Household appliances like washing machines are notorious for guzzling energy, but a simple button found on many modern models could be the key to slashing your bills this winter.
While essential for daily life, these appliances don't have to drain your finances. Overlooked features and smarter habits could save households over £100 a year, according to energy experts.
The Power of the Eco Button
Most modern washing machines are highly efficient and do not require high temperatures to clean effectively. A key piece of advice is to use lower temperatures as much as possible.
Experts at Which? confirm that washing at 30°C instead of higher temperatures can save around £22 a year. For even greater savings, dropping to 20°C could save you £37 annually.
You may not need to manually adjust the temperature each time. Many machines come equipped with an eco wash setting or eco mode button. This function automatically optimises the cycle to use less electricity, typically by operating at a lower temperature or reducing water consumption.
Smart Timing for Maximum Savings
When you run your washing machine can be just as important as how you run it. Energy costs fluctuate throughout the day, with peak hours—when demand is highest—usually falling between 4pm and 7pm.
By shifting your laundry routine to off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning, you could save up to 40% on energy costs. Energy firm E.ON Next highlights that this simple timing change could save as much as £75 a year.
They note that a standard washing machine using 2kWh per load could cost around £150 annually if used exclusively during peak times. Using it during cheaper, off-peak hours could potentially halve this cost, though energy rates can vary.
Maintenance and Smarter Loads
Keeping your appliance in good working order is crucial for efficiency. Regular maintenance, including clearing the pump filter every two months and the water inlet filter twice a year, ensures it runs optimally and uses less energy.
Another straightforward tip is to only wash full loads. Waiting until you have enough laundry for a complete cycle avoids unnecessary washes, directly cutting down on your energy use and costs.
