Yes, you can use your dishwasher even when you have no hot water. Most dishwashers are designed to work with both hot and cold water. If you don't have hot water available, the dishwasher will use the cold water supply to clean your dishes instead.
However, there are a few things to consider when using cold water in your dishwasher:
Cleaning efficiency: Hot water is generally more effective at breaking down grease and grime on dishes, so using cold water might result in slightly less efficient cleaning. You can compensate for this by using a good quality dishwasher detergent that is formulated to work well with cold water.
Longer cycles: Some dishwashers may automatically adjust their cycle times when using cold water, which could lead to longer cleaning cycles. This is because it may take a bit more time for the dishwasher to achieve the same level of cleaning with cold water compared to hot water.
Energy consumption: Using hot water in a dishwasher does consume energy, but it can help with cleaning efficiency. When using cold water, the dishwasher's heating element will not be used, potentially saving some energy during the cycle.
Pre-rinsing: If you usually pre-rinse your dishes with hot water to remove tough stains or food particles, you may need to adjust your pre-rinsing routine when using cold water. Make sure to scrape off excess food before loading the dishes, as cold water may not be as effective at loosening dried-on residues.
In summary, while it's perfectly fine to use your dishwasher without hot water, there may be some trade-offs in terms of cleaning efficiency and cycle times. To optimize results, use a high-quality detergent, load the dishwasher properly, and scrape off excess food before running the cycle. If you have the option to use hot water at a later time, you can consider doing so for particularly stubborn or heavily soiled loads.