September is when the freezing cold weather begins in the UK so most people who are now switching their heating on might be worried about their energy bill at the end of the month. Washing machines are one of the worst energy drainers in a home, and learning how to do your laundry efficiently is a simple way to save money on electricity costs.
Allie Ogletree, a expert from Save on Energy, has shared doing laundry in the evening during the colder seasons can help save more energy, and therefore lower your bills. She said: “Unlike during the summer, winter weather drives demand for electricity earlier in the morning when your furnace is busy working to keep your home warm and comfortable to combat the cold outside. The cheapest time to do laundry in the winter is at night when your thermostat is set cooler for sleeping.”
Why is the evening the best time to do laundry?
Energy tends to cost less during off-peak hours, which is when fewer people in the UK are using electricity in their homes, so there is less strain on the powder grids.
The worst times to do laundry is in the early evening on a weekday between 4pm and 7pm, as this is when everyone is coming home from work and turning on devices.
The most cost-effective time to do laundry is when electricity demand is lower, which is after 7pm when most people are winding down and less likely to be using household appliances.
However, if you are worried about noise complaints, then you can also do laundry before 4pm if you can, since electricity demand is still relatively low during that time.
It should be noted that the amount of money you save by doing your laundry at a different time will depend on your energy provider’s off-peak rates.
This is usually referred to as a time-of-use (TOU) rate structure, so check your Energy Fact Label (EFL) to find out when your electricity is cheapest.
How else can you save money on laundry?
No matter what time you do your laundry, try to use a cool 30C wash for everyday clothing whenever possible, as washing machines use most of their energy heating the water.
However, always wash items like towels, baby clothes, and bedding at a minimum of 60C to ensure any bacteria common on these items are properly killed.
Using a high spin cycle can also help, as it removes more water from your clothes, significantly reducing drying time, and may even eliminate the need for a tumble dryer.
Taking the time to plan out your laundry schedule and using cooler wash cycles can help make a difference to your energy bills so you can enjoy some savings this autumn.