7 Ways to Save Money (and Energy) with Your Dishwasher

Replacing your old dishwasher with a new one could save you a lot of money and energy. Advanced technologies in today’s dishwashers allow them to use up to 95 percent less energy than before, and offer more energy-saving features like short, light or economy cycles, and heat or no-heat drying.

Choosing a new dishwasher?

Before choosing your new dishwasher, know that ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers are the best energy performers and must achieve energy efficiency levels that are at least 25 percent higher than the minimum regulated standard in Canada. Energy consumption levels can be affected by the size of your dishwasher.

To help determine the size and model of dishwasher which would be most efficient for your household, the EnerGuide groups dishwashers according to three categories:

1. Built-in dishwashers- This category includes all standard-size dishwashers that are permanently connected to household water and electrical supplies.
2. Portable dishwashers- This category includes all standard-size dishwashers that are not permanently connected to household water and electrical supplies like countertop and caster-mounted dishwashers that can be easily moved from one place to another.
3. Compact dishwashers- This category includes all models with capacities of less than eight place settings and six serving pieces.

7 Money-Saving Tips for Dishwashers

• Before using your new appliance, read the owner’s manual for settings to help you operate your dishwasher at optimum efficiency. Since 85% of a dishwasher’s electricity is used to heat the water, look for a short-cycle or ecowash feature.
• Don’t rinse your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. You’ll save more water – and energy – by scraping all excess food off plates and cutlery. Your dishwasher will do the rest.
• Clean the filter at the bottom of your dishwasher to keep the machine running efficiently.
• Only run your dishwasher when it is full and use the setting that offers the best wash in the least amount of time.
• Use the air-dry setting or open the door to dry the dishes to save energy.
• Whenever possible to help reduce the strain on the electricity system, use your dishwasher after 8 p.m., when electricity usage is not at its peak.

Choosing the right dishwasher may seem overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Using the resources provided will help you save money, water, electricity and inevitably help the environment.