How often to run your washing machine to save on energy bills

Save money and energy by running your washing machine during off-peak hours. Here’s how to save the most.

Key Takeaways

• Running larger loads less frequently can help you save money on energy.
• Avoid running your washing machine during the hottest part of the day.
• The best times to run the washer are early morning or late evening when electricity rates are often lower.

Running a washing machine feels like a mindless household task, but it takes attention to detail and a keen sense of timing. The time you choose to do your laundry (and how often you do it) can affect your utility bill, the life span of your washer, and the freshness of your clothes. Whether you’re trying to manage energy costs or avoid a laundry mishap, there are smart, efficient times to wash. Energy expert Christine Ciavardini breaks down when to run your washer, what off-peak hours really mean, and the routines that can improve your washer’s performance.

Meet Our Expert

Christine Ciavardini is an energy expert at MD Energy Advisors in Maryland.

How Often to Run the Washer

Most people run their washing machine whenever it is convenient, but energy-efficiency experts recommend batching loads to avoid partial loads. Much like running a dishwasher, running one large load uses less energy and water than running several smaller ones—even if your machine has a setting for smaller batches.

On the other hand, overfilling the drum can strain the motor and reduce cleaning efficiency. So, balance is key.

While washing clothes overnight is during off-peak hours, leaving wet clothes until morning can create a new problem. Clothing that sits damp can develop mildew or musty smells, which may cause you to run a second load in the morning. If you commit to the nighttime window, set an alarm before you go to bed so you can remember to transfer items to the dryer right away in the morning.

Households with heavier laundry demands may find that creating a weekly routine to run the machine for different types of items—bedding one day, athletic wear another, colors another, and whites another—is a good way to keep pace with the clothing pile-up while staying energy-conscious.

Best Time of Day to Run Your Washer

If lowering your electric bill is the goal, Ciavardini says timing is everything. “Electricity rates are typically less expensive on days that have mild temperatures,” she says. Much like surge pricing, when temperatures reach extremes, people use more air conditioning or heating, straining the electrical grid and driving up pricing. Ciavardini advises avoiding the hottest part of the day. She recommends avoiding the hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., especially on warm days.

With that in mind, the most cost-effective times to run your washer are usually early in the morning or late in the evening, when the grid isn’t as stressed. However, waking up early or going to bed late may take some getting used to if that’s not your regular routine.

Do Laundry During Off-Peak Hours

Off-peak hours are periods of the day when electricity demand is lowest. They tend to be late at night, early in the morning, and mid-morning—after most people have left home for work. Some utility providers share peak time ranges on the monthly billing statement.

Ciavardini also emphasizes that consumers can take advantage of utility programs designed to help households save. “Many utilities offer free energy efficiency items to their ratepayers, complimentary energy efficiency audits and generous incentives and rebates for equipment replacement,” she says. A home energy assessment is especially worthwhile, she explains, because these audits can identify issues that may lower your bill by 10-20 percent.

Timing your laundry load is just one part of a larger strategy to reduce energy use and save time.

Washer Maintenance Tips

Ciavardini recommends being mindful of the systems that work alongside your washer, namely your water heater. She suggests wrapping your water heater in insulation to save about 10% on your water-heating costs. Also, adjusting your water heater temperature can make a meaningful difference. “Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy.” She explains that most gas water heaters are set to 140 degrees.

Related: How to Clean a Washing Machine for Fresh-Smelling Laundry Every Time

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens