WAITING just a couple of hours more to do the washing could be a good way to help shrink your energy bill.
Waiting just a couple of hours more to do the washing could be a good way to help reduce your energy bill.
We explain when the best time to wash your clothes is to save money
Saving as much cash as possible on your household bills will be a big concern for millions of Brits.
Energy regulator Ofgem will increase the energy price cap to £3,549 from October 1, adding £1,578 to the average household bill.
This winter it could go up even more, with energy experts at Cornwall Insight suggesting that bills will hit £4,266 from January.
A typical UK household does a mammoth 270 loads of washing a year.
We explain when is best to wash your clothes and the other hacks to help you save money on your energy bills.
How much does it cost to run a washing machine?
It costs the average 6kg washing machine about 28p to run an hour long cycle.
Ovo estimates that a 6 litre washing machine uses around 1kWh of energy for an hour long cycle.
Energy regulator Ofgem says that from October 1, the typical household will pay 52p per kWh for electricity.
So doing the same hour long cycle on your machine could cost an extra 24p a time.
When should I put my laundry on?
You could save money depending what tariff you’re on and if your energy supplier charges more or less for your electricity at different times of the day.
Some energy providers can charge more during the times that most homes will be using appliances.
The most expensive time for you to wash or dry your clothes is between 4pm and 7pm, so try to avoid using your machines between these hours, if possible.
You could save cash if you’re on an economy 7 or off peak tariff by putting your load on during less busy times.
MoneySavingExpert said that in the past you could be charged as little as 8p per kWh for an off-peak electricity rate if you’re on certain tariffs.
That means these customers could shave money off their bill just by washing at night.
However, be warned – leaving household appliances on at night while you’re asleep could be a fire risk, so make sure you’re awake.
How else can I save money on my energy bills?
There are other ways to drive down costs and save money on your energy bills.
Which? recently found that doing one big wash four times a week reduces energy consumption by 17% compared to someone doing three smaller washes every day.
There are other tricks to lower your washing machine energy bill.
Switching to 30 degree washes will save you £12 a year, according to Energy Saving Trust.
While setting it to a high speed spin could save you £40, according to British Gas engineer Joanna Flowers.