Many people think that doing laundry is as simple as tossing in clothes and pressing start—but a small oversight can actually spike your energy bill. Here’s what to watch out for:

The Common Mistake

Running the washing machine without checking the water temperature or load size.

Hot water for every load: Using hot water unnecessarily wastes energy, especially if you’re washing lightly soiled clothes. Heating water accounts for a large portion of your energy consumption.

Half-full loads: Running a half-empty washing machine means you’re using the same amount of energy and water for fewer clothes, effectively doubling the cost per garment.

How to Avoid It