A dishwasher is a mechanical device that is used to clean dishes. It washes utensils by spraying a mix of hot water and detergent on it, followed by clean water to remove the detergent residue. It can be said to be the most popular invention, after washing machine, for busy families. Dishwashers have eased their work to a great deal. Now, they can save a lot of time that was earlier used in washing utensils and spend it on something more worthy. However, a lot of electric energy goes for a toss in the usage of this machine. Want to explore some energy saving tips for dishwashers and cut your electricity bill? Read on...

•  Buying a product that boasts of ‘energy star rating’ is a great idea. This way, you will be able to save on a lot of energy and the resultant electricity cost as well. In other words, you will not be at a loss, definitely.

• Dishwashers are classified as either compact capacity or standard capacity. Keep your family size in mind, while deciding between the two, in terms of energy usage.

• Compact models use less energy, but also hold fewer dishes. They will be perfect if you have a small family. However, in case you have a large family, having to run a compact dishwasher several times to clean your family's dishes will result in greater energy use.

• Standard-capacity dishwashers can take more load, but also use more energy. They are perfect for a large-size family, so that all the dishes get clean in one go. In case of a small family, you would mostly end up using them below the full load and thus, waste energy.

• Energy consumption can be reduced by turning off the dishwasher before the drying cycle. Clean dishes can be left to dry on their own or even wiped dry, saving on the energy.

• It is better to run the dishwasher when it is fully loaded, rather than partially loaded.

• Keep the filters of your dishwasher clear of debris. A blocked filter reduces efficiency and wastes energy.

• Short wash cycles, rinse-only cycles, mid-cycle turn off and other such features are designed for energy conservation in dishwashers. Make use of them to cut down on electricity usage.

• Prefer using a cold wash, unless it's absolutely necessary to use hot water for your dishes. The former uses much less energy.

• It is better to switch off the appliance rather than leaving it on standby, when not in use.

• Lower the water-heater thermostat in dishwashers that have booster heaters. It will help you save on energy.

• Look for features like "energy-saving" and "short-wash" cycles. Using more efficient operating cycles will help you use less water and save energy as well.

• Try installing your dishwasher away from the refrigerator. If you have to put them next to each other, place a sheet of foam insulation between them.

• Use short wash cycles for everything, but the dirtiest dishes. They use less energy and work just as well.

• If your dishwasher has an air-dry setting, choose it instead of heat-drying. By doing so, you will lower its energy consumption by 15 to 50 percent.

• Using an energy efficient dishwasher offers the dual benefit of lowering energy bills and protecting the environment. Though they cost more initially, they help you save money in the long run.