Everyone likes to save money. Since your household
appliances are some of the largest electricity consumers, this is a good
place to start your savings quest. The following is a collection of tips
about how to save electricity when using your electrical clothes washing
machine.
1... Sort clothes
By sorting into the proper groupings the water
temperature required becomes automatic. There will be no guesswork
involved. For instance, by washing all dark clothes together the normal
hot water wash temperature can be lowered to warm.
2... Place near water source
Place the washing machine near the hot water tank.
Substantial amounts of heat can be lost as the hot water travels between
the tank and washing machine. If the distance between them is greater
than ten feet insulation should be added to hot water pipe.
3... Outside walls
If the hot water pipe is attached to an outside
wall the heat will be radiated out through the wall. Pipes should not
attach directly to outside walls. Can be corrected by adding wooden
spacers between the wall and pipes to insulate from each other.
4... Water level
For small loads lower the water level accordingly.
But, don’t lower water below half full even for very small loads. Too
little water can result in clothes tangling and being damaged. They may
even become entangled beneath the agitator.
5... Don’t overload
Overloaded washing machines will consume more
electricity as the motor strains to move the excess clothing. It also
leads to problems associated with poor removal of the lint from the
machine. Persons who overload waste energy because clothes often have to
be rewashed.
6... Auto Fill
If your washer has an auto fill feature consider
its use. The machine will automatically fill to the proper level. It
compensates for load size and will use less water. Auto temperature will
mix the cold and hot water as it enters the machine.
7... Clean filter
For washing machines with an accessible water filter,
clean them after every second load. Proper water flow will lower time
required to obtain a clean wash. If excess lint builds up in the filter
it can re-deposit back into the clothes. This will require the clothes
to be rewashed.
8... Level machine
Any washer that consistently goes out of balance is
wasting energy. Restarting the washing machine is usually accompanied by
it being refilled with water by the homeowner. This wastes both water
and electrical energy. An unbalanced load may leave clothes damp
at the end of the cycle. This is inefficient because the clothes
will have to by spun again. Any excess water left in clothes will result
in unnecessary extra time in the
clothes dryer.
The above are some of the most common suggestions
associated with energy savings. When striving for energy efficiency
during clothes washing always try to be aware of anything that interrupts,
lengthens, slows, or disturbs the normal cycle of the machine. Any of
them can cause unnecessary electricity to be consumed.
By
Donald Grummett
Copyright © 2007 Donald
Grummett. All rights reserved
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