When most homeowners in Central Oregon think about saving water, they often focus on fixing leaky faucets or upgrading showerheads. But one of the most overlooked appliances in the home—the dishwasher—can be a significant factor in both water use and energy consumption.
Choosing the right dishwasher isn’t just about clean dishes; it’s also about reducing utility costs, minimizing environmental impact, and preserving the region’s precious water resources. According to the EPA ENERGY STAR Dishwasher Guide, the latest high-efficiency models can save thousands of gallons of water per year compared to older appliances.
At Einstein Pros, we’ve seen firsthand how an inefficient dishwasher can quietly waste water and money over time. Here’s what you need to know before your next upgrade.
The Water Cost of Dishwashing
If your dishwasher is more than 10 years old, it could be using more than 10 gallons per cycle, compared to the 3–5 gallons used by many modern ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers. Over a year, this difference can add up to more than 2,000 gallons of wasted water.
Water conservation is especially important in Central Oregon, where drought cycles and high-desert climate conditions mean that every gallon counts. The EPA WaterSense program emphasizes that household efficiency upgrades—including appliances—play a major role in sustainable water use.
If you’re still handwashing dishes, you may be surprised to learn that the EPA reports you could be using four times more water than you would with a modern dishwasher.
Benefits of an ENERGY STAR Dishwasher
Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher provides multiple benefits for your home, your wallet, and the environment:
1. Lower Water Usage
Newer dishwashers use advanced spray technology and soil sensors that adjust water flow based on how dirty your dishes are. This means you’re never using more water than necessary.
2. Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient dishwashers not only reduce your water consumption but also lower your electricity usage. This leads to long-term savings on your utility bills.
3. Better Cleaning Performance
With improved filtration systems and targeted spray jets, ENERGY STAR dishwashers often outperform older models, even with less water.
4. Environmental Impact
Reducing water and energy use helps lower your home’s carbon footprint and contributes to community-wide conservation efforts in Central Oregon.
Features to Look For
When shopping for a new dishwasher, here are the most important features to keep in mind for maximum water conservation:
- Soil Sensors: Automatically adjust water usage depending on how dirty the dishes are.
- Efficient Spray Arms: Provide better coverage with less water.
- Eco or Quick Wash Cycles: Shorter cycles that still deliver strong cleaning results.
- Delay Start: Lets you run the dishwasher during off-peak utility hours for energy savings.
Maintenance Matters
Even the most efficient dishwasher will waste water if it’s not maintained properly. Regular upkeep ensures optimal performance:
- Check and Clean Filters: Prevents blockages that cause the dishwasher to use more water.
- Inspect Spray Arms: Clear any debris to maintain efficient water flow.
- Avoid Overloading: Overstuffing racks can block water jets and lead to longer cycles.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your dishwasher or suspect it’s wasting water, our team offers appliance plumbing services to inspect and maintain your kitchen systems.
Dishwasher vs. Handwashing: The Numbers
It’s a common belief that washing dishes by hand saves water, but the EPA’s findings say otherwise. A standard ENERGY STAR dishwasher can use as little as 3 gallons per load, while handwashing the same load could use more than 20 gallons.
Over the course of a year, switching to a modern dishwasher can save enough water to fill an entire backyard swimming pool.
Local Water Conservation in Central Oregon
Here in Bend, Redmond, and the surrounding communities, we face unique challenges in managing water resources. The high desert environment means that groundwater levels and municipal supplies need careful protection.
Upgrading to an efficient dishwasher is a simple yet impactful step toward reducing water waste in your home. When combined with other upgrades like low-flow fixtures and leak detection services, you can make a big difference.
Making the Switch
If you’re ready to upgrade your dishwasher, look for models with the ENERGY STAR label. The EPA’s Dishwasher Buying Guide is a great place to compare models and see estimated water and energy savings.
Our licensed plumbers at Einstein Pros can handle everything from disconnecting your old appliance to professionally installing your new one—ensuring it’s hooked up for optimal efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Your choice of dishwasher has a bigger impact on water conservation than you might think. With water efficiency becoming increasingly important in Central Oregon, investing in an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher can help you save thousands of gallons of water, reduce your monthly bills, and support community sustainability efforts.
If you’re looking to upgrade, troubleshoot, or maintain your dishwasher, contact Einstein Pros today for expert service in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and beyond.