3. The First Loads: Immediate Differences I Noticed
From the very first load, I noticed that the kitchen was cooler after the dishwasher completed its cycle. With heated dry, a noticeable warmth often lingered in the surrounding area, especially if I opened the dishwasher door immediately. With air dry, this was not the case.
Another immediate observation was the extra moisture on the dishes when I opened the dishwasher. While not drenched, there was a thin layer of water on some items, particularly those made of plastic. This led me to question how effective the air dry setting would be in making dishes truly dry.
4. Did My Dishes Still Come Out Truly Dry?
Dishes made of glass and metal were mostly dry with just a few droplets, which could be easily wiped away with a towel. However, plastic items, like storage containers and lids, retained more moisture. I found myself spending a few extra minutes hand-drying these items after each cycle.
Overall, while the dishes were not completely dry, they were not significantly wetter than after a heated dry cycle. The real difference was the drying time and the occasional need for a quick towel off.
5. Spotting, Cloudiness, And Overall Cleanliness
I was concerned that the lack of a heated drying cycle might lead to spotting or cloudiness on glassware, but was pleasantly surprised. Most of my dishes came out as clean and clear as they did with heated drying.
Using a rinse aid in conjunction with the dishwasher’s air dry setting helped mitigate any potential spots or film, especially on glassware. Without it, I did notice a slight increase in spotting, but it was manageable.
6. Energy Use And Utility Bill Changes After 14 Days
After two weeks of air drying, I compared my energy usage to the previous month. While the difference was not drastic, there was a noticeable reduction in my energy consumption. My utility bill was approximately 5% lower, which, while modest, indicated a positive change.
Considering the simplicity of the switch, this reduction felt like a win. Over the course of a year, this small percentage could translate to more significant savings.