Doing laundry during hot weather can drive up your energy bills and put extra strain on your appliances. But with a few smart changes, you can save energy, lower costs, and even help your clothes last longer.
Here are some easy and effective laundry tips to keep things cool, clean, and efficient during warm weather months.
When temperatures rise, your home’s cooling system works harder. Running heat-producing appliances like washers and dryers during the hottest part of the day adds even more load to your energy use.
High humidity can also affect how well your dryer works and how long clothes take to dry, which means more energy is used with each load.
Washing clothes in cold water is one of the easiest ways to cut energy use. Most of the energy used during a wash cycle goes toward heating water.
Modern detergents are designed to work well in cold water, even for tough stains. Reserve hot water only for heavily soiled items or bedding when necessary.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that using cold water can cut your washer’s energy use in half: Energy Saver Laundry Tips
It’s more efficient to wait until you have a full load of laundry. Running partial loads wastes water and energy without providing any real benefit.
If you must wash a smaller load, be sure to adjust the water level settings accordingly to match the load size.
Selecting a higher spin speed helps remove more water from your clothes, which means they spend less time in the dryer. This can significantly cut down drying time and energy use.
Always clean the lint filter before every load. A clogged filter reduces airflow and makes your dryer less efficient. It can also become a fire hazard if not maintained properly.
Check the vent hose and exhaust duct as well. These should be cleaned at least once a year to ensure proper airflow and safety.
Hot summer weather is perfect for air drying. Hanging clothes outside or using an indoor drying rack avoids using the dryer altogether.
Even drying just a few items this way can reduce your overall energy use and prevent heat buildup in your home.
If you can, do laundry early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This helps reduce the strain on your cooling system and avoids heating up your home during the hottest part of the day.
Many modern washers and dryers have eco or energy-saving cycles. These settings are designed to use less water and power while still getting clothes clean and dry.
Refer to your appliance manual for recommendations on which cycles are most efficient in hot weather.
For additional appliance energy-saving tips, check out Consumer Reports: 10 Ways to Save Energy Doing Laundry
Laundry is a regular part of life, but it doesn’t have to be a drain on your energy bill. By making a few changes to your laundry routine during hot weather, you can save money, reduce energy waste, and keep your home more comfortable.
Simple habits like using cold water, cleaning the lint filter, and drying clothes during cooler hours really add up over time.