Households in the UK are set to experience increased energy costs this winter following a 2% rise in the price cap by Ofgem starting October 1. Octopus Energy suggests several strategies to potentially lower these bills, including a simple tweak to your laundry routine.
Octopus Energy recommends using a washing line or clothes horse to air dry your clothes instead of relying on a tumble dryer, which can be significantly energy-intensive, especially older models with lower efficiency ratings.
According to an online blog by Octopus Energy on ‘energy-saving tips,’ opting for air drying over tumble drying could save you around £50 annually, as per the Energy Savings Trust. The Energy Saving Trust advises against drying clothes on radiators to prevent overworking your boiler.
The Energy Saving Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency and cost savings, also suggests reducing the wash temperature and adjusting load sizes to improve energy performance. Lower wash temperatures, such as the 20-degree option mandated by the European Union since 2013, can lead to significant energy savings, particularly for lightly soiled clothing.
Consumer experts at Which? have highlighted that washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of 40 can make laundry 38% cheaper. They emphasize the importance of using appliances efficiently to save on energy costs, recommending strategies like running dishwashers only when full and stacking items efficiently.
To ensure optimal efficiency of your washing machine, Natalie Hitchins, the Home Products and Service Editor at Which?, stresses the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning. She advises cleaning the detergent tray and running a hot drum cleaning cycle every two to three months to prevent limescale, soap scum, and mold buildup.
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