Ask an Expert: Energy-Efficient Dishwashers

What makes high-efficiency dishwashers use less energy?

High performance dishwashers save energy by using improved technology for the main wash cycle and by using less hot water to clean dishes. A major design improvement is the use of more efficient motors, which increase dryer efficiency by 20 percent.

New ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers also include several innovations that reduce energy and improve performance:

• Soil sensors test how dirty dishes are throughout the wash and adjust the cycle to achieve optimum cleaning with minimum water and energy use.
• Improved water filtration removes food soils from the wash water allowing efficient use of detergent and water throughout the cycle.
• More efficient jets with targeted sprays use less energy to spray detergent and water over the dishes when cleaning.
• Innovative dish rack designs maximize cleaning by strategically situating the dishes.

See ENERGY STAR for more information about specification for high-efficiency dishwasher models and a listing of certified products.

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