As a winter cold snap tightens its grip on the UK, a consumer expert has issued urgent advice to households looking to combat soaring energy costs. The key to significant savings, she reveals, could be as simple as changing the time you do your laundry.
The Peak Period to Avoid
Consumer specialist Alice Beer has pinpointed a specific two-hour window that families should avoid for energy-intensive tasks. Appearing on This Morning, Beer stated that the peak period for electricity demand, and therefore cost, is between 6pm and 8pm.
During this time, millions are returning home, switching on lights, cooking dinner, and using appliances, which places a major strain on the national grid. "We should all be thinking of using a lot less energy in that peak period," Beer urged viewers. This means rescheduling chores like running the dishwasher or, crucially, the washing machine.
Smart Laundry and Kitchen Habits
Beyond timing, Beer offered several other practical tips for reducing household energy consumption. A major piece of advice was to never run a half-load in the washing machine. She explained that one full load uses significantly less energy than two separate half-loads, making it a simple yet effective efficiency drive.
In the kitchen, she advocated for using the microwave instead of the oven where possible, as it is "much cheaper." When boiling the kettle, she advised only heating the amount of water you actually need, saving both money and helping the UK's overall electricity supply. Contrary to popular belief, she also noted that a modern dishwasher is often more efficient than washing up by hand, especially if you tend to leave the hot tap running.
Taking Control of Your Heating
With heating bills being a primary winter concern, Beer also turned her attention to thermostats. She revealed a startling statistic: one in five people have their main room thermostat set to 22 degrees, a temperature she compared to "Lanzarote.">
She strongly recommended reducing this to a more moderate and cost-effective 18 degrees. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of the thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) found on most radiators. Her crucial advice was to turn these valves completely off in rooms you don't use regularly, such as spare rooms or dining rooms, to prevent wasting energy on heating unused spaces.
This advice comes at a critical time, as official data shows energy bills have already risen by 2% from October to December. By adopting these habits, UK households can take proactive steps to regain control over their energy spending during the costly winter months.
