On average, the savings amount to 20 percent. Choose a model with a built-in heater to boost the water temperature. Models with short-cycle options can save up to 25 percent on hot water and electricity when washing lightly soiled loads. Buy a dryer with moisture sensors. These sensors turn off the dryer automatically when your clothes are dry and can cut energy use 10 percent to 15 percent.
Moisture sensors are more efficient than temperature sensor controls or standard timers.
Cool-down cycles will tumble your clothes in cooler air during the last five minutes of the drying cycle, saving energy and reducing wrinkles at the same time. Visit City Light's Web site on Clothes Washing . The higher the EER, the better. Ten is good, 11-12 or above is excellent. The label also lists a range of EERs for other units of about the same cooling capacity.