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The dishwasher is one of the main domestic appliances found in kitchens in Spain. More than 43% of households have one, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE in Spanish).
To save electricity with this domestic appliance, here are two recommendations that will help you reduce consumption and save on your bills: For efficient consumption and for maintenance.
Efficient consumption tips for your dishwasher
A report on Consumption in the Residential Sector in Spain (2020-2019) prepared by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDEA in Spanish) indicates that each dishwasher uses an average of 245 kWh per year, which is equivalent to 6.1% of the total electricity consumption for the home. If we focus on water consumption, a dishwasher uses an average of 54.2 litres of water per day.
So it is possible to save simply by reducing consumption.
- First there is the choice of appliance. We should take into account your needs and the use you are going make of it. If you only use a few items a day, it does not make sense to select a large capacity dishwasher and vice versa. Also, check to see if it has an ECO programme, which as we will explain in this post, is an efficient programme which manages by itself the best way to save resources and be more efficient in the washing process. And although it may seem that if it takes longer than other programmes this is counterproductive, the temperature of the water used is lower, so it consumes less energy during the wash.
- Another key point is to know the power of the domestic appliance so you can calculate how much electricity it uses. This is why it is very important to take into account the rating that appears on the energy efficiency label, which helps you to know the consumption it will have: The higher the rating, the more electricity and water you will save.
- When using your dishwasher, try to use it to its maximum capacity. 85% of electricity consumption is for heating the water, while 15% is used to drive the motors. If you do two washes at half load you will consume more energy than a single wash at full capacity.
- Another tip is to prioritise short programmes that dispense with drying, because your cups, plates and cutlery can be air dried, especially in the summer, once the programme is over.
- As we have already mentioned, it is also advisable to choose low temperature programmes, enough to wash your kitchen utensils without using too much energy to heat the water.
- And to optimise consumption, take a careful look at your electricity tariff. If you have a time discrimination tariff, take advantage of off-peak hours (when the kWh is cheaper) to run your dishwasher. Some appliances can be programmed even from your mobile phone, but if yours does not have this function, you can always incorporate a timer. And remember that you can always modify your tariff to suit your way of life, just ask us and we will be happy to advise you.
Maintenance and cleaning tips for your dishwasher
The maintenance of your dishwasher is crucial to reduce consumption and prolong its useful life. You do not need to rinse dishes and glasses with water if they are not especially dirty before putting them in your dishwasher, but be careful not to leave extensive remains of food, because they can accumulate in your domestic appliance and affect its operation.
- When placing kitchen utensils in the dishwasher, here are some recommendations: Put glasses, cups, bowls and saucepans upside down. If dishwasher has a basket, the handle should be placed upwards. When placing the dishes, make sure they do not rub together. Try to place the dirtiest areas facing downwards, since the lower area is the one that gets the most exposure to water. Make sure that the blades do not touch anything: In some dishwashers you can modify the height of the trays so that larger utensils can fit. Never put utensils that are not suitable for dishwashers, for example, plastics that can change their shape due to the high temperature of the water.
- Follow the instructions for your model and brand when adding the detergent. If it is a powder detergent, make sure the dose is correct. Too much detergent can harmful to your domestic appliance and it will cause it to use more electricity since when more foam is generated it will need more rinsing cycles to remove it. Do not forget the salt, which means you need to know how hard the water is in your area, as well as the rinsing agent.
- Once the programme is finished, open the door of your dishwasher. This will prevent the rubbers from deteriorating and generating bad odours inside.
- You can use the cleaning programme and use specific products frequently, as well as removing the filters and washing them, all in accordance with the instruction manual. If the filters are dirty, your dishwasher will use more energy and water during the wash.
- We also recommend you not to leave your dishwasher unused for too long, as its components may become damaged (rubbers that lose their properties, food debris that solidifies and clogs the pipes, etc.).
- Finally, we suggest that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions, with inspections and repairs made by authorised professionals, so your dishwasher is always in perfect condition and works as efficiently as possible.
Endesa would always like your appliances to be ready and not cause you problems. This is why we offer you the 360 Plus Protection maintenance service, with which you will not only protect your home from breakdowns in your electrical installation, but you can also enjoy a repair service for your domestic appliances, including the dishwasher, of course, and other services such as locksmith, plumbing and window repairs.
Keep up-to-date with InfoEnergía
With our exclusive InfoEnergía service you will always be up-to-date regarding the amount of electricity you consume in your home, with detailed, customised information and nothing is left out. And all this just for because you are a customer!
The top 5 data that are available through InfoEnergía:
- Your current consumption compared to previous periods.
- You will knowing which domestic appliances consume more in your home and the total balance for your consumption.
- You can simulate the savings you could make if you decide to change your appliances for more efficient ones.
- You get customised tips that will help you reduce consumption based on your lifestyle and equipment (boiler, dishwasher, electric car, etc.)
- You receive comparisons between your consumption and the consumption made by other profiles similar to yours in the neighbouring area.
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Comparison of Electricity and Gas Tariffs
You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Spend a minute to find the product which best adapts to you:
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Spend a minute to find the product which best adapts to you: