You may be able to cut down on your monthly energy bills by changing how and when you do your laundry. While scheduling when you run a load of laundry won’t help everyone save, it can be beneficial if your home is powered by what we call a time-of-use energy plan. Many utility companies and electricity companies offer plan types that charge low rates during periods of low demand and high rates when demand is at its highest. Some electricity companies even offer free energy plans.
To save money, check the details of your plan’s peak versus off-peak hours and try doing laundry during discount, off-peak hours. And even if you don’t have a time-of-use energy plan, we’ve put together some concrete ways you can tweak your laundry habits and save money.
When Is the Best Time To Do Laundry?
The best time to do laundry is during off-peak hours — provided you have a time-of-use energy plan. This is because energy demand is lower, so the rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is cheaper. Off-peak hours are usually late at night or on weekends when fewer people are using electricity.
Shifting your laundry routine to off-peak hours allows you to take advantage of lower energy rates. It also helps reduce strain on the power grid, which is good for everyone.
For example, if you have a time-of-use plan with your electric company, running your washing machine after 9 p.m. or on weekends reduces your cost of using energy. However, your plan’s discounted minutes will vary depending on your energy provider and energy plan. Check its electricity facts label (EFL) to determine the precise time when your savings will apply.
Aside from the time of day, the time of year also impacts when’s the best time to do laundry. During the summer, electricity prices tend to rise in the late afternoon and early evening when many people are running their air conditioning systems to cool their homes. Because of the increased demand, these hours tend to be more expensive.
On the other hand, heating systems may drive up electricity demand during the winter, especially in the colder months. Always check with your utility provider about specific peak times and seasonal fluctuations so you can adjust your laundry schedule accordingly to minimize costs. If you’re on a fixed-rate plan, you can do your laundry whenever you like, as your rate per kilowatt-hour won’t change based on the time of day.
Understanding Peak Hours and Energy Rates
Time-of-use energy plans offer discounted energy rates during off-peak hours but charge very high rates during peak hours. The phrase “peak hours” refers to periods of maximum demand when people use the most energy.
Peak demand periods typically occur in the early morning, late afternoon and early evening. As a general rule of thumb, these are the times when most homes and businesses are using power for lighting, cooking, heating, or cooling. Keep in mind there are exceptions to this rule. Peak hours can vary by your geographical region, with changes based on local usage patterns, climate, and utility company pricing structures. Seasonal weather changes will also impact these times.
If you’re unsure about the peak hours for your area, ask your electricity provider or check the terms and conditions for your energy plan. Residents in the Texas deregulated energy market can check a plan’s EFL.
Sample Peak vs. Off-Peak Energy Rates
| Time Period | Typical Rate Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Hours (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.) | $0.16 – $0.23 per kWh | Avoid running washer/dryer; Best for low-energy activities like folding clean laundry |
| Mid-Peak Hours (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) | $0.16 – $0.18 per kWh | Quick wash cycles if needed; Good for air-drying laundry outdoors |
| Off-Peak Hours (8 p.m. – 12 a.m.) | $0.13 – $0.15 per kWh | Ideal for running dryer; Good for multiple loads |
| Super Off-Peak Hours (12 a.m. – 8 a.m.) | $0.10 – $0.14 per kWh | Best time for running washer; Perfect for heavy loads and multiple cycles |
These sample times are estimates to provide a basic example of how time-of-use plans may be structured. To determine your actual peak and off-peak hours, check the EFL or contact your provider directly.
Best Times To Do Laundry in Summer
The best time to do laundry in the summer months is in the early morning or very late at night. The temperatures are usually cooler during these times than during the day. Cooler temperatures mean your AC won’t have to work as hard to offset the heat generated by the washer and dryer. However, if you have a time-of-use plan, check the precise periods of peak versus off-peak demand to ensure you’re not doing laundry during a high-demand period. Some time-of-use plans charge peak rates as early as 5 a.m.
After you’ve washed and dried your clothes, the natural humidity of the summer environment can serve as a natural de-wrinkler. Humidity tends to be higher on summer mornings, so you may not need to iron your clothes as much, saving time and energy. When doing laundry in the summer, consider moving your routine to the early mornings.
Morning Laundry Benefits
If you’re a morning person, consider doing your laundry in the morning during the summer months.
- Cooler temperatures help reduce demands on your air conditioning system
- If you do laundry early enough, you may enjoy low time-of-use rates.
If you have the space for it, consider line-drying your laundry. Air-drying clothes can significantly cut down on your dryer use, which can significantly defray how much total energy you consume each month.
