A technology that's been around since before civilization began may offer significant benefits for our pocketbook, our country, and the world. Hanging clothes up to dry is old-fashioned, and discouraged in some places; however, it avoids the hefty energy burden of electrical or gas clothes dryers, for practically no cost.
According to the US Dept. of Energy, clothes dryers are high on the list of energy hogs in the average home. Like any appliance that heats up, clothes dryers draw a lot of electrical current, as much as 5000 watts, and often are the highest-wattage appliance in the home.
Fortunately, they're also one of the easiest to eliminate. Clothes dry themselves if hung up, it just takes a little more time. With a little planning ahead and a few minutes per load, one can air-dry all one's clothes. There are convenient racks available for drying clothes indoors if an outdoor clothesline is not an option.
Air-drying clothes offers other benefits: there is no static buildup and therefore no need for dryer sheets which are impregnated with poisonous chemicals. Personally I prefer the clean feeling and fresh scent of air-dryed clothes.
Hanging clothes to dry is a simple, elegant, and free activity that saves money and energy. What's not to like?
