Householders warned not to use washing machine at this time of day for one key reason
Householders are being warned of an energy-saving hack over fears it could cause a fire in their homes overnight. Experts are urging cash-strapped households not to run powerful household appliances overnight in a bid to save money, as the risk of fire could far outweigh the financial benefit.
Last month, Ofgem confirmed the price cap - from the start of July to the end of September - will fall from £1,849 to £1,720, a saving of £129 over the year. Despite the the drop, energy bills this July are still 10 per cent higher than they were at this time last year.
According to energy experts at Grant Store, using appliances like washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers while you sleep could leave you vulnerable to devastating fires, especially when no one is awake to respond quickly to a fault.
Some households on off-peak energy tariffs may be tempted to run these high-powered devices during the night, when electricity prices are lower. But experts say this growing trend, often referred to as an 'energy bill hack,' comes with serious risks.
The expert said, 'While off-peak tariffs can help reduce your energy bills, running large appliances like washing machines and dryers at night is not worth the potential danger.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
'These machines generate heat, rely on motors, and draw significant power. If something goes wrong and no one is awake to catch it, the consequences can be catastrophic.'
Instead, Grant Store's specialists recommend only running such appliances when someone is home and alert. That way, if a malfunction does occur, it can be dealt with quickly before it escalates.
They added: "We understand why people want to take advantage of cheaper overnight tariffs, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, but safety must come first. A house fire caused by a faulty appliance isn't worth a few pounds of savings."
As a safer solution, the experts recommend home battery systems, which allow you to store cheaper electricity overnight and use it during the day when you're awake, and appliances can be monitored.
Home batteries typically store between 5kWh and 15kWh of energy, depending on the system. That means they can power multiple wash cycles, depending on the efficiency of the machine and cycle length. A standard washing machine, for example, can use around 2.1kWh per cycle.
When using a tumble-dryer, experts previously suggested switching loads while the dryer is still warm from its previous cycle, as this can conserve the remaining heat inside the dryer for your next load of clothes.
This can help shorten drying time, as the machine won't need to work as hard to dry your clothes.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Outdated office gadgets workers are glad to see the back of
A study of 2,000 adults found that many were more than happy to wave goodbye to landline desk phones, business card holders and even floppy disks, as they are consigned to work-life history The office relics consigned to work-life history now include fax machines, Rolodexes, and clunky filing cabinets. A poll of 2,000 employed adults found that many were more than happy to bid farewell to landline desk phones, business card holders, and even floppy disks. Others expressed relief at saying goodbye to correction fluid, hole punches, and paper diaries or planners, which once dominated their desks. Today, 52 percent of workers treat their smartphone as a fully-fledged portable office, with 62 percent claiming it has improved their ability to multitask at work. The office itself has also evolved, now featuring comfortable seating areas, relaxation spaces, and collaboration pods. However, 12 percent of those aged 50 and over admitted to struggling to incorporate new software into their working lives. It comes after a huge VPN change announced as everyone in the UK is targeted by major web update. Everyone in the UK with WhatsApp put on red alert and told to follow three new rules Annika Bizon, from Samsung, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of the AI business enhanced Galaxy Z Fold7 Enterprise Edition, that aims to give workers the ability to work the way they want, said: 'Thanks to cutting-edge technology, the modern office looks nothing like it did 25 years ago. 'Today's professionals don't work in one place or on one schedule, and their tech shouldn't be confined to any restraints either.' The research also revealed that 50 per cent of workers begin their workday during their commute at least some, if not all, of the days they travel to work. Throughout the working week, 37 per cent now have fully office-based jobs. With just under one in five splitting their time 50/50 between the office and home. As such, just 37 per cent have assigned seats or desk space at work, with over a quarter (26 per cent) hotdesking instead. With more digital technology being used in the workplace, 61 percent have received employee training on evolving software. TOP 10 OFFICE RELICS: Fax Machines Floppy Disks Correction Fluid Landline Phones Filing Cabinets Rolodexes Physical Diary/Planners Sticky Notes as Password Reminders Paper Hole Cutters Business Card Holders
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's flagship indie beer festival returns to Glasgow with hundreds of beers to try
The festival returns to Glasgow for the third year in a row next month. Scotland's largest celebration of independently brewed beer is set to return to Glasgow this September. Indie Beer Scotland will bring more than a hundred locally made beers, ciders and spirits to the Clyde Rooms at Edmiston House. Running from Friday 5 to Saturday 6, September, 2025, the event marks its third year in Glasgow following a successful debut in Edinburgh in 2022. Organised by brewers from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), the not-for-profit group behind the UK-wide Indie Beer campaign, the festival is expected to draw crowds eager to support genuinely independent producers. This year's festival will be split into three sessions across the weekend, with each offering over 100 different cask and keg beers from across Scotland. Alongside the beer, festivalgoers can enjoy cider and spirits from small-scale Scottish producers, all under one roof. One of the organisers, Ian McGrath of Beath Brewing, says Glasgow has become a key location in the UK's growing independent beer movement. 'We big have plans for Indie Beer festivals across the UK in 2026 but it all started right here in Scotland," he said. "We are hugely proud to be the flagship event for the Indie Beer campaign and to be the festival that showcases the largest number of Scottish beers from independent breweries available anywhere. 'No big brands, no faux-craft, just great beer from genuinely independent Scottish brewers.' In addition to championing local producers, Indie Beer Scotland has built a reputation for offering quality drinks at fair prices. Festival organisers have confirmed that all 2024 pricing will be frozen, with a wide range of beers up to 4.5% ABV available for just £4 a pint. 'We are really proud to offer great value for money and to enable everyone to sample the huge range of cask ales, keg beers and lagers available at Indie Beer Scotland, so have once again frozen our prices, with all beers up to 4.5% available for just £4 a pint,' McGrath added. From crisp lagers and light pale ales to robust scotch ales and rich barrel-aged stouts pushing 10% ABV or more, the selection reflects the diversity of Scotland's independent brewing scene. The festival promises something for every taste, with both session-strength beers and complex, high-ABV styles on offer. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Indie Beer Scotland is also home to the prestigious Indie Beer Awards 2025, with judging taking place just before the festival opens its doors. Attendees will be among the first to sample the newly crowned best beers in Scotland, with all winning