Cut energy costs in 'half' as best time of day to use tumble dryer revealed

Daily Record

28-04-2025

Drying laundry can be a costly household chore due to its high energy usage, leading to hefty bills. Tumble dryers, particularly older models, are notorious for their high energy consumption, which may significantly inflate domestic electricity costs. However, adjusting the timing of your tumble dryer use could slash your energy bills 'by up to 50%'. With many households grappling with soaring living expenses, reconsidering when appliances are used could yield unexpected savings. If you're on a time-of-use tariff, where electricity prices fluctuate throughout the day, operating your tumble dryer at optimal times could result in substantial savings. British Gas suggests that off-peak hours – typically overnight, weekends or bank holidays – are periods of lower energy demand and hence cheaper rates. This advice is echoed by heating oil supplier Your NRG, who urge households to capitalise on these less busy periods. Gordon Wallis, renewable energy specialist at Your NRG, elaborated: "Drying clothes doesn't have to cost the earth. For those on variable tariffs, running your tumble dryer during off-peak hours can cut your energy bills in half – simply by using power when it's in lower demand", reports Lancs Live . "Tumble dryers are among the highest-consuming appliances in the home. If you're running yours at 6pm when demand is peaking, you're paying a premium. But by switching to overnight use, or timing laundry for weekends, you could notice a real drop in your monthly bills." Consumer champions at Which? have highlighted that more affordable off-peak electricity rates are typically available after 10pm and before 8am. They noted: "As long as you're at home and awake, this would be a cheaper time to use your tumble dryer, maybe before you go to work or take the kids to school. "Also, look for promotions from your energy company, such as PeakSave from British Gas, which provides half-price electricity between 11am and 4pm on Sundays. If you can save your tumble drying till Sundays, this would also be a good time to get your clothes dry cheaply." Beyond timing, Wallis points out several straightforward habits that can further enhance efficiency. "Using dryer balls is a great way to reduce drying time – they help to circulate warm air and prevent clothes from clumping," he explained. "You should also make sure the lint trap is clean before every load, as blocked filters force your machine to work harder and use more energy." He warns that overloading your tumble dryer can result in longer cycles and increased costs. Wallis recommends drying smaller batches to allow hot air to move freely. Opting for a spin cycle with wet clothes can also be more economical than regular tumble drying. Additionally, it's crucial to clean the lint filter after each use to maintain proper airflow and avoid making the dryer exert extra effort. For greater energy efficiency, homeowners might think about investing in a heat pump dryer, which uses roughly 50% less energy than conventional dryers. This can lead to considerable reductions in energy consumption and lower household bills. Although the initial outlay is higher, the long-term cost savings make them a valuable asset. Whenever feasible, drying clothes outdoors remains the most budget-friendly approach. Failing that, drying items indoors on a clothes horse is the next best option. Wallis noted: "Whether you're using a dryer or air-drying indoors, being smart about when and how you dry your clothes can make a genuine difference to your household energy usage." Energy company Octopus advises: "Ditching the tumble dryer and drying your clothes on a washing line or clotheshorse could save you £50 a year according to the Energy Savings Trust. Avoid drying clothes on radiators – this makes your boiler work harder." British Gas suggests annual savings of up to £60 can be achieved by abandoning the tumble dryer altogether. The company recommends: "Air dry your clothes or hang them on a washing line outside if it's sunny. And if you do need to use it, wash a full load," adding: "If you wash clothes just once a week and reduce the temperature on your cycle to at least 30C, and you could save up to £29." To avoid a damp build-up when using a clothes horse, households are encouraged to employ a dehumidifier. The indoor drying rack method of hanging clothes to dry carries the risk of fostering mould growth. However, many might be unaware of the fact that the latter uses a substantial amount of energy, pushing up fuel bills and leaving a larger environmental mark. This issue occurs because the drying process releases additional moisture into the air, resulting in condensation and dampness - creating the perfect environment for mould growth. Employing a heated drying rack can further increase indoor humidity levels, heightening the risk of mould formation. In addition to making more energy-efficient choices when using your tumble dryer, British Gas has put together a selection of tips to aid in reducing energy consumption at home. Some suggestions involve the latest technology, while others require only minor adjustments to your daily habits. According to British Gas: "Smart meters come with an in-home display (IHD) or smart energy monitor, which shows you how much energy you're using – and how much it's costing you. So you can test and monitor which energy-saving measures work best for you." The company advises: "It's estimated that leaving electrical items plugged in or on standby costs the average British household around £45 a year in wasted electricity. So make sure you turn off your tech." Not only do energy-saving light bulbs consume less power than their more affordable halogen counterparts, but they also boast a longer lifespan, ultimately resulting in long-term cost savings, British Gas notes. Refrain from squandering energy by boiling excess water, the company cautions. If you reside in an area with hard water, ensure you regularly descale your kettle; this will maintain its efficiency and even enhance the taste of your tea. "Running your washing machine half empty uses the same amount of water and the same amount of electricity. So make sure you always do a full load. And if things aren't very dirty, try cutting the temperature down from 40 to 30 degrees," British Gas advised. "Around 3% of the home's energy use comes from cooking, so choosing the right appliance for the occasion can help you save. Because they're smaller, air fryers can cost less than a conventional oven to cook the same meal and as microwaves heat the food, and not the air around it, they use 90% less energy than conventional ovens." "Up to 13% of your electricity bill is generated by your fridge freezer, so it pays to choose the smallest one, with the highest energy rating efficiency to suit your needs and budget. To make your fridge freezer as energy efficient as possible, defrost it regularly, and don't store things on top of it. It needs air circulating around it, so leave some space between your fridge and the wall and don't forget to dust the condenser coils on the back." According to British Gas, ensuring the dishwasher is full before running it can also contribute to energy savings. By waiting until it's full, you could potentially reduce your usage by one cycle each week, saving approximately £11 annually.