Energy

If you own a dishwasher with a booster heater, make sure it is turned on. Using the booster heater heats the water at the source, so you can set your hot-water tank to a lower temperature (about 120 degrees Fahrenheit). If you're unsure if your model has one, contact the manufacturer.

If you have a "no-heat" dry setting on your dishwasher, use it. Heat drying is not necessary after a hot-wash cycle. If you don't have an air-dry setting on your model, turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse and prop the door open, allowing your dishes to air-dry.

Shift appliance use to off-peak hours. Off-peak hours are typically from 9 pm to 7 am. Your utility company may also offer off-peak energy rates, in which case you can save money by running appliances during lower-rate periods. Call your utility company to find if they offer off-peak rates and during what times.