Dryers can consume a massive amount of energy. Hence, it is important to maximize the efficiency of your dryer to save money on electrical bills. Here are some simple tips you can follow to save energy for your dryer.
CLEAN YOUR DRYER VENT
By cleaning your dryer vent, it will have a clean flowing airway. This means that the dryer does not have to work as hard or run as long to ensure that your clothes are dry, hence consuming lesser energy. However, do take note that the dryer vent is not the same as the lint trap. The dryer vent is referring to the metal duct that is responsible for transporting hot air and lint from the dryer by an exterior wall.
NO BREAKS BETWEEN DRYING LOADS
Whenever it is possible, it is recommended to dry batches of clothes back to back without any break time in between to ensure that the machine will not completely cool off before turning it back on. This way, every new load will benefit from the heat that is already in the drum. If some of the heat is retained in the dryer, it will need lesser heat to dry the remaining loads.
CLEAN LINT FILTER FIRST
Before you run a load of clothes, it is important to clean the lint filter first. When the lint filter is clean, your dryer will not need to take up as much energy to work, and more air is allowed to flow out of the exhaust vent. This way, the dryer will operate in a more efficient way.
USE THE MOISTURE SENSOR
If your dryer has a moisture sensor, it is recommended to use it. This will allow your machine to automatically shut down when the clothes are dry. You will save more energy and reduce the wear and tear on your clothing.
USE SMOOTH DUCTS FOR EXHAUST
Your dryer will consume more energy if it is required to push exhaust air past the pleats. Smooth ducts will help to produce lesser turbulence and need lesser energy to exhaust air.
AIR DRY CLOTHES WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Whether it is an electric or gas dryer, one of the best ways to save energy is to reduce the usage. Whenever the weather permits, try to hang your clothes outside as much as possible.
OPTIMIZE YOUR DRYER
Separate light fabrics from heavy ones for faster and more even drying. Clothing with similar fabrics will take approximately the same amount of time to dry. For instance, lightweight synthetics tend to dry much quicker than natural fiber clothes and bath towels. Hence, it is important to separate them to speed up the drying process, saving energy and money. If you mix different fabrics, the dryer may be running just to get one of two pieces of clothing to dry, decreasing the energy efficiency of the load.
LOCATION OF DRYER
Try to place the dryer in a heated space if you can. When the dryer is placed in a heated area, efficiency is enhanced and the dryer will not have to work as hard, saving energy. It is also recommended to keep your dryer in a room that is well ventilated. Although it may be easier to shift front load dryers compared to bigger top load dryers, it is worth it as you will get to save money on your electrical bills.
