Energy efficient dishwashers
Energy star rating labels
The energy rating label for dishwashers has a single red band of stars and a red energy consumption figure.
The energy rating label on dishwashers rates the energy efficiency of these appliances on a scale of one to six stars. The energy figure inside the red box shows energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per year. An energy efficient appliance has more stars and alow energy consumption figure.
On a dishwasher you will find two energy consumption figures displayed in the energy rating label. These figures are used to calculate running costs.
The energy consumption in the bigger box is based on the manufacturer’s recommended water connection (usually cold). This figure includes both the electrical energy used by the dishwasher’s internal water heater, and that used during the wash cycle. The operating costs for cold water connection can be calculated simply by multiplying the energy consumption figure (kWh) by the current domestic electricity tariff.
The energy figure in the smaller box is based on an alternative water connection, usually hot water only
or dual hot/cold water connection. To calculate the energy cost for using your dishwasher on this setting,
you must include both the energy used by the water heater to provide the hot water, and that used by the
dishwasher during the wash cycle.
Choice of water connection
A dishwasher can save more energy if it is connected to cold water only. The machine heats the water to 20 – 50° for the wash cycle and cold water is used for rinsing. A dishwasher uses more energy if it is connected to electric hot water only. In that case it uses hot water (about 65°C) for both washing and rinsing.
Handy hints
- Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher.
- Remove large food particles after dishes are taken from the table. If the dishes are to be washed immediately in the dishwasher no pre-rinsing is necessary.
- Select the lowest temperature or shortest running program on your machines that will satisfactorily wash the load.
- Use the detergent and rinse aid recommended by the dishwasher manufacturer and never exceed the recommended quantity.
- You could eliminate the drying cycle by opening the door after the final rinse and letting the dishes air dry.
- Make sure that the program is switched off before opening the door.
- Clean the dishwasher filter regularly.
COOLmob
Power and Water sponsor COOLmob to provide subsidised home energy audits and water audits.
For more information about reducing energy and water consumption and to organise a $10 audit visit
coolmob.org for Darwin or dkacoolmob.org for Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
