THE HOME IS THE FASTEST AND BEST PLACE TO CONSERVE IN YOUR DAILY LIFE, KEEP YOUR HOUSE BRIGHT BUT ULTIMATELY LITE...

SAVINGS
Dishwasher water heating element  - $3 a month
Dishwashers to kill germs or not to kill them  - $0 a month
Run Dishwashers only when full  - $5+ a month
Dishwasher Options, Helpful or Harmful - $1+ a month
Use the Dishwasher vs. Washing by Hand - $.50 - $1 a month
In the Market for a New Dishwasher - $4+ a month

Dishwasher water heating element: Most dishwashers have a heating element within the dishwasher in order to raise the temperature within the dishwasher.  This allows the homeowner to lower the temperature of the hot water heater for the whole house.

Dishwashers to kill germs or not to kill them: To kill germs, the temperature within your dishwasher must be above 180 degrees. The hot water heater only produces about 140 degrees in a normal household due to its setting.  The dishwasher element will raise the temperature to approximately 160 degrees unless you have a germ-killing feature, which will raise it above 180 degrees.  Most detergents do the work of killing the germs just fine.  This added option on your dishes uses a great deal of electricity so know what you want before you set the dial or push the button.  Also every option on your dishwasher above Normal load, no added heat will use up a ton of electricity. 

Run Dishwashers only when full: Make sure that when you run a load of dishes that the dishwasher is full.  This conserves on energy, time, and water.  You will use the same amount of electricity and water whether the dishwasher is full or mostly empty.  Also be aware that you must not overload the dishwasher and not to cram the dishes in or you will not have clean dishes.

Dishwasher Options, Helpful or Harmful: Be aware of the cycle’s options you activate on your dishwasher, most option use more electricity to operate. Also take a look at all energy savings options that are on newer models. Another great option to save energy is to open the door after the rinse cycle. Set your dishwasher to beep after the rinse cycle is done. As soon as you hear that beep, open the door and let the steam and hot water evaporate. No energy necessary for this option.

Use the Dishwasher vs. Washing by Hand: When you scrub dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, use cold/warm water. There is no need to use hot water since the dishwasher will do that for you.  When it comes to which is more efficient, whether to use a dishwasher or wash by hand, you most likely will use more hot water washing dishes by hand. The amount of electricity then depends on your machines efficiency and age. Either way scrub all of your dishes before you load them into your dishwasher.

In the Market for a New Dishwasher: If you are in the market for a new dishwasher, look into two quantities, energy intake as well as water intake. Some dishwashers need less than others.  You should be able to find this information on its tag or ask the sales agent.  There is a certain amount of gallons of hot water that is used in each wash/rinse cycle.