As winter sets in, many households are already fearing the impending energy bills in the coming months. However, by altering how certain chores are done, you could offset the increase and help keep your budget intact.
One expert, Adam Norris, has even pointed out money and time-saving features that some people may not even realise they have on their own washing machines. He said: “Laundry is something we all do, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth to do it! By making a few simple changes, families can save money while helping the environment.”
Firstly, the expert encouraged people to select the right temperature, time and load amount for each wash. He elaborated: “Running a cycle at 30°C instead of 40°C can save up to 40% of energy used per load. Thanks to modern detergents designed for lower temperatures, you can achieve excellent cleaning results without the extra cost or energy.”
He continued: “If your tariff allows, wash early in the morning or late in the evening, it’s an easy way to cut costs. It takes minimal effort but can help save money over the course of the year.”
For instance, E.ON offers lower rates on energy being used between 10pm and 8am for people on certain tariffs.
While it might be tempting to just chuck a few items in the machine when necessary, from a bills perspective; a half-full load will cost you the same as a full washing machine. So instead of only adding a few items, it may be more economical to wait until it is full to maximise the water and energy usage.
However, this tip only works if your washing machine does not have an automated programme that adjusts according to the load size. In such cases, washing smaller loads might not be wasteful at all.
Adam, a senior product manager for Dishwashing and Laundry at Hotpoint, also shed light on some of the money-saving features that some washing machines now offer, which people may not even realise exist:
- Autodose: This feature determines how much detergent and softener is needed for your load to avoid wastage.
- Steam Cycles: These are designed to freshen clothes that aren’t ready for a full wash just yet.
- Inverter Motors: These are quieter, more efficient and longer lasting magnetic power used to operate the machine instead of traditional brushes, saving on spin cycles and energy.
- Eco-settings: These run at lower temperatures for longer periods, using up to 60% less energy.
“This technology eliminates guesswork for energy conservation,” Norris said, “The machine does the hard work for you.”
The expert also suggested that tumble dryer owners should occasionally refrain from using their machines to save energy by letting clothes dry naturally. He advised: “Whenever you can, dry clothes outside or on an indoor airer. Just make sure the area is well-ventilated if you’re drying clothes inside.
“If you need to use a dryer, invest in a heat pump dryer, and spin clothes on a higher speed first to remove excess moisture.”
Lastly, it’s also beneficial to check your machine’s energy ratings. A-ratings are the most efficient and could save money on your energy bills over years of use.
Adam pointed out: “It’s worth the investment. Just keep in mind that the rating is based on the most efficient programme. Depending on your needs, like tackling stains, you might choose other cycles that use more energy, so the label is a guide rather than a guarantee for every wash.”