Best Times To Do Laundry in Winter
During the colder months, it’s best to do your laundry at night. During the day, the cold outdoor temperatures force your heating system to work harder, which can drive up energy costs. Still, by the evening, chances are your house is already warm from the heating system running over the course of the day, so you can use the heat to your advantage. A warmer home makes it easier for your dryer to maintain the proper temperature, improving its efficiency and helping clothes dry faster.
Aside from using your warm home to your advantage, by doing your laundry at night, you can avoid peak electricity rates. During the winter months, rates are usually higher during the late afternoon and early evening periods when everyone is home and using electricity to warm up. Chances are your rates will drop at night-time when most people go to sleep – think past 8 p.m.
Money-Saving Winter Laundry Tips
- Switch to cold water: Use cold water washes to clean your clothes to avoid using energy to heat the water.
- Maximize your dryer’s efficiency: Only run your dryer with full loads and clean the lint screen prior to use.
- Avoid peak hours: Wash your clothes at night to avoid peak hour rates.
- Use a drying rack: Instead of using the dryer, try an indoor drying rack positioned by a vent or radiator. Air drying will reduce your energy usage and help extend the life of your favorite laundry items.
Additional Cost-Saving Laundry Strategies
Regardless of the season or time of day, you can conserve energy and save on your monthly laundry energy expenditures with a few easy steps.
One of the most effective ways to cut costs is to wash only full loads of laundry. Whether you’re using a washer or dryer, running smaller loads consumes more energy per item, so it’s more efficient to wait until you have enough laundry to make a full load.
If you have older appliances, consider investing in an energy-efficient washer and dryer. Models with high efficiency ratings use less water and energy, which translates to long-term savings. When replacing outdated washers or dryers, look for ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. These appliances meet the strict efficiency standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Lastly, you can conserve even more energy by air-drying your laundry whenever possible. For the most efficient air drying, we recommend setting up a drying rack near an air vent. You can also set up a clothesline outside. Air drying your laundry will not only reduce your energy usage, but it may also help your laundry last longer than clothes that you throw in the dryer regularly.
Table: Laundry Temperature Guide
| Temperature Setting | Energy Usage | Best For | Cost per Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot | High | Heavily soiled items, whites, bedding, etc. | Most expensive, requires heating water to high temps |
| Warm | Moderate | Everyday laundry, lightly soiled clothes, colors, delicates | Mid-range cost-wise, lower than hot water but higher than cold water |
| Cold | Low | Lightly soiled clothes, delicates, dark or bright colors | Least expensive, ideal for energy savings |
Frequently Asked Questions About When To Do Laundry
Does the type of washing machine affect the best time to do laundry?
Your type of washing machine can impact your overall energy usage and the best time to do laundry. Front-load washers tend to be more energy-efficient than top-load washers; they use less water and electricity. Similarly, ENERGY STAR-certified washers are usually pretty energy efficient, so you can run them during peak hours occasionally without fear of increasing your monthly bill by too much. Standard washers and dryers consume more energy, so timing your laundry for off-peak hours is crucial to avoid higher costs. However, note that you’ll only save money by shifting when you do your laundry if you have a time-of-use energy plan.
How much money can I save by doing laundry during off-peak hours?
By doing laundry during off-peak hours, you can save a significant amount on your monthly energy bill, especially if you do laundry frequently. The average American household with children does seven loads of laundry each week, according to a survey by Whirlpool. When you take that along with the fact that the cost of electricity during peak hours is 20% higher than during off-peak hours, you could save over $1.00 per load depending on your appliance’s energy consumption and your local electricity rates. Over the course of a year, that means you could save close to $500, or more if you have a time-of-use (TOU) rate plan.
Should I wait to have a full load before doing laundry?
Yes, it’s always more efficient to wait for a full load before doing laundry. Washing a full load uses the same amount of water and energy as a partial load, so running a washer with fewer clothes wastes resources. For example, washing a half-load uses virtually the same amount of electricity and water as a full load, making it a less efficient and more expensive option.
Can using cold water really clean my clothes effectively?
Gone are the days when you had to wash clothes in warm or hot water to get rid of bacteria and stains. With modern advances in laundry detergent, laundry sanitizers, and washing machines, you can get a great clean with cold water. For heavily stained or greasy clothes, consider pre-treating them with a stain remover for the best chance of removing the stain. An added benefit of washing your clothes in cold water is that it helps preserve delicates and colorful clothing (dark or bright) from looking faded and shrinking. As long as you choose the right detergent and pre-treat stubborn stains, cold water washing is the way to go.
