Replacing a 10-year old dishwasher with an EnergyStar-qualified model can save you more than $30 a year in energy costs!

The most important feature to look for in a new dishwasher is a booster water heater. Models with these built-in heaters bring the water temperature to the 140-160 degrees recommended by manufacturers. This allows you to keep your primary water heater at an energy-saving 120 degrees and still get your dishes sparkling clean.

Another new technology available from many brands is "smart sensors" that detect the amount of food left on the dishes. The sensors automatically program the dishwasher to run the most appropriate cycle, eliminating the need for pre-rinsing. This can save most users another gallon or two of water per load.

Other available features include:

  • A built-in food disposer and secondary water filter to prevent food particles from re-depositing on dishes.
  • A built-in rinse aid dispenser - some models even come with a small window on the dispenser so you can easily see when a refill is needed.
  • Nylon-covered racks and extra padding on the tips of the tines.
  • A delayed-start feature to run the dishwasher at night when hot water isn't needed for showers, laundry, etc.
  • A "sanitizing" cycle that kills germs and bacteria with super-heated water.
  • Sound-insulated models that are up to 75 percent quieter.

If you have a tiny kitchen, or if you have a wet bar, butler's pantry or even an RV, take a look at countertop dishwashers. These units plug into a standard outlet and hook up to a standard faucet. Most styles are about two feet wide and two feet high, and can hold two or three place settings or up to 24 glasses.

For an upscale kitchen, dish drawers might fit in nicely. Instead of one large door that opens from the top, dish drawers slide in and out just like a standard drawer - and they're energy-efficient. You can choose from one or two drawers; each drawer will hold about 30 percent more than a standard dishwasher rack. If you choose two drawers, you can run one at a time or both simultaneously.

Easy energy savers

  • If your dishwasher has a "booster" water heater, use it; this will heat the water to the 140 degrees recommended by manufacturers, while maintaining an energy-saving 120 degrees on your primary water heater.
  • Run the dishwasher only with full loads.
  • Use the air-dry cycle whenever possible.

Maintaining your dishwasher

  • If mineral deposits are building up inside your dishwasher, place a small container with one cup of vinegar in each rack. Doing this once a month will help dissolve existing deposits and prevent future build-up.
  • Cover any damaged tines with rubber tips (available from a home center or appliance dealer).
  • Check the rubber water supply hoses once a year. If they're cracked or starting to harden, replace them with new ones (available at most home centers and hardware stores).

More from this category

Cooking with energy

Woman opening oven

Simple, everyday cooking habits can save energy in the kitchen.

learn more

Cleaning dryer vents

Dryer vent hole on outside of house

Drying clothes takes a lot of energy. Keeping your dryer vent clean makes your appliance more energy efficient.

learn more

Video game consoles

boys playing video games

If you have kids, you probably have at least one video game system in your home. There are settings in today's gaming systems that can save energy.

learn more

Maintain your appliances

dollar bill in refrigerator door

Appliances start to wear down and use more energy. Here are tips to help keep your appliances running at top efficiency.

learn more

New trends in appliances

Kitchen with new appliances

Learn about some new trends in appliances, like heat pump clothes dryers, variable compressor refrigerators and induction cook tops.

learn more

Energy saving refrigerators

woman shopping for a refrigerator

Your refrigerator can be one-third of your energy bill. Learn what to look for when shopping for a new fridge to save you money.

learn more

Recycling old appliances

man hauling old refrigerator

Recycling that old refrigerator, freezer or room air conditioner will save you money and keep waste out of the landfill.

learn more

Give your appliances a vacation

Kids walking in the woods

Give your appliances a rest while you're out of town - your utility bill will thank you for it!

learn more

Energy saving dryer vent

People installing a dryer vent on a house

Traditional dryer vents can let outside air into your home. Try this energy-saving version to help keep the outside air where it belongs.

learn more