Dishwashers

Consumers today have many choices in dishwashers, from various sizes with a variety of features, all of which affect energy consumption. Today’s new dishwashers use approximately 47 per cent less energy than the average of those models in homes today. Water heating accounts for about 80 per cent of the energy used by a dishwasher, whereas only about eight per cent is used to operate the motor.

Energy Star^®, an international program adopted by Natural Resources Canada, is a simple way for consumers to identify products that are among the most energy efficient on the market. Energy Star^® qualified dishwashers are available in all sizes of standard and compact models. To qualify for the Energy Star^® label, appliances must exceed the minimum federal energy performance standard in Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations by specific percentages. For standard-size dishwashers, the threshold is 25 per cent.

Many Energy Star^® dishwashers use "smart" sensors that adjust the wash cycle and the amount of water to match the load. Most also have an internal booster heater, which allows lowering of the hot water tank temperature for uses that do not require the temperature needed for washing dishes.

The average life of a dishwasher is 13 years so a little energy efficiency research can be a good investment.

There are two labels to look for when purchasing any new appliance. First, look for the Energy Star^® label to ensure the appliance meets or exceeds the energy performance standard. Second, look for an EnerGuide label, which indicates the annual electricity that particular model would use under normal operating conditions. The EnerGuide label allows you to compare electricity use for different models.

Approximately 77 per cent of Alberta’s electricity is generated by non-renewable fossil fuels, a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Over 55 per cent of Alberta homes have dishwashers, so energy efficient units can contribute to the province’s overall efficiency and GHG reductions.

Energy Savings Tips

When buying, look for dishwashers with built-in heat boosters, which raise their hot water temperature to at least 60° Celsius (C). This allows the temperature on your hot water tank to be set at a lower temperature (in the 45° C to 50° C range) to suit other needs. A lower setting will make best use of the booster’s energy saving features. Each 5.5° C reduction in water heating temperature setting can result in a three-to-five per cent reduction of energy consumption for water heating.
For easy-to-clean loads in your dishwasher, use the light or short cycle. For further savings, use the no-heat or energy saving drying cycle and open the door when the wash cycle is complete and the contents are sufficiently hot to let the dishes air-dry.
Most new dishwashers don't require a pre-rinse. Scrape food and empty liquids. If you must pre-rinse, do so manually by using cold water.
Only run your dishwasher when it is full.