About 80% to 85% of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water.

There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes-use less water and use cooler water. Wash clothes in cold water only. Your clothes will be just as clean as using warm or hot water and you'll save money by not heating water to wash clothes.

Use your automatic washing machine only for full loads.

Clean your dryer's filter after each use. A clean dryer filter will allow your dryer to work more efficiently. Dryer filters full of lint will cause your dryer to work harder and longer -- and use more energy.