Dishwashers


When you buy a dishwasher, select one with a booster heater that raises incoming water to 140o Fahrenheit or higher. The higher temperature is needed to melt dishwasher soap and clean greasy dishes. Having a booster heater will allow you to set your home water heater at 120o Fahrenheit to save energy.

Look for an energy efficient model dishwasher that features air power or overnight dry settings. These features can save up to 10 percent of your dishwashing energy costs.

Always wash full loads.

Try not to use the "rinse hold" setting on your dishwasher. "Rinse hold" uses 3 to 7 gallons of hot water for each use -- never use it for just a few dirty dishes.

Remember -- by saving water, you're also saving the energy used to pump it, treat it, heat it in your home, and clean it up afterwards in your city's wastewater facility. Up to 50 percent of a typical city's energy bill goes to supplying water and cleaning it after use!

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Information from the California Energy Commission