How to Save Money with Clothes Dryers
Drying Clothing is the Fifth Largest Energy Consumer in a Home
Here are five ways to effectively save money with clothes dryers. Electric clothes dryers operate the same as gas dryers with each appliance drying clothes by tumbling, heating and airing them.
Saving Money with a Clothing Rod
The biggest money saver any homemaker can have is a clothing rod next to the dryer. If no fixed rod is available, there are inexpensive stand-alone models that can be put away when not in use. Drying clothing for a short period of time to rid wrinkles and then hanging to finish drying will save a tremendous amount of money.
Lighter weight clothing such as T-shirts air-dry quickly, while heavier clothing such as jeans, sweats and jackets will air-dry over night. Separating lightweight clothing from heavy clothing allows for drying the first load and taking advantage of the heated drum for drying the second. Not over-drying clothing reduces static electricity and shrinkage, plus adding longer fabric life.
Drying Only Full Loads
Accumulate laundry to wash and dry full loads. Do not overfill either the washer or the dryer. Washing and drying small loads wastes water and energy and overloading causes mechanical problems.
Keep Dryer Lint Filter and Outside Vent Clean
Each dryer manufacturer recommends keeping the dryer lint filter clean by removing lint from the filter often. Clogged lint filters present a real fire danger to the home.
If dryer softening sheets are used (such as Bounce) then the dryer filter must be periodically washed. Dryer sheets form a solid film over the mesh filter preventing air flow. Try running water over the filter and if the water does not penetrate, wash with a brush and a cleaning liquid (Clorox Clean-up) until water flows freely through the filter.
Keeping the outside vent clean will allow for free air flow and prevent outside air from entering the home, penalizing your cooling and heating savings.
Saving Money with New Dryers with Sensors
Newer dryers are more energy efficient than older dryers. When considering the purchase of a new dryer, look for the feature of a dryness sensor that automatically turns the dryer off when it detects the desired level of dryness of the clothing in the drum. Sensors are located inside the drum and inside the exhaust vent. Sensors located inside the drum are more costly, but are more efficient. A sensor eliminates over-drying and prolongs the life of clothing.
Free Drying
When weather and local restriction permit, hang your clothes outdoors and use free wind and solar energy to save even more money.
A clothes dryer is a major drain on the household expenses, whether electric or gas. Using these tips can greatly reduce the cost of doing the family laundry. Public Service Company of Oklahoma has a useful household energy calculator chart to help estimate how much money different appliances cost to use monthly within the home.
Save with clothes dryers!
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Money Saved!
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