Money-Saving Laundry Tips from Your Columbia Area Plumbing & HVAC Pros
Your Columbia Area Plumbing & HVAC Laundry Room
Warm weather is the perfect time to refresh your home—and that includes how you manage your laundry room. At Carolina Conditions, your trusted Columbia area plumbing & HVAC experts, we want to help you save money, reduce waste, and make your laundry appliances last longer.
These simple, effective laundry tips will help you lower utility bills, extend the life of your machines, and even improve household safety.
Energy-Efficient Laundry Tips to Save Money
1. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Heating water accounts for a big chunk of energy use in your home.
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Switch to cold water for most loads—it’s just as effective when you use the right amount of detergent.
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Reserve hot water for heavily soiled or greasy laundry only.
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Lowering your water heater usage can also reduce plumbing system strain over time.
2. Wash Full Loads Only
A washing machine uses nearly the same amount of energy and water regardless of the load size.
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Wait until you have a full load to wash.
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If washing a smaller load, adjust the water level accordingly.
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Use your towels twice before tossing them in the wash—you’re clean when you use them, after all!
Dryer Safety & Efficiency Tips
3. Clean the Lint Trap Before Every Load
A clogged lint trap reduces airflow and efficiency—and worse, it’s a fire hazard.
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Remove lint after each drying cycle.
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Dryer sheets can leave behind a waxy film. Test your lint screen: rinse it under water. If the water beads up, scrub it clean with warm, soapy water and a brush.
4. Check Your Outdoor Exhaust
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Make sure the dryer exhaust flap outside closes properly when not in use.
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A malfunctioning flap can let in cold air or pests—and reduce energy efficiency.
5. Inspect Dryer Vent Connections
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Ensure the vent hose is tightly connected to the dryer and wall fitting.
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Check for kinks or blockages that can reduce efficiency or cause overheating.
Pro Tip: Schedule a Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning
Over time, lint buildup inside the vent hose and ductwork can reduce airflow, raise drying times, and pose a fire risk. Carolina Conditions offers dryer vent cleaning services to keep your system running safely and efficiently. It’s one of the most overlooked HVAC-related maintenance tasks in the home—and one of the most important!
6. Use the Moisture Sensor (If Your Dryer Has One)
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This feature shuts the dryer off when clothes are dry, saving electricity.
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No more overdrying clothes and wasting energy!
7. Dry Loads Back-to-Back
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Dry multiple loads in a row to take advantage of residual heat.
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This reduces the time and energy required for the next cycle.
Bonus Tip: Skip the Dryer Entirely
Weather permitting, hang clothes on a clothesline to dry using free solar power!
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It’s better for the environment and your energy bill.
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Clothesline drying also preserves fabric and prevents shrinking.
Carolina Conditions: Your Local Laundry Plumbing Experts
While many laundry room tips are DIY-friendly, don’t forget your washing machine and dryer hookups are part of your plumbing and HVAC system. From washer drain connections to dryer vent cleaning, our team can help you maintain a safe and efficient laundry room.
Need help with your plumbing setup, utility room upgrades, or dryer vent maintenance? Call Carolina Conditions today at 803-233-7172 or schedule your service online. We proudly serve Columbia, Lexington, and surrounding communities.