Save energy and money with this diet for your dryer

Your clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy hogs in your house. Turn these 10 tips into habits, and you'll see the difference in your bill.

We all know that line-drying our laundry under the sun is the green thing to do. Some of us actually enjoy it. But what if you live in a city apartment? What if it's been pouring rain for two days straight? What if you just can't cope with wrangling 75 clothespins today?

Thank God for modern appliances.

Just keep in mind that your clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy hogs in your house, often using more electricity than a newer refrigerator and dishwasher combined. Nationwide, according to Green Building Advisor, clothes dryers account for a whopping 6 percent of all household electric use!

Here's how to dry with less energy - and less money. You can turn these 10 tips into habits in no time.

1. Get as much water out of the clothes as possible

If your washing machine has the option, go with the fastest spin cycle. (Front-loaders can spin way faster than top-loaders.) It can make a dramatic difference in your dry time, whether you use the dryer or the sun. BTW, indoor racks are a green option too, if you have the space.

2. Dry heavy and light items separately

That way, you won't spend extra energy on the things that need less drying time. Dry towels separately, for example.

3. Untangle things and put them in one at a time

You need air circulation in there, not a big wet ball. There's a lot of debate about whether dryer balls actually help keep things separated and reduce drying time, but they can't hurt.

4. Don't do partial loads, but don't overcrowd

Overcrowding means less air circulation and longer dry times. Half to three-quarters full is a good limit.

5. Keep the lint filter and the vent clean

For better air circulation, clean the lint filter every time you dry and check the vent at least once a year. Lint can also create a serious fire hazard. Dryer sheets leave a film that also impedes air flow. If you use them, scrub the filter monthly.

6. Don't use timed cycles

Your machine might keep going past dry. Newer dryers have moisture sensors that turn them off promptly.

7. Don't add more after you start the cycle

If you do, you're adding water, and it's almost like starting over.

8. Use the cool-down cycle at the end

Residual heat will finish the job.

9. Stop short of bone-dry

Hang stuff up to dry the rest of the way if necessary. Slightly damp clothes won't be wrinkled either, which reduces the need for energy-intensive ironing. You'll extend the life of your clothes too - heat is hard on fabric.

10. Dry two or more loads in a row

You'll get the benefit of residual heat.

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