Avoid common energy wasters when it comes to dishwashing. Rather than pre-rinsing dishes, which can use up to 20 gallons of water alone, simply scrape food off dishes and into your garbage disposal. Run only when full, avoid water-heating boost when possible and select the no-heat drying option.
- Skill level: Basic
- It's easy to save energy by using your dishwasher the smart way. This appliance uses about the same amount of energy and water per load, no matter how many dishes are inside, so wait until it's full to run it.
- Cost range: Free
- Running your dishwasher as energy-efficiently as possible won't cost a thing.
- Savings: $40 annually
- Besides saving water and electricity, you'll cut down on heat generation when you choose no-heat drying, which can be kinder on top-rack plastic dishes, too. Also, using an ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher instead of hand washing will save you annually 5,000 gallons of water and $40 in utility costs.
