Energy Saving Tips for Major Appliances: Dishwasher

A dishwasher is one of the indispensable appliances in many homes today. It makes dishwashing a lot easier and more convenient, thus helping you save a lot of extra time. However, the dishwasher also accounts for a big percentage in energy consumption at home. But by observing several energy-saving tips, you can greatly reduce the amount of energy you consume in dishwashing.

Dishwasher Energy-Saving Tips

1. Don’t pre-rinse dishes before loading them to the dishwasher

You can save water as well as time by not pre-rinsing dishes before loading them to the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers are now powerful enough to remove all grime, grease and dirt from dishes. What you can do is to scrape-off leftover food and remove liquid from dishes and the dishwasher will take care of the rest. If there is really a need to pre-rinse, use cold water to save energy on heating.

2. Follow the instruction manual when operating dishwasher

Take time to read the instruction manual for your dishwasher and learn how to properly use it. By following the manufacturer’s instruction especially on how to load dishes, you can achieve maximum efficiency and save energy and water.

3. Utilize the “no-heat air-dry” feature to dry dishes

This feature doesn’t require heating so it lets you save energy. Use this feature if your dishwasher has one. But if you are using older models, you can simply turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse and open its door to air-dry. However, according to some users who tried this method, one major drawback of doing this is the increased spotting in dishes. But it is still worth trying; see for yourself how it will affect your dishes and how much energy you can save.

4. Dry dishes the old-fashioned way     

If you don’t like to have spots on your dishes and still save on energy, better dry the dishes the old fashioned way using a dish towel.

5. Use only the dishwasher in full loads

Regardless, if it’s half-full or fully loaded, the dishwasher will consume the same amount of water in washing so better wait until it’s fully loaded before you turn on the switch. However, be careful also not to overload it as overloading can also cause inefficiency and other malfunctions. If it takes more than a day to get a full load, you can use the rinse and hold feature if your dishwasher has. This is more economical in terms of the amount of water used in pre-rinsing each item.

6. Use the setting that has the most energy saving

Majority of newer models of dishwasher now has energy-saving cycles and settings. As most of the energy in dishwashing is consumed for heating the water, by using the “green” setting, you will be able to use less energy for the same load of dishes.

7. Practice regular dishwasher maintenance

After days or weeks of using the dishwasher, food particles and grime can accumulate in the dishwasher drain and get clogged. This in turn affects the efficiency of the dishwasher. By regularly cleaning the drain, this can maximize the full capacity of your dishwasher while consuming the same amount of energy.

These tips are not all-encompassing. You may have other tested and proven ways to save on energy in using the dishwasher. But nevertheless, by observing these simple tips, you can greatly save on energy consumption and reduce your electricity or water bill.