Money saving expert Martin Lewis has named the common household appliance that can boost energy bills fast, urging people to limit using it or stop using it altogether to save money.
Tumble dryers singled out as the 'real demon appliance'
Speaking previously on BBC News, Martin Lewis highlighted that there are far more economical approaches to drying laundry rather than using a tumble dryer. He stated: "Do you know what the real demon appliance is in most people's houses? The one that you don't want to use because it's really expensive - tumble dryers."
He added: "I mean, you're typically paying up to a quid per load, so dry your clothes on an airer outside to shorten the amount of time you're using your tumble dryer, or avoid using it completely. Those who have dehumidifiers - that can take some of the moisture out. It's less wattage than the tumble dryer, so it can be more effective."
Cost of running a tumble dryer
At the moment, a tumble dryer costs anywhere from 30p to £1.54 per load to run in the UK. The exact price depends heavily on the type of technology your dryer uses, its overall energy efficiency rating and your current electricity tariff. Over time, that cost can obviously add up.
Previously, it was revealed how you could be adding an extra £30 to your bills due to a simple mistake.
Experiment shows air-drying is 'way more efficient'
Shannen, who posts under the username _greengal on TikTok, once discovered that drying a "full load" of towels set her back €2.35, approximately £2.00. At the time she carried out the experiment, the cycle took around an hour and 45 minutes to finish.
Her findings led her to determine that air-drying is "way more efficient" than using the machine. While she recognised this isn't always practical depending on circumstances like the weather, it can deliver significant savings.
Following the upload of her video, viewers expressed astonishment at the expense of using this everyday household device. The clip has racked up more than 16,000 views since being posted, with viewers rushing to share their reactions and tips.
One viewer recommended: "Throw in a dry towel with the wet ones, they will dry quicker." Another suggested: "Double spin before you put them in the dryer." A third commenter replied: "Wouldn't be without my dryer. Helps me run my house more efficiently. I'll take the financial hit for that."
Energy price cap rises
Energy bills have risen this month as the new Ofgem price cap has come into force. The price cap has gone up by 4%, and it's taken the average yearly gas and electricity bill for a household that pays by direct debit from £1,663 to £1,723.
The price cap limits what you pay for unit rates of gas and electricity, as opposed to a total limit on your energy bill. Energy prices are being driven higher by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global gas supplies.
