|
home | bibliography | related
links
Energy Saving Dishwashers
About Dishwasher Efficiency:
Dishwashers operated at full capacity can
be an efficient alternative to hand washing. Around 80% of the energy used
by dishwashers goes towards heating the water.
Tips for Lowering Your
Dishwasher Energy Usage:
-
Always operate a dishwasher with a
full load and select an energy-saving cycle whenever possible. The
dishwasher uses the same amount of water whether it is half full or
completely full.
-
Don't pre-rinse dishes before putting
them in the dishwasher. Scrape-off food and empty liquids. Soaking or
prewashing is generally recommended in cases of burned-on or dried-on
food. If you must rinse dishes, use cold water.
-
Load dishes according to
manufacturers instructions and allow for proper water circulation.
-
Don't use the "rinse hold" on your
machine for just a few soiled dishes. It uses 3 to 7 gallons of hot
water each time you use it.
-
If your dishwasher has a booster
heater, turn down your water heater thermostat setting to 120°F.
-
Select the air-dry option, if your
machine has it. If not, stop the machine before the drying cycle begins
and open the doors to let dishes air-dry.
-
Help your dishwasher operate more
efficiently by checking drains and filters to make sure that they are
not clogged with food.
Tips for Buying
a New Dishwasher:
-
Look for ENERGY STAR models. ENERGY
STAR qualified dishwashers use 25% less energy than the federal minimum
standard for energy consumption. Because they use less hot water
compared to conventional models, an ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher
saves about $100 over its lifetime.
-
There are two dishwasher
classifications: compact capacity and standard capacity. Compact models
use less energy, but they hold fewer dishes. A compact model may
actually result in greater energy use if you have to operate it more
frequently.
-
Choose a dishwasher that provides
several different wash cycle selections. If your dishes are only
slightly soiled, you can use a "light wash" or "energy-saving" wash
cycle and save energy by using less water and operating for a shorter
period of time.
-
Look for a dishwasher that allows you
to choose between heat-drying and air-drying. Heat-drying elements draw
considerable electricity; circulation fans for air-drying use very
little.
-
Keep in mind that EnergyGuide ratings
for dishwashers are based on washing 322 loads annually using the normal
settings. If you are considering a model with other setting options that
you would use most of the time, your energy use could vary
substantially.
U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR Program,
http://www.energystar.gov
and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
|
