Energy Saving tips

Laundry & Hot Water

Save on Your Laundry

• Wash full loads of laundry. You will use your machine less often, saving time, and it’s more energy-efficient.
• Wash at a lower temperature, or the economy setting, to save even more.
• When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
• Use the spin cycle, and then hang washing out rather than tumble drying. Not only will you save energy, but your clothes and linens will smell fresher!
• Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear, and clean the lint filter after every load. When shopping for a new dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.
• If you need to tumble dry, try a lower temperature setting.
• Use your dryer for consecutive loads, because the built-up heat between loads will use less energy.

Save on Your Hot Water

• Check your hot water temperature. It does not need to be any higher than 140°F.
• Turn your water heater down to 120° or the "Normal" setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away.
• Plug the basin or bath when you run any hot water.
• Turn off running water while brushing teeth.
• Use a timer to make sure the heating and hot water are only on when needed.
• Insulate your hot water pipes to prevent heat loss, and your water will stay hotter for longer. Plus, you will also use less energy to heat it. And simply fitting a jacket onto your hot water tank can cut waste by up to 75%.
• Take showers—a bath consumes 5 times more hot water. Buy a low-flow showerhead for more efficiency and it will pay for itself in no time.
• Avoid washing dishes under hot running water, and do not pre-rinse before using the dishwasher.
• Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Then let dishes air-dry to save even more!
• Repair dripping hot water taps immediately.
• Make sure hot water taps are always turned off properly.