Picking Energy-Saving Dishwasher

QUESTION: I’m getting ready to buy a new dishwasher and would like to find an energy-efficient one. What features should I look for?

ANSWER: According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the most energy-efficient dishwasher costs only half as much to run as the least efficient dishwasher on the market today. Don’t be surprised to find a range of $25 to $70 a year (local rates) depending on the model.

The best way to compare models is to look at the yellow-and-black Energy Guide labels. These tell you the estimated cost to run the dishwasher on a yearly basis, and how it compares with similar sized models. Since most of the cost of running a dishwasher is for heating water, using an efficient water heater will help save money when using a dishwasher.

One very useful feature on dishwashers is a booster heater. Dishwashers need high temperatures to dissolve the powdered soap and to clean greasy dishes.

Setting your water heater at higher temperatures (130 degrees) to accommodate the dishwasher’s temperature needs can be expensive and wasteful.

A booster heater in your dishwasher raises the temperature of the water coming into the machine, allowing you to keep your main water heater at a safer and less wasteful temperature (110 to 120 degrees).

It might add $30 to the cost of the dishwasher, but it should pay for itself in savings in a year or two.

Other useful features are short cycle selections and an air-dry selector. Short cycle selections use less water and may be suitable for times when dishes are not very dirty. An air-dry selector shuts off the heat during the drying cycle to allow dishes to air-dry. This feature alone can cut electricity use by 20%.

Don’t overlook the importance of installation and use. You can enhance a dishwasher’s energy-efficiency by installing it away from the refrigerator or freezer. Dishwashers produce heat and moisture which will make a refrigerator or freezer use more energy.

If you have no choice but to put them next to each other, install insulation between the two. Also, if the dishwasher has a booster, remember to lower the temperature of your water heater.

Finally, wash only full loads. And don’t waste water or your time pre-rinsing dishes. Most newer models require that dishes be scraped off before loading. If you do pre-rinse, use cold water.

Produced by the Energy Extension Service, a division of the Washington State Energy Office.

Smart Shopping Tips

Use the Energy Guide labels on showroom models to comparison shop.

Look for money-saving features: a booster heater, short-cycle selections and an air-dry cycle.

Install the dishwasher away from the refrigerator or freezer.

Wash full loads only.

Don’t waste time and water pre-rinsing. If dishes are very dirty, wash them on the normal cycle rather than a short one.

Use the air-dry cycle.

The most energy-efficient dishwashers (1989-90): White-Westinghouse, Caloric, Frigidaire, Admiral, Crosley, Magic Chef, Norge, Peerless, Roper, Sears and Whirlpool brands offer the most energy-efficient models.

SOURCE: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy