs. Depending on the length of the dryer vent line and the debris creating the clog, homeowners may not have the proper tools to clean the line properly. It can be dangerous for homeowners to attempt this on their own, especially if rodents are present, as their droppings can harbor deadly viruses.
The cost of having a professional clean the dryer vent varies depending on the length of the line and your location.
People who have their dryer vent serviced save an average of $18 to $24 per month in energy costs. Depending on the length of the dryer vent line and the debris creating the clog, homeowners may not have the proper tools to clean the line properly. It can be dangerous for homeowners to attempt this on their own, especially if rodents are present, as their droppings can harbor deadly viruses.
The cost of having a professional clean the dryer vent varies depending on the length of the line and your location.
5. Install code-compliant venting materials. Plastic or foil accordion-style vents trap lint in their rough interiors. Lint can easily build up in the grooves and result in a clogged vent. These types of vents also can easily be crushed, resulting in restricted airflow and causing the dryer to work inefficiently, waste energy and create a fire hazard.
Instead, use rigid metal venting with a smooth interior that does not have grooves to trap lint. It is also sturdier and less likely to crumple. Therefore, airflow is maintained, which is safer and more efficient. If vents are not cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, lint buildup and inefficiencies can still occur. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning dryer vents annually. Homeowners should check their appliance documentation to see their specific recommendation.
Foil or plastic should never be used for venting as they are not code-compliant and could pose a fire hazard. Rigid metal venting complies with federal building codes and, regardless of cost, should always be used for dryer vents. The cost for rigid metal venting varies depending on the length of the vent line.
Instead, use rigid metal venting with a smooth interior that does not have grooves to trap lint. It is also sturdier and less likely to crumple. Therefore, airflow is maintained, which is safer and more efficient. If vents are not cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, lint buildup and inefficiencies can still occur. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning dryer vents annually. Homeowners should check their appliance documentation to see their specific recommendation.
Foil or plastic should never be used for venting as they are not code-compliant and could pose a fire hazard. Rigid metal venting complies with federal building codes and, regardless of cost, should always be used for dryer vents. The cost for rigid metal venting varies depending on the length of the vent line.
6. Hang your clothes to dry when possible. It’s summertime — why not take advantage of the nice, warm weather by drying your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack? Although this option may not always be possible, this is the most energy-efficient way to dry laundry.
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