Run your dishwasher only when full to capacity. Washing a half load simply uses and wastes twice the water, detergent and energy required.
Each time you use your dishwasher (assuming a 1 hour program) it costs about 19p. If you run it half full it still costs 19p! If you did this only once a week for a year, it would cost you an extra
Choose a dishwasher with an energy-save or light wash cycle. On average, these programs use about 20% less energy, based on an average 4 washes a week this saves about £8 per year = 27kg of CO₂.
If your dishwasher has a time delay, and you have Economy 7, set it to come on during the night and take advantage of cheaper rate electricity. Economy 7 tariffs can be around 2x cheaper between 1am and 8am (but check times with your energy supplier). This is around 10p per dishwasher cycle, saving up to £18 per year = 61kg of CO₂.
These options use less water, operate for a shorter amount of time and wash dishes at lower temperatures so don’t need as much energy to heat water.
A new energy efficient dishwasher may use up to 40% less energy than an old inefficient model. Look for longevity too, although it may cost more initially, if running costs are less and the machine lasts for 20 years instead of 5, it is better for you and the environment.
Check the energy efficiency label before you buy – an ‘A++’ rated machine will be the most energy efficient and the cheapest to run.
Choose a dishwasher with an ‘air-dry’ option which uses circulation fans. This uses less power than ‘heat-dry’ models.
If your dishwasher has a time delay, and you have Economy 7, set it up to come on during the night and take advantage of cheaper rate electricity. Economy 7 rates take advantage of cheaper energy at night to run your appliances.
Look for a dishwasher with a hot water booster or internal water heater that raises water temperature inside the dishwasher.
Dishwashers come in many sizes, so it makes sense to choose the size that best suits your needs. Full-sized dishwashers are the most energy and water-efficient, and this will be reflected in their energy rating, but this efficiency is based on filling the machine to capacity.
The quick wash program often cuts out the drying cycle which uses an unnecessary amount of energy.
