Clothes Dryer

A Clothes Dryer is usually the second or third largest electricity-consuming appliance in your home. With its heating nature similar to water heaters and flat iron, the cost of operating a dryer is very significant. Knowing how to oprate the machine efficiently will significantly help bring down your electric bill.

• Sort clothes when dying. The dryer operates most efficiently when drying clothes of the same thickness. Dry heavy clothes such as cotton towels, jeans, or jackets separately from light clothing such as underwear and summer clothes. Light-weight clothes take less drying time than a mixture of items.

• Make sure that clothes are effectively squeezed before putting them inside the dryer.

• Run only on full loads, as small loads are less economical. However, don't overload the machine. Air needs to be able to circulate around the clothes to properly dry them.

• Don't over-dry clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it. If it has a timer, consider shortening the dryig time.

• Dry two or more loads in a row and make use of the hot air that's already in the dryer from the first load.

• Locate your dryer in a warm and dry space. a clothes dryer in a cold or damp basement will have to work harder to get your clothes dry.

• Clean the fluff out of the filter before every load to allow better air circulation. Regularly clean the lint from vent hoods and lint kits.

• Regularly inspect the outside dryer vent. If it doesn't close tightly, replace it. You'll keep outside air from leaking in, reducing heating and/or cooling bills.

• Hang clothes to dry on sunny days to lessen use of dryer.