by John Krutz

Created on: January 11, 2009   Last Updated: September 12, 2011

With the ever growing concern of global warming and the increases in energy costs, everyone should be trying to save energy. Whether you try to save energy to save money or you are doing it to help the environment it is something we all should try and do. Saving energy and money around the house seems the most practical. Think of your home in sections and where you can save money. Here are some tips to save energy and money when it comes to doing laundry in your home.

Let's start with washing machines. Washing machines themselves do not use a lot of energy. However, washing your clothes with hot water will use energy from your hot water heater. Set your washer on the cold setting. This saves the energy from the hot water heater and allows you the ability to mix colors and whites. When you use cold water the color will not bleed out of your clothes, so you don't have to worry about whites turning color. Don't worry about cleanliness; they now make soaps that work better in cold water. Next only wash full loads. Since you can mix colors and whites in cold water it will be easier to fill the washer and very simply do less loads of laundry.

Clothes dryers are a major draw on energy. I understand they are very convenient when you need clothes dried quickly, but if you have time they can be bypassed to save energy. In the summer months you should simply put your clothes outside to dry. In the winter this is not a possibility for much of the country. I suggest setting up an inside clothes line or use drying racks. Place the lines or racks near a radiator or vent so warm air is passing by the clothes. You may be surprised how quickly your clothes will dry and this process will help add moisture to dry winter air.

Finally, try to only use energy star products. These products obtain this rating because they are energy efficient. I understand it is not the easiest thing to buy a new washer or dryer because they can put a dent in your wallet, but in the long run they do save on energy costs. Also many utility companies offer discounts or incentives to buy energy saving products. Do some research and you may find out it is much cheaper to buy energy saving products than you thought.

Everyone needs to do his or her part to help the environment and using less energy around the house is a great start. Now I am not suggesting to stop doing your laundry, but understand that there are some great ways to save on energy when it comes to doing laundry. Besides the extra money in your pocket is a great reward even if you don't care about the environment.

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