Saving energy with a clothes dryer is trickier than with most other
appliances. ENERGY STAR doesn't have a rating system for dryers because
there is little variance between models. The good news is that any unit
with the ENERGY STAR label will consume less fuel. The bad new is drying
clothes accounts for about four percent of the nation's total energy
expenditure. Do your part by considering energy saving tips for dryers
when laundry day rolls around.
- Empty the lint tray - This is a simple yet pragmatic step to improve dryer performance. When the lint tray overflows, the excess ends up in the exhaust tube. This causes heat to build up and is a potential fire hazard. Overheating can also damage some types of material in your clothes. If you use dryer sheets, be extra diligent, as they tend to leave a film on the tray that can reduce efficiency.
- Use a vacuum cleaner's long nozzle accessory on the to remove lint under the tray - This will keep lint from reaching the exhaust vent.
- Clean out the exhaust vent as well - Even if you are meticulous about emptying the lint tray, some debris will escape. Make it a habit to check the exhaust vent often. This isn't just one of the energy saving tips for dryers; it is also a safety issue, as well. Built up lint in the exhaust tube is a potential fire hazard.
- Do your laundry in full loads - You use the same amount of energy to dry half a load as a full one. You might as well get the most out of the dryer time with a full load instead of running it twice for two half loads.
- Shop for a dryer with a moisture setting - This is a sensor that shuts the appliance down if the clothes are dry. Older models operate based on a timer, so dry clothes just keep tumbling even after they are dry.
- Separate the cotton - Cotton takes longer to dry than synthetic fabrics like polyester. Organize your loads by fabric type, so all the cotton goes in at one time.
- Make use of that residual heat - Try to dry more than one load when possible. A hot dryer requires less energy, so you save by doing a second load right away.
- Let nature do its part - If the weather is nice, hang the clothes out to dry. This is especially effective if drying heavy loads or bedding. Not only is this one of the most practical energy saving tips for dryers, it will also give your clothing a fresh, natural smell.
- Spin it out - Set your washing machine to spin as long as possible. This will wring out a percentage of the moisture in clothes and make drying easier. Sopping wet clothes take twice as long to dry.
- Consider a separate spin dryer - This is the dryer you use before the dryer. Its job is to wring out more moisture from clothes, so they dry faster.
- Avoid stuffing the dryer - Overloading the dryer makes it work harder. A dryer that has to work too hard is not as efficient. It may take two cycles to get clothes dry.