The biggest way to save in using your clothes dryer (other than drying clothes on a line) is basic: Clean the lint filter after every load. If you pull the filter out and look at the thick blanket of fibers that accumulates, especially after a load of fluffy towels or flannel sheets, it's clear that removing lint improves the air flow, which helps dry clothes faster. Also, it decreases the amount of lint going into the vent, which lowers the risk of a lint fire.
Kind of basic, really. But did you know that if you use dryer sheets to soften fabrics, you should scrub the filter once a month with a dry toothbrush?
The federal
says dryer sheets can coat the filter with a film that reduces air flow and, over time, can affect the performance of the motor. Which sounds to us like a large repair bill or premature replacement of the appliance, as well as the ongoing use of more energy than necessary.
If you're shopping for a dryer, you should know that, unlike washers, dryer models don't differ much in energy use, so Energy Star doesn't label them. However, one option makes sense to look for: the moisture sensor, which automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry. This saves energy and also prevents overdrying, which is hard on clothes.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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