Upgrading Your Laundry Area for Maximum Energy Efficiency

With rising energy costs and increased concern about global warming, there are numerous reasons to maximize the energy efficiency of the laundry area in your household. If you are looking for ways to cut your electricity bill and decrease your carbon footprint, try these seven great ideas to maximize the energy efficiency of your laundry room.

1. Replace old laundry equipment with new ‘Energy Star’ rated appliances. By upgrading your existing washer and dryer, you can save hundreds of dollars in operating costs over the lifetime of the appliance. Furthermore, by purchasing an ‘Energy Star’ appliance, you may qualify for a tax incentive or rebate in your area.

2. Wash your laundry in cold water. Heating the water for laundry uses more energy than running the washer itself. By using cold water, you can reduce the energy used for washing by as much as 90%, according to the Energy Star website at http://www.energystar.gov/.

3. Purchase several good clothes drying racks or install a clothesline in your backyard. Drying clothes outside saves a bundle on energy costs and leaves your clothes and linens smelling great. IKEA is a great source for quality, reasonable clothes drying racks. If you do install a clothesline in your backyard, make sure that you do not put dark clothes in direct sunlight in order to avoid fading.

4. Maintain your washer and dryer. By keeping up on routine maintenance of your washer and dryer such as cleaning dryer vents and drains, you will help to ensure these appliances are operating at their maximum efficiency.

5. Only run your washer and dryer when you have a full load. Turning on your washer and dryer to wash a shirt and a pair of jeans is not energy efficient.

6. Unplug your appliances when they are not being used. Even appliances that are not on are still using small amounts of energy if they are plugged into the outlet. Unplugging these appliances once you are finished using them will save you money on your electricity bill and help to reduce your impact on the climate crisis.

7. Make the switch from traditional incandescent light bulbs to energy efficient fluorescent bulbs in your laundry area.

By taking these quick and easy steps to reduce the energy usage in your laundry area, you will be able to save money on your electricity bill and help to reduce your carbon emissions.