How to Save Energy with Your Electric Clothes Dryer
Every consumer enjoys using the appliance which works well and saves energy at the same time. It is good for the environment and your budget, as well. Such of these appliances is electric clothes dryer and here are some useful tips of how to save electricity when using it:
Clean filter.
It is very important to clean the clothes dryer lint filter after each load, as this is a good way to save energy. Even if there is a small amount of lint on the filter it can limit the airflow, causing the dryer to run longer.
Auto Heat
If your dryer has an Auto Cycle, check if you know how to use it properly. The auto cycle recompenses for the size and type of fabric that is being dried. The drying time will be set to ensure the clothes come out dry in the least amount of time. In that way energy is saved.
Clean venting
You are recommended to clean the clothes dryer venting once a year. Lower the venting and clean out any lint made. Also, there could be some lint collected in the venting cap, so make sure you clean that, too. Any venting restraint will slow down airflow, which, as a result, slows moisture removal from clothes, and increases the time needed for the clothes to dry out.
Anti static sheets
If too many anti static sheets are used in the clothes dryer at one time they can block the lint filter. This may limit airflow and cause the dryer to overwork and run too long. Therefore, take the old ones from and then add new ones.
Switch to front load washer.
Consider a front loader when it’s time to change the washer. They need a high speed to spin, which takes away a lot more moisture than the top load style. Therefore, your clothes will get dried more quickly. The standard drying time of 60 minutes falls to 30 minutes when a front load washer is used.
Door seal
If after every load a huge amount of lint is found at the door seal, then it is time to consider a new door seal. You can check that by letting the electric dryer work with full load of clothes. Air and heat may come past the seal and you can feel that with your hand around the closed door area. If you feel any air stream, the door seal needs to be changed.
Lint filter housing
After a while, the housing with lint filter can be covered with old lint. This restricts airflow and wastes energy. In that case remove filter (first switch off dryer from electricity, or turn off breakers), and use a vacuum cleaner or narrow brush to get rid of any lint buildup.
Variable electrical rates
If it happens that your electricity provider charges less at certain times during the day, think of changing your drying time to the less expensive periods. Most companies charge lower rates after 8:00 pm. You can certainly save energy, if your clothes dryer operates after this time of night. However, just to be on the safe side, you mustn’t operate the dryer, if you are out of the house or asleep.
At the beginning all clothes dryers are energy efficient. But, in a while their efficiency deteriorates drastically. In order to keep that longer, these machines need to have some basic maintenance. Thus, if the clothes come out wet, or the machine becomes too noisy, consult a professional person. As a matter of fact, you can best save energy by sticking to the above-mentioned tips, and make sure there is as less lint as possible.
Tagged with: clothes dryer • dryer • electric dryer • save energy
Filed under: electric dryer
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