Britons looking to reduce their energy bills this summer should avoid running their washing machines during peak hours, according to energy expert Allie Ogletree from Save On Energy. Ogletree warns that doing laundry between 4pm and 7pm, when energy demand is highest, can lead to higher costs due to time-of-use (TOU) rates.
Ogletree explains that while washing machines use the same amount of energy regardless of when they are run, many energy providers charge higher rates during peak hours. She advises running the machine before 4pm or after 7pm to save money. During summer, early morning is the cheapest time as homes are cooler and energy demand is lowest.
To further cut costs, Ogletree recommends using cold wash cycles (30°C) for everyday items like jeans and t-shirts, reserving hot washes (60°C) for germ-laden items such as towels and baby clothes. She also suggests waiting for a full load, as machines consume the same energy regardless of load size.
By adjusting laundry schedules and settings, households can potentially see significant savings on their energy bills during the warmer months.
