Hint: It could save you money.
When do you typically run your dishwasher? First thing in the morning before you head to work, or after dinner when all of the dirty plates pile up? You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about it, but a simple decision like when to run your dishwasher can actually have a big effect on your energy bill over time. Here's why: most energy companies charge higher rates for energy used during peak hours. To lower your energy bill, you'll want to check your energy company's peak hours and wait to run your dishwasher (and washing machine, and dryer) at another time of day.
RELATED: 7 Things You Probably Didn't Know You Can Clean in Your Dishwasher
Check Your Energy Company's Peak Hours
Peak hours and rates will vary depending upon your energy company and area, so check the company's website for more info. For my Brooklyn apartment with energy supplied by conEdison, a quick search revealed just how dramatically prices can vary: from June 1 to September 30, peak rates from 8 a.m. to midnight cost 23.07 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while midnight to 8 a.m. costs just 1.63 cents/kWh. Yes, that means that energy used during peak hours costs 14 times more than off-peak.
Because more people are using energy-guzzling air conditioners during the summer in Brooklyn, conEdison also has something called "Summer-Peak Pricing" which runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, when rates are even higher. So even if I didn't want to wait until midnight to run my dishwasher, avoiding these prime afternoon hours could save a lot of money over the course of the summer.
RELATED: The Ultimate Cleaning Routines for Early Birds vs Night Owls
So, When Is the Best Time to Run Your Dishwasher?
While peak hours will vary slightly by area, as a general rule, the cheapest time to run your dishwasher is at night—when people begin to turn off the lights and TVs and the grid is less busy.
Note: For fire safety reasons, you should only run appliances like dishwashers and dryers while you're home and avoid running them overnight or when you're sleeping. So if you're not a night owl, running the machine early in the morning before you go to work could be a smart alternative.
Even if you don't want to rework your cleaning schedule, simply avoiding using large appliances during peak afternoon hours (especially during the summer months) can keep your utility bill in check.
FAQs
The idea behind running your dishwasher at night is that it will reduce the cost of operation. At night, electricity naturally costs slightly less to use, because there is less demand placed on the grid.
Why is it better to run the dishwasher at night? ›
"Night, early morning, or midday, when most people are at work, these are considered off-peak hours," says Matt Kerr, electrical engineer and co-founder of Appliance Geeked. "Because it puts less stress on your local power system, running your dishwasher at these hours can also save electricity."
What happens if you don't use the dishwasher for a long time? ›
Your dishwasher should be just fine if you leave it unused for a while. However, leaving your dishwasher totally unused for more than a year may cause it to become faulty.
How often should you run a dishwasher if you don't use it? ›
Keep it Running
Running your dishwasher at least once a week keeps the motor seals working properly. Remember, even small loads can save water with your dishwasher.
Is it bad to leave dishwasher running when not home? ›
As with many appliances, it is a good idea to make sure the dishwasher is off when leaving the house or at the very least, cancel the heat or dry cycle before leaving. Worn or broken pipes, leaky gaskets, cracked hoses or faulty valves can also cause damage.
Is it wasteful to run the dishwasher every night? ›
If saving water is a priority, then it makes sense to use your home dishwasher every day of the week. On the other hand, if eeking out those additional 2 or 3 years in dishwasher life expectancy is your priority, then it's best not to use it more than 5 times a week.
What does the overnight setting on dishwasher do? ›
The "delay start" setting enables you to set a timer that will activate a pre-selected cycle. This option is particularly handy if you choose to wash your dishes at night, when your electricity plan is often cheaper.
Can I leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher overnight? ›
Generally, you can leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher for up to a week with no serious consequences for your dishes or dishwasher. Several factors can affect how long dishes can safely wait if you get busy, forget, or just don't have enough dirty dishes for a full load.
Is it bad to run a dishwasher with nothing in it? ›
Once it's time, run a cycle on the hottest and longest cycle with no dishes or detergent. This will clean out old food particles to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh. This will remove the accumulation of food in the pump and motor and will wash away grease and remove musty odors.
Is it best to leave the dishwasher door open or closed? ›
It's best to leave the dishwasher's door open for a little while after running a cycle. Keeping it shut creates a warm, damp environment that's perfect for mould and other microbes to flourish. If mould does develop, you can clean it away with bleach.
Typically, one load will cost you around 0.17 cents, so running your dishwasher every day for a week will end up costing you a little over a dollar. Of course, this cost can vary. A countertop dishwasher or a smaller dishwasher will typically use less electricity than a larger one.
How to make a dishwasher last longer? ›
Closing Thoughts
- Don't Use Your Dishwasher Incorrectly.
- Clean Your Dishwasher Filter Regularly.
- Examine the Dishwasher Spray Arms.
- Take Care of Hard Water Residue Immediately.
- Remove Gunk or Crust Around the Dishwasher Door Seal.
- Rustproof the Dishwasher Racks.
We recommend cleaning your dishwasher once per month with our Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner for best results. However, here are some warning signs that signal your dishwasher needs a clean: An unpleasant smell. Cutlery/crockery leaves a cycle covered with food or grease.
Why should you run your dishwasher at night? ›
So, When Is the Best Time to Run Your Dishwasher? While peak hours will vary slightly by area, as a general rule, the cheapest time to run your dishwasher is at night—when people begin to turn off lights and TVs and the grid is less busy.
How long can dirty dishes sit in a dishwasher? ›
It's always best to set your dishwasher going as soon as it's full. However, if you need to wait a few days before turning your dishwasher on, it's fine to leave dirty dishes in there for two days. However, if you do end up leaving dirty dishes in the dishwasher for more than 2 days, it should not be cause for concern.
Is it cheaper to run dishwasher at night or day? ›
While peak hours will vary slightly by area, as a general rule, the cheapest time to run your dishwasher is at night—when people begin to turn off lights and TVs and the grid is less busy.
What is the night mode on a dishwasher? ›
Quiet dishwashing, perfect for night time
This Hisense dishwasher has a special night programme, that produces 2dB less noise than the standard programme, which means a noise level close to a whisper.
Is it cheaper to run a washing machine at night? ›
Generally, it is much cheaper to run a washing machine at night. During the night, there is less electricity being demanded from the grid. This means that energy-consuming appliances like washing machines are cheaper to use overnight. However, we would not recommend leaving your washing machine unattended overnight.
