Tips on how to save your energy dollars while cleaning your home.

Your ENERGY STAR-qualified clothes washer or dishwasher operates very efficiently. That’s likely one of the reasons why you bought it. But there are simple ways to further reduce how much electricity each of these appliances consumers.

Selecting a lower water temperature—a cold wash/cold rinse setting, for example—on your washing machine will save energy dollars. You can also choose a lower water level for smaller loads, trimming water use. Some ENERGY STAR clothes washers even boast extra energy-cutting features such as pre-soak and “suds saver.”

Much of the energy used by your dishwasher—as much as 80 percent—goes for heating water. An ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwasher with a booster heater allows you to set the temperature on your home’s water heater at a lower 120 degrees. In addition, many ENERGY STAR dishwashers offer efficiency settings, such as “energy-saving” and “short-wash” cycles that shave both energy and water consumption. Most models come equipped with an air-drying option that helps lower electric bills.

You can also find out how other little changes around your home can quickly add up to big savings at www.TogetherWeSave.com.