Using lower heat settings is another easy change. Many modern fabrics dry just as well on medium or low heat, especially when loads are properly sorted.
Drying similar fabrics together makes a big difference. Mixing heavy towels with lightweight shirts forces the dryer to run longer than necessary. Grouping items with similar thickness and moisture levels allows for shorter, more efficient cycles.
Upgrading to a more energy-efficient dryer can provide long-term savings. Heat pump dryers, for example, use significantly less electricity than traditional electric models and are becoming more widely available.
The Bigger Picture of Household Energy Use
While it is important to be mindful of all energy usage, focusing on one high-impact appliance often delivers the fastest results. The electric dryer stands out because of how much power it consumes relative to how casually it is used.
By becoming more aware of laundry habits and making a few thoughtful changes, ma
