Laundry

You can easily green your daily chores, starting with laundry. One of the simplest ways to save energy one laundry day is to launder in cold water only unless warm or hot water cycles are actually required.  Many newer detergents are specifically designed to be effective in cold waterwash cycles.   Next, consider hanging your laundry out to dry rather than using your dryer.  

Is it time to shop for a new washer or dryer?   Look for the Energy Star logo, which means the appliance is substantially more energy efficient than other models.  

Washers and dryers are one of your home's major sources of water vapor.  Excess vapor can condense in hidden areas of your home, which can lead to mold and mildew problems.  Front-loading washers seal up tightly, resulting in much less water vapor entering your home. They also use substantially less water than top loading machines.  Meanwhile, dryers need to be properly vented to prevent moist air from re-entering your house and lint traps should be cleaned after everyuse to prevent fires.  To prevent home heat loss, make sure that the area where the vent passes through the wall is properly sealed, and that older seals are repaired as they age.