Washing pots and pans while they're still hot can indeed be more efficient in terms of time and effort, as it can help to remove stubborn food residues and make the cleaning process easier. However, whether it is more energy-efficient depends on the specific circumstances and the resources used for heating water.
Here are a few factors to consider:
Water temperature: If you wash your pots and pans immediately after use, you can take advantage of the residual heat to help loosen food particles, reducing the amount of scrubbing required. This can save time and effort.
Water usage: Washing dishes typically requires a significant amount of water. By washing pots and pans immediately, you may be able to clean them more effectively with less water since the hot water can help dissolve grease and grime more efficiently.
Energy source: If you have a readily available and energy-efficient source of hot water, such as a tankless water heater or a solar water heater, the energy required to generate hot water may not be a significant concern. In such cases, washing dishes with hot water may not have a noticeable impact on energy consumption.
However, if you rely on a traditional water heater or boiler, generating hot water can consume a significant amount of energy. In this case, washing pots and pans immediately with residual heat may be more energy-efficient than waiting for them to cool down and then heating water separately.
In summary, if time and effort are your primary concerns, washing pots and pans while they're still hot can be more efficient. However, the energy efficiency aspect depends on the specifics of your water heating system and the amount of energy required to generate hot water.