Tips for Selecting a New Dishwasher

Whether it is just time for an upgrade on your appliances or if you’re planning a remodel of the entire kitchen, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when selecting your new dishwasher. In addition to the price and the exterior finish of this appliance, you’ll want to take note of the following: warranty, energy efficiency, noise level, cycle options, versatility in accommodating large and small items and dependability.

When considering the warranty for the appliance, ask about the time period, what is covered by the warranty and who you would need to contact for repair or replacement. Can you simply contact the dealer or will you need to contact the manufacturer? Checking out the dependability of the particular model and make of the dishwasher can be a very important clue. A low price on a model that has a record of complaints or repair issues may not be as good of a deal as it first appears.

The energy efficiency of the dishwasher can provide great value, particularly those that include a heat booster. You’ll pay more for this option, but you can quickly start to realize the savings by turning down the temperature on your water heater a few degrees. Having a variety of cycle options can also be a means of energy savings. Having the choice between a heated or air dry is one energy-saving option. Another is shorter cycles for lightly soiled dishes such as a crystal cycle.

If you’re looking to cut down on the noise level during operation, you’ll find that you’ll pay more for each level of noise reduction. It is a matter of determining, how important that feature is to you. Regardless of your choice in a dishwasher model, scheduling a professional kitchen repair plumber to take out the old dishwasher and install the new one will save you time and hassle every time.

Save Money and Energy Washing Dishes

According to the Department of Energy, the largest cost involved in washing dishes comes from the energy used to heat the water.  You can save energy and money on dishwashing by reducing your hot water usage.

Many people prefer to wash dishes by hand to save hot water.  However, dishwashing by hand can waste hot water, especially if you let the hot water run while washing and rinsing the dishes and wash dishes several times a day.

The most energy efficient way to wash dishes is to use an energy efficient dishwasher and running it only when it is fully loaded.  When choosing a new energy efficient dishwasher, be sure to compare capacity as well as energy usage ratings.  A lower capacity dishwasher may have a better energy efficiency rating, but if you have to run it more often you will end up using more water and energy than you would with a  larger capacity dishwasher.

A booster heater can make your dishwasher more energy efficient.  Booster heaters heat up the water entering the dishwasher to the recommended temperature for cleaning.  Dishwashers equipped with booster heaters are a little more expensive than standard water heaters, but they allow you to turn down the temperature on your water heater without sacrificing the performance of your dishwasher.  The added cost of a dishwasher equipped with a booster heater is typically offset by your energy savings in about a year.

For additional energy savings, look for a dishwasher that allows you to choose shorter cycles for less heavily soiled dishes and look for the Energy Star label.  For best results, your new dishwasher should be installed by a reputable kitchen repair plumber.