Energy Savings • Venting. It's a mistake to think that a dryer doesn't need to be vented to the outside in the summer. Venting gets rid of moisture-laden air and speeds up the drying time.

In winter, you may want to vent into the basement to add moisture to the air. Put a nylon stocking over the vent to catch the lint. You can add further moisture to your house by drying clothes inside in winter.

Remember never to vent your dryer through the chimney or to vent a gas dryer inside..

• Lint filter. To reduce your drying time, clean the lint filter after each load. At least once a year clean the outside of the dryer drum and the motor to get rid of lint build-up. (You can usually do this by taking out a few screws and removing a back or side panel.) Don't forget to clean the exhaust pipes as well.

• Short cycles. Use the shortest possible cycle so you won't overdry clothes. It's a good idea to remove clothes slightly damp for ironing. With a little practice you'll be able to remove ready-to-wear clothing wrinkle-free.

• Full loads. Always dry a full load at one time, but don't overload.

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October 6, 2008