Taos Teens: Altitude Air Drying Cycles Faster?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe scent of sunshine and sagebrush, a peculiar combination, often fills the air in Taos. But beyond the artistic allure and stunning landscapes, Taos holds a secret for the eco-conscious homeowner: incredibly efficient, natural clothes drying. Forget energy-guzzling dryers; here, the very air itself is a super-powered laundry assistant.
The anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. Long-time residents of Taos, New Mexico, swear their clothes dry faster outside than anywhere else they’ve lived. They attribute this to the town’s unique combination of high altitude (around 7,000 feet) and arid climate. But is this just local lore, or is there a scientific basis to this claim? Let’s dive in and see how Taos residents can leverage this natural phenomenon for energy conservation and sustainable living.
The key factors at play are altitude and humidity. At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower. This means water molecules can evaporate more easily. Taos also boasts extremely low humidity, especially during the summer months. Dry air acts like a sponge, readily absorbing moisture from wet clothes.
Consider this: a typical electric clothes dryer uses about 3 kWh of electricity per load. In Taos, where electricity rates can be high, line-drying can translate to significant savings. More importantly, it reduces your carbon footprint.
But how much faster is drying in Taos compared to, say, a humid coastal city like Savannah, Georgia? Let’s design a simple experiment to find out.
Here’s a replicable experiment you can conduct:
- Gather Materials: You’ll need two identical sets of clothing (same fabric, weight, and color), two calibrated digital scales, a clothesline, and a weather station (or access to reliable weather data for your location).
- Choose Your Locations: Find a friend or family member in a lower-altitude, more humid location (like Savannah, Georgia).
- Wash and Weigh: Wash both sets of clothing in the same washing machine using the same settings. Immediately after washing, weigh each item individually and record the weight.
- Hang to Dry: Hang the clothes on the clothesline at both locations simultaneously, ensuring they are exposed to similar sunlight conditions.
- Monitor and Weigh: Weigh each item every hour (or every two hours) and record the weight. Continue until the clothes are completely dry (weight remains constant).
- Analyze the Data: Compare the drying times for each item at both locations. Calculate the percentage difference in drying time.
This experiment, while simple, can provide concrete data to support the anecdotal claims. You’ll likely find that clothes dry significantly faster in Taos.
However, there are potential downsides to rapid air drying. The intense sun in Taos can fade colors, especially on delicate fabrics. Over-drying can also make clothes feel stiff.
Here’s how to mitigate these issues:
- Turn Clothes Inside Out: This protects the outer layer from direct sunlight, minimizing fading.
- Hang Clothes in Partial Shade: If possible, choose a clothesline location that offers some shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Don’t Over-Dry: Check your clothes frequently and bring them in as soon as they are dry. A slightly damp feel is preferable to bone-dry stiffness.
- Use Fabric Softener (Sparingly): A small amount of fabric softener can help reduce stiffness. Consider eco-friendly alternatives.
Beyond the experiment, consider the practical implications for Taos residents. Newcomers, especially those from humid climates, often underestimate the power of the Taos sun and air. They might continue using their dryers out of habit, missing out on significant energy savings.
Here’s a real-world scenario: Maria, a recent transplant from Houston, Texas, was accustomed to using her dryer year-round. After a few months in Taos, her neighbor, a long-time resident, suggested she try line-drying. Maria was skeptical, but she gave it a shot. She was amazed to find that her clothes dried in just a few hours, even on a cloudy day. She now uses her dryer only during the rare rainy days, saving money and reducing her energy consumption.
Another challenge is adapting laundry routines. In humid climates, clothes can be left on the line for days without drying completely. In Taos, this can lead to over-drying and sun damage. It’s crucial to monitor clothes closely and adjust drying times accordingly.
One common mistake is overloading the clothesline. This restricts airflow and slows down the drying process. Give your clothes plenty of space to breathe.
Furthermore, consider the impact on local businesses. Taos has a thriving tourism industry. Hotels and vacation rentals could significantly reduce their energy consumption by encouraging guests to line-dry their clothes. Providing guests with small, portable clotheslines or drying racks could be a simple and effective way to promote sustainable practices.
The dry air of Taos also presents a unique opportunity for innovation. Local entrepreneurs could develop specialized clotheslines or drying racks designed to maximize airflow and minimize sun exposure. These products could be marketed to residents and tourists alike, promoting sustainable laundry practices.
Let’s compare Taos to another high-altitude, dry climate: Denver, Colorado. While Denver shares similar characteristics, its altitude is slightly lower (around 5,280 feet), and its humidity levels can be slightly higher, especially during the summer monsoon season. This means that clothes might dry slightly faster in Taos, but the difference is likely to be marginal. The key takeaway is that both locations offer significant advantages for air-drying compared to humid coastal regions.
In conclusion, the anecdotal evidence from Taos residents is likely grounded in reality. The town’s high altitude and dry air create ideal conditions for rapid air drying. By conducting a simple experiment and adopting mindful laundry practices, Taos residents can leverage this natural phenomenon to save energy, reduce their carbon footprint, and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. And for those visiting, remember to pack light and embrace the Taos sun – your clothes will thank you for it.