Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
UK Households Seek Laundry Cost Reduction Amidst Rising Energy Bills
With the escalating cost of living impacting households across Britain, and recent surges in the energy price cap, individuals are actively exploring methods to manage household tasks while reducing energy bills. Tumble dryers are identified as significant energy consumers in UK homes, with average annual running costs reaching approximately £190 under current tariffs. To mitigate these expenses, appliance experts are offering tips on more economical laundry practices.
Simple Laundry Changes to Decrease Energy Usage
Appliance specialist Matt Ayres from RDO Kitchens and Appliances suggests that adjusting laundry habits can lead to considerable savings. A primary recommendation involves modifying detergent usage and temperature settings. Utilizing the economy wash cycle on washing machines is an effective approach to economize on laundry expenses without compromising cleaning effectiveness.
For washing machines lacking an economy mode, setting the wash temperature to 20°C instead of the conventional 40°C or higher can yield comparable energy saving results.
To maintain cleaning quality at lower temperatures, pre-treating stains with a stain remover is advised. It’s also important to verify that the chosen detergent is formulated to perform effectively in colder wash cycles.
Optimizing Drying Cycles for Efficiency
Maximize Spin Cycles
To decrease both drying time and associated costs, incorporating an additional spin cycle is beneficial, and crucially, the initial spin cycle should never be omitted. Ayres explains, “Regardless of whether clothes are air-dried or machine-dried, the post-wash spin cycle is a vital step.”
He added, “Particularly during colder periods when outdoor drying is less feasible, optimizing the drying process becomes increasingly important.”
“Employing an extra spin cycle can substantially lessen the duration clothes require in the tumble dryer, consequently conserving energy and contributing to lower electricity bills.”
Consider Standalone Appliances for Long-Term Savings
Evaluate Separate Washer and Dryer Units
Another strategy to consider is transitioning from a combination washer dryer to separate, standalone appliances. While representing a larger upfront investment, opting for a separate washing machine and tumble dryer typically results in greater long-term cost efficiency, according to experts. For households where space and budget permit, exploring this option is advisable.
Ayres elaborates, “Standalone tumble dryers generally exhibit enhanced efficiency and faster drying times compared to combination units. Furthermore, separate appliances often feature larger drum capacities, allowing for bigger laundry loads per cycle, thereby minimizing the total number of drying cycles needed.”
Heat Pump Technology
“When selecting a tumble dryer, prioritize models equipped with heat pump technology. These dryers operate at lower temperatures and recycle heated air, achieving up to 50% greater energy efficiency than conventional counterparts.”