Martin Lewis, the personal finance expert, has issued a stark warning about tumble dryers, labelling them 'demon appliances' that represent the biggest energy drain in the home. Speaking on his BBC Radio 5 podcast, Mr Lewis advised listeners to avoid using them where possible, as soaring energy bills continue to strain household budgets.
His comments come as new research from Uswitch reveals that UK households are entering winter owing a staggering £780 million to energy suppliers, the highest figure in eight years. Approximately 3.5 million households are now in debt to their provider, a 46% increase from 2.4 million last year.
Mr Lewis explained that a single tumble dryer load costs around £1, making it an expensive luxury. He suggested drying clothes on an airer outside or using a dehumidifier instead, which uses less wattage and can be more cost-effective. One listener, Rob, noted that drying washing indoors had made his flat damp, and Mr Lewis confirmed that a dehumidifier would likely be cheaper than using heating to keep the property dry.
In addition to avoiding tumble dryers, Mr Lewis recommended fitting reflective panels behind radiators on external walls to prevent heat escaping, with a 4-metre roll of foil available at Screwfix for £6.38. He also advised turning off radiators in unused rooms before switching on the heating, and adjusting boiler flow rates to cut gas bills by over 9%.
Further tips included checking TVs are on low energy settings, sealing drafts around the home, and taking advantage of smart meter tariffs offering cheaper electricity at weekends. The warnings come as Ofgem's price cap rises by 13% from July 1, adding £18 a month to average dual-fuel bills, with annual costs now forecast at £1,862.
