You Can Save $$ With The Right Dishwasher!
Apr 02 '00
Shopping for major home appliances does not have to be a painful adventure if you enter the shopping arena with knowledge of what you need versus what you want. As one of the major water users in your home (the washing machine being the other), the selection of a dishwasher should be seriously considered when it’s time to replace an older model or making a first time purchase.
The typical dishwasher uses anywhere from 10 to 16 gallons of water per load, so shop for a model that uses both energy and water efficiently. As with most major appliances, new dishwashers will have a yellow Energy Guide Label affixed somewhere on the appliance. Remember that this label is only guide as to how efficient the product is capable of running. Study the guide carefully and make comparisons between different models, keeping the following things in mind:
*There are two types of dishwashers. Built in models are installed under the countertop and have a permanent connection to electricity, water lines, and a drain. Portable models come on wheels and can be moved from their storage position to the sink area. They have a hose that attaches to the water faucet and a plug in power cord.
*Very inexpensive models are likely to be inefficient and costly to run. Remember the saying…you get what you pay for. A little more money up front can save you money in the long run.
*The lifespan of a dishwasher is 10-11 years, so you’ll be paying the energy costs for this length of time.
*Consider a model with booster heater system, since most of the energy a dishwasher uses is for operating your water heater. This feature adds approximately $30 to the purchase price but will pay for itself in about a year by allowing you to reduce the temperature of your water heater.
*As far as wash cycles, I may have some objections for loyal dishwasher users. In my opinion, you really only need the basics…a light cycle for one single wash, a regular cycle that has 2 wash cycles and a rinse, and a heavy duty cycle that has longer washing time and hotter water. Extra cycles, such as “pot scrubbing” or “soak” usually do not work that well. Nothing beats a little old fashioned elbow grease when cleaning up a stubborn pan.
*Water saving models can cut water consumption by 6-10 gallons per load and $10-15 a year on your electricity bill.
*Delay Start Settings can save you money if your local utility provider offers special off-peak rates. This feature allows your dishwasher to work during the lower rate time frames. You may want to contact your electric provider to see if they offer this rate.
But We’re Not Quite Ready For A New One…..
If your current dishwasher is doing its job, there are ways you can improve its efficiency and reduce your current water usage and energy costs:
*Wash only full loads of dishes.
*Scrape most of the food off of the plates before you place them in the dishwasher.
*Don’t overload your dishwasher. Doing so will prevent the spray arms from rotating properly and water will not reach all of the dishes.
*Reduce water temperature to the minimum required to dissolve grease and activate the dish detergent. This is around 140 degrees.
*If your dishwasher has a heat booster, be sure to use it. This can cut energy consumption by 3%-5%.
*If you have an auto wash/rinse cycle, be sure to use it.
*Keep racks and interior walls clean.
*Remove any food caught in filer of drain hose.
*Scrub the spray arm nozzles periodically to remove hard water deposits.
Hopefully the advice I've provided will aid you in the selection of a dishwasher that will work well for your family for many years. My current dishwasher (a Kemore) is now 10 years old, and I can hear its life clock ticking away. Who knows....maybe I will soon be writing an Epinion on a new, sleeker model.
Stay tuned.
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Epinions.com ID:
willowbear
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Member: Julia
Reviews written: 54
Trusted by: 290 members
About Me:
To love what you do and feel it matters...how could anything be more fun?
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