Save on Laundry Costs with Natural Gas
Doing laundry is a regular household task, but it doesn’t have to be a costly one. By using a natural gas dryer and adopting some energy-efficient laundry practices, you can save money, reduce energy use, and get the job done faster. Natural gas dryers are known for their efficiency and low operating costs, and with the tips below, you can maximize these benefits for an even more cost-effective laundry routine.
Why Choose a Natural Gas Dryer?
Natural gas dryers are a top choice for efficiency and speed. Here’s why:
- Fast Drying Times: Natural gas dryers heat up quickly and dry clothes faster than electric dryers. This not only saves you time but also uses less energy overall.
- Lower Operating Costs: Natural gas dryers cost less to operate, as natural gas rates are generally lower than electricity rates. Over time, this can make a noticeable difference in your utility bills.
- Gentle on Fabrics: With consistent, even heat, natural gas dryers can be gentler on clothes, helping them last longer.
- Environmentally Friendly: Because they use less energy, natural gas dryers have a lower environmental impact than electric models, helping you reduce your carbon footprint while saving money.
Tips to Save Energy When Doing Laundry with a Natural Gas Dryer
- Dry Full Loads, but Don’t Overload
- Dry Similar Items Together: Have your natural gas furnace serviced annually by a certified professional to ensure it operates at peak efficiency.
- Use the Dryer’s Sensor Settings
- Let the Dryer Do the Work: Many natural gas dryers come with a moisture sensor that automatically stops the dryer when clothes are dry. This saves energy by preventing over-drying and is also gentler on fabrics. Use the sensor-dry setting rather than timed drying to maximize savings.
- Take Advantage of the High Heat Efficiency of Natural Gas
- Use Lower Heat Settings When Possible: Natural gas dryers are highly efficient, even on lower settings. For delicates or light loads, use a lower heat setting to reduce energy consumption and prevent unnecessary wear on clothing.
- Dry Multiple Loads in Succession
- Make Use of Residual Heat: To capitalize on the dryer’s heat, dry loads one after another. The dryer will already be warm, so it will require less energy to heat up, saving you time and money.
- Clean the Lint Filter After Every Load
- Ensure Maximum Airflow: A clogged lint filter restricts airflow, making the dryer work harder and longer to dry clothes. Clean the lint filter after every load to maintain efficiency and reduce drying time.
- Optimize Wash Cycles to Prepare for Efficient Drying
- Use a High-Speed Spin: The less water your clothes retain after washing, the quicker they’ll dry. Use a high-speed spin cycle on your washing machine to remove excess moisture before placing items in the dryer.
- Air Dry When Possible
- Give Your Dryer a Break: For items like towels, linens, or workout clothes, consider air-drying part of your load. Reducing the number of items you put in the dryer can cut down on energy use and extend the lifespan of your clothing.
Other Laundry Tips for Saving Energy
Proper insulation is essential for reducing heating costs and keeping warm air inside:
- Wash in Cold Water: Most laundry can be effectively cleaned in cold water, which is much cheaper to heat. Using cold water whenever possible can help lower both water heating and laundry costs.
- For Electrical Appliances, Use Off-peak Hours: If you’re able to, try doing laundry during off-peak energy hours when energy demand is lower. This practice can save money, especially if you’re also heating water for washing.
- Consider an ENERGY STAR® Washer: ENERGY STAR®-certified washing machines use less water and energy, which means less moisture in clothes after washing, requiring less drying time.
Make the Switch to a Natural Gas Dryer
If you’re considering a new dryer, switching to a natural gas model is one of the best decisions for energy savings and efficiency. Not only do natural gas dryers dry clothes faster and cost less to operate, but they’re also an environmentally friendly choice. Plus, their gentle, even heating can help keep your clothes looking newer for longer.
Pensacola Energy offers a $200 rebate when you add a new natural gas dryer to your home.