Dryer vent cleaning is the best green laundry room tip I can think of. The laundry room is responsible for a large part of our total energy consumption. You know how much of your physical energy is being used to keep up with the mountain of laundry; your appliances are also using a lot of energy.
Your washer and dryer are also taking a beating as it labors to do its job. You can take steps to saving energy and prolong the life of your appliances. Here are some tips to having a green laundry room:
New Green Washer
When you buy a new washer, select a model with energy efficient qualities, for example, water level selections and ability to choose water temperature for washing and rinsing.
Front loaders take less energy than top-loaders; they use less water because the tub doesn’t have to be full as clothes tumble. The front loader does not have an agitator; therefore, one less part to wear out. Front loaders also spin clothes faster, removing more moisture and cutting down on drying time.
Green Habits with an Old Washer
You don’t have to run out and buy a new washer; there are things you can do to reduce energy costs with your current machine. Studies have shown that cold water is just as effective in getting most of your laundry clean and it prevents bright colors from fading.
Do only full loads of laundry to avoid wasting energy and do not overload the machine; this will just lead to premature break-down as you put undue stress on the appliance.
Use eco-friendly laundry detergents to protect wildlife and our environment. There are simple, homemade remedies for stains that are more effective and less expensive. Try soaking fabrics in water mixed with lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar to remove stains.
New Green Dryer
New dryers come with automatic sensors that shut the dryer off when clothes are dry, eliminating the need for estimating time and preventing clothes from being over-dried. This feature saves energy and prolongs the life of your clothing.
Green Dryer Habits
As with the washer, do not over load and do only full loads to avoid wasting energy.
Maintenance is the biggest energy saver with the clothes dryer. The dryer vent system, though not part of the dryer itself, is the most important element involved in the drying process.
Clean the lint screen after each load; wash it every few months to remove residue from dryer sheets.
Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended each year. Clogged dryer ducts cause over 15,000 dryer fires each year. Lint build-up in dryer vents causes dryers to cost an additional $300 per year to operate.
Those who really want to go green can use the warmer season to take advantage of solar drying – it’s free! That is, line drying outdoors. This saves over 600 pounds of carbon dioxide over 6 months time.
A few green habits can go a long way in conserving energy, extending the life of your appliance and saving money. In addition, cleaning dryer vents prevents dryer fires.
James Smith is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Modesto, California. He provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair and dryer vent installation services to make clothes dryers safe and efficient. James Smith takes great pride in his work. He has gone the extra mile to further his education by CSIA Certified in dryer exhaust services.
Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in Stanislaus County, Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank, Waterford, Ceres, Turlock, Patterson, Grayson, Hughson, Newman, Salida, Keyes, Denair, Livermore, San Joaquin County, Tracy, Stockton, Manteca, Lodi, Lathrup, Escalon, Ripon, and neighboring cities and communities
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