Dishwashers that are qualified for the Energy Star must meet several strenuous requirements. Here are a couple of them:

• They must use at least forty-one percent less energy than the federal minimum requirement.

• Energy Star dishwashers use much less water than standard dishwashers.

There are several things that you can do while washing dishes:

• Always run your dishwasher with a full load. This maximizes your use of the hot water. Heating the water is where the dishwasher is least efficient, so it’s best to get the most out of it that you possibly can.

• Avoid using the settings for heated-dry and extra rinses. Use the air-dry setting instead.

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… for a new dishwasher?

Here are a few things to remember if you are looking for a new dishwasher:

• Energy Star! Number 1 consideration that will save you money in the long run.
• Capacity ~ Just like refrigerators and freezers, dishwashers have a space limit. How much space does your household require?
•  Type ~ Built-in, portable, or counter-top?
• Quietness ~ This is almost essential if you are going to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen while the dishwasher is running.
• Options or features ~ Hard food disposal, wash cycles, and adjustable shelves and racks fall under this category.

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