Your washing machine is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home, but timing your laundry loads strategically could help reduce your electricity costs. Experts at energy supplier E.ON stated: "It turns out that timing is everything. Using your washing machine during off-peak hours could make a noticeable difference to your monthly bill."
Optimal Time to Run Washing Machines
E.ON recommended that "the easiest ways to trim your running costs" is by washing clothes during "cheapest windows". Electricity tariffs can vary depending on when you use it throughout the day, especially if you're on a smart tariff. Energy suppliers employ what's referred to as time of use pricing. This means electricity becomes costlier during high-demand periods (such as weekday evenings) and cheaper when consumption is lower.
Many energy experts pinpoint a key timeframe between 10pm and 8am as the most advantageous slot for lower tariffs. Some also point to a morning interval between 7am and 8am if operating your machine through the night isn't practical for you. As general demand on the national grid diminishes, electricity typically becomes cheaper during these hours for those on specific tariffs.
They noted that 7pm to 2am constitutes off-peak, while super off-peak hours, when "electricity costs drop by more than half", occur within the three-hour bracket of 2am to 5am.
How to Cut Your Electricity Bills
Now you're familiar with the off-peak timeframes, here's how to weave them into your laundry habits. Planning washing for cheaper nocturnal off-peak windows is simpler than it seems. It's not simply about understanding when to wash, it's also about preparation.
It's sensible to utilise your washing machine's delay timer function. Many models permit you to set a start time, allowing you to fill it during the evening and programme it to run overnight. Instead of frequent small loads, gather garments together for less frequent but fuller cycles.
Another money-saving laundry tip is to pre-soak your clothing to wash them less often. Pre-soaking marked or smelly items can reduce wash length or remove the need for hot-temperature programmes.
