Washing your laundry not only can take its toll on you, but on the environment and your wallet as well. Laundry machines use a large amount of water, and quite a bit of energy to run. In fact, standard top-loading washers set on a regular cycle use approximately 40 gallons of water per load.
Here are some ways you can save money and minimize your energy and water usage while machine washing your clothes.
Bring back the clothes line:
Hang your clothes outside on a line, weather permitting, or indoors on a drying rack.
Wear clothes more than once:
Not everything needs to be washed after wearing it once; jeans for example, can be worn more than once before washing is required. Freshen them up on the clothes line and they are ready for another wear.
Cold water rinsing:
Energy Star states that almost 90% of energy consumed by washing machines is used to heat up the water. By rinsing your clothes in cold water, energy usage decreases accordingly.
Only do full loads:
Filling up your washing machine with water requires energy, and energy is wasted every time you wash less than a full load of clothes.
Clean the dryer lint filter after every load:
A lint-free filter improves air circulation and quickens drying time.
Check your dryer exhaust:
If your exhaust vent isn’t closed tightly, it will allow outside air in and force the machine to work harder.
Upgrade your washer and dryer:
Machines with the Energy Star label are much more efficient when compared to older machines. They can cut your water usage up to 14 gallons a load.
For more green plumbing and energy tips, or for service in your home, contact your neighborly pros at Messmer Mechanical today.
812-482-6766
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