Energy bills are set to rise by £21 next month from the previous energy price cap, but doing your laundry at certain times can help with your spending.
Households across the UK could make “big savings on reducing their energy bills” by adjusting their laundry routines to the “cheapest time”, according to Gordon Wallis, energy expert at Your NRG.
He claimed that many people are unaware that the time of day they use their washing machine can have a “significant impact on their energy bills”.
For those on time-of-use tariffs, electricity providers often “charge less during off-peak hours”, such as late at night or early morning, particularly from 7am to 8am.
Gordon said: “By adjusting your routine and doing your laundry during these cheaper periods, you could see decent savings over the course of a year.”
So why are there cheaper times to use your washing machine? Well, in winter, energy demand tends to peak in the morning as households heat their homes and begin their day.
This increased demand can result in “higher rates during those hours”. Running your washing machine in the evening or overnight, when demand is lower, is not only “more cost-effective” but also supports a more balanced use of the electricity grid.
Gorgon claimed: “Small changes like these can make a noticeable difference over the winter months.
“Washing machines and tumble dryers are some of the most energy-hungry appliances at home, but small changes can make a big difference.”
Another thing households can do is switch to cold washes as this can cut energy use by up to 90 percent without sacrificing cleanliness.
These lower temperatures are more than capable of cleaning everyday items that are not heavily stained, meaning that most loads can be washed for less.
Running full loads instead of smaller ones boosts efficiency and are a much more cost-effective option. If you must do a smaller load, always use the half-load programme if there is one.
To avoid overloading your machine, use the palm trick by placing your hand into your machine’s drum, you can see how much space is left.
The perfect load is if you can’t fit anything else in the drum, just your hand and your laundry.
