“Q: What is the difference in power usage between cycle modes? What would the average yearly costs be between the modes? I want to know the difference between cycle types. I don't care what the water heater type is.”
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The cycle modes are a balance between energy efficiency, cycle time and the amount of soil you are removing from the dishes. Most dishwasher detergents require at least 140 degree F water to dissolve and work properly. Typically people set their water heaters around 115 to 130 degrees F to avoid scalding and save energy. It is important for the water heat cycle to be used in most conditions to allow the detergent to work properly. Newer energy efficient dishwashers run the cycle longer with less water and the better machines will filter and collect the soil as the wash cycle progresses. When the dishwasher drains, the collected soil is removed as part of the draining process. So cycle time increases for cycle modes that run longer to remove larger amounts of soil and cycles that heat the water. Most dishwashers with digital controllers show the estimated time for the cycle and you can see it vary according to the features you select. A good feature on some models allow you to delay the start time so the machine could run in the middle of the night. This could be a benefit if you pay for your energy on a tiered rate plan instead of a flat rate plan. On your electric bill the unit the utility companies charge you for the electrical energy is typically shown as kilowatt hours. For example, it may vary from 8 cents to 40 cents per kWh depending on the regulatory impact, location, time of year, and what the utility companies pay for the power. They also charge for generation and distribution and you can select options for that as well. If you change your rate from the normal flat rate to a tiered rate the charge is much less during non peak times but is higher during peak times. This is typically true for someone who recharges an electric vehicle but also could be available to anyone who has programmable dishwashers, washing machines, electric dryers, or any other electric appliance. You should check with your Utility company to see if this option is available. Solar panels and battery banks or power walls are also very helpful in avoiding the high costs of using power from the grid during peak hours. Commercial Building routinely avoid high cost electrical consumption during peak times when the cost can be exponentially higher than non peak times by a planned reduction in power called load shedding or by using battery systems to allow them to temporarily reduce peak consumption and then recharge the batteries when non peak rates apply.
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