Energy saving tips: Use cold water instead of hot water for washing machine

Most of the energy consumed by your washing machine is used just to heat up the water. If you usually use hot water for your washing you can drop your energy consumption in half by choosing warm water, and up to 90% if you choose cold. This significant reduce the energy you use and lead to reduction in global warming pollutants that are created either directly in your house by your oil or natural gas water heater or by the power plant that supplies your electric water heater.

Some tips to help you make the switch to washing in cold.

1. Select cold wash/cold rinse. Cold water should get the job done unless you’re dealing with greasy stains. Washing in cold will help the colors last longer and keeps the fabrics stronger.
2. Fill it up. Now that you’re only using energy to run the agitator, get the most out of each load. If not doing a full load, reduce water use by setting the load size properly.
3. Check the label. If it’s time for a new washer, look for a front loader with the Energy Star label. These use half the energy and water of traditional top loaders, and field tests show they clean clothes better.
4. Outwit your laundry. If you’ve got a real mess, spot treatment or presoaking should beat the problem without getting you in hot water. If that fails, try using warm water instead of hot – this will still reduce energy use by half, and will likely do the trick.
5. Hang out with your laundry. Energy Star does not rank dryers because they tend to be similar in energy consumption, that is, they all use a lot. If you can’t avoid the dryer, choose one that runs on natural gas rather than electricity. Clean the lint filter after every load to improve efficiency. Use the moisture sensor and dry heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes. Line drying is another great alternative. It costs nothing, your clothes last longer and you get a little stretching and outside time. The sun also disinfects, and absolutely nothing beats that line dried smell.