The exact time when you can use the washing machine to reduce your energy bill
With energy bills set to rise by £21 next month, many people are looking for ways to keep their costs down.
And an energy expert has revealed that washing your clothes at a specific time can help you save money.
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Energy expert at Your NRG Gordon Wallis says households can make “big savings on reducing their energy bills” by changing their washing routine.
He claimed that many people are not aware that the time you turn on the washing machine can have a significant impact on your bills.
For those who charge a time-of-use rate, electricity suppliers often charge less during off-peak hours, such as late light or early morning, such as 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Gordon said: “Changing your routine and it was cheaper to do during these times periodsyou could realize significant savings over the course of a year.”
READ MORE ABOUT ENERGY DRAWINGS
You may wonder why there are cheaper times to use electrical appliances. During the winter months, energy demand usually peaks in the morning and evening as households heat their homes.
The increase in demand may result in higher rates than normal.
But running your washing machine in the evening or at night when demand is lower is more ‘cost-effective’.
The energy professional claimed: “Small changes like this can make a noticeable difference during the winter months.
“Washing machines and dryers are among the most energy-consuming appliances in the home, but small changes can make a big difference.”
Another way households can save money is by switching to cold washes, as this can reduce energy consumption by 90% without sacrificing hygiene.
Lower temperatures are best for everyday items that are not heavily stained and cost significantly less than a normal load of laundry.
Once you’re done washing the clothes, you’ll want to dry them as well.
For those who want to leave the dryer off, there are a lot of money savings hacking to get them dry in no time.
Even though it’s winter, you can still dry clothes outside if the weather permits.
Choose to keep them outside on sunny days; the sun and wind ensure that they dry quickly.
You can also use a heated dryer or dehumidifier to remove moisture from clothes and reduce condensation in your home.
4 ways to keep your energy bill low
Laura Court-Jones, small business editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down one degree
You probably won’t even notice this small temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bill. By turning the thermostat down a step, you can quickly start saving. This one small action only takes a few seconds and could potentially reduce your heating costs by €171.70.
2. Turn off appliances and lights
It sounds simple, but completely turning off appliances and lights that aren’t in use can lower your energy bills, especially in winter. By switching off lights and appliances when they are not in use, you can save up to €20 per year on your energy bill
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control of your energy consumption, especially as they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity are being used.
4. Consider changing energy supplier
No matter how satisfied you are with your current energy supplier, they may not give you the best deals, especially if you have let a fixed rate contract expire without taking out a new contract. If you haven’t looked at alternative rates lately, you might not know that there are better options out there.
