EnerGuide Appliance Directory 2006

Appliance Energy-saving Tips and Distributors by Brand Name

Clothes Dryers

Average annual energy consumption of new clothes dryers (in kWh/year)

Many dryers now come with sensors that automatically shut off the dryer when your clothes are dry. This will save you energy and wear and tear on your clothes. It will also save you from running up and down the stairs to check on your clothes.

Clothes-dryer categories

Clothes dryers are available in various sizes, which affect energy consumption. That is why the EnerGuide label shows clothes dryers according to two categories, enabling you to compare the energy consumption of similar models.

Standard clothes dryers

This category includes all standard-size front-loading clothes dryers.

Compact clothes dryers

This category includes both 120- and 240-volt models with capacities of less than 125 L.

Note: The energy rating for clothes dryers is based on 416 operations per year.

Energy- and money-saving tips

• Be sure to read your new appliance's owner's manual. It is full of hints to help you operate your dryer at optimum efficiency.
  
  
• Do not put dripping wet clothes into your dryer; your machine will have to work extra hard and use more energy. Wring the clothes out or spin them in the clothes washer first.
  
  
• Avoid drying partial loads.
  
  
• If possible, sort your clothes by thickness. Dry the thin, quick-drying items in one load and thicker items – such as towels - in another.
  
  
• Try to start your second load of drying as soon as the first is finished. That way, the dryer will still be warm – and you will save energy.
  
  
• Do not leave clothes in the dryer too long. Over-drying not only uses more electricity but also increases shrinkage and wrinkles. Clothes should dry in 40 minutes to one hour.
  
  
• To save money and reduce clothes shrinkage, you can also use your dryer's "cool down" cycle – usually the "perma-press" setting. No heat is supplied in the last few minutes, but drying continues as cool air is blown through tumbling clothes.
  
  
• Clean the lint screen after each load. A dirty lint screen can cause your dryer to use up to 30 percent more energy, and it can be a fire hazard.
  
  
• Keep your dryer's outside exhaust clean. A clogged exhaust lengthens drying time and increases energy use.

Listing of Clothes Dryer Distributors by Brand Name