Some of the largest consumers of
electricity in the modern home are your household appliances. With the
ever increasing cost of electricity everyone likes suggestions that result in
lowered use of electricity. Not only is it good for the environment, but
also has the added bonus of being good for your pocket book. The
following is a collection of some quick and easy tips to help you
save electrical energy.
1... Clean
filter
Cleaning the dryer lint
filter after every load is probably the simplest way to save energy.
Even a small amount of lint on the filter can restrict the airflow,
which causes the dryer to compensate by running longer.
2... Auto
Heat
If your dryer timer has an
Auto Cycle section learn how to use it properly. The auto cycle compensates for
the size and type of fabric that is being dried and can save you
significant amounts of electricity. Rather than setting the timer for
number of minutes to dry it has an indicator that shows a maximum or
minimum setting with multiple levels in between. Be aware that the
maximum-minimum dial indicates the type of materials being dried, not
the size of load. For instance a load primarily of jeans would be set
closer to maximum, while a delicate load would be set more toward
minimum. Energy is saved because
the drying time will be automatically increased or decreased to insure the clothes come out dry in
the least amount of time. Even for everyday mixed loads of clothing the
automatic cycle can be put to use by a little experimenting to find the
correct setting for your average load. See your owners-maunual for
further details about the proper usage of the automatic cycle.
3... Clean
venting
The dryer venting
should be cleaned every year. Lower the venting and clean out any lint
buildup. Also clean the venting cap that direct the airflow outside.
Lint will collect in the cap, plus the outside louvers that open and
close whenever the dryer operates. Removal of lint buid-up allows the
dryer to pass air with less effort, resulting in a shorter run time and
less electricity consumed.
4... Anti static
sheets
If too many are used in
the dryer at one time they can block the lint filter. This restricts
airflow and causes the dryer to overwork and run too long. Remove the
old ones from the dryer before adding any new ones.
5... Switch to front
load washer
When it’s time to
replace the washer consider a front loader. They spin at a high speed,
which removes a lot more moisture than the top load style. This means
less time required to dry the clothes. The standard drying time of 60
minutes drops to 30 minutes or less when a front load washer is used.
6... Door
seal
If large amounts of
lint are present at the door deal after every load then consider a new
door seal. Air and heat may be leaking past the door seal.
7... Lint filter
housing
The housing that holds
the lint filter can become coated with old lint. This restricts airflow
and wastes energy. To clean the housing first disconnect dryer from
electricity, or turn off breakers. Then remove filter and use a vacuum cleaner or narrow
brush to remove any lint buildup at this location.
8... Variable electrical
rates
If your electricity provider charges less at
certain times during the day consider changing your drying time to the
less expensive periods. Most companies charge lower rates after 8:00 pm.
By simply doing your household drying after this time of night the
savings can be substantial. But, for safety, never be tempted to operate the
dryer while you are out of the house or asleep. You wouldn't turn on you
range and go to bed, therefore don't do it with your electrical clothes
dryer.
Of course the mother of all suggestions is to stop using the electric
clothes dryer whenever possible. Install an old fashioned clothes line
in your back yard. The straight ones will hold more clothes, but may be
restricted in some neighbourhoods. Check your local building codes
before installing. Although it holds less clothes, and is difficult to hang
sheets, a circular clothes line is a less intrusive alternative. Both
are inexpensive to purchase and will pay back the investment within
weeks.
By
Donald Grummett
Copyright © 2007 Donald
Grummett. All rights reserved
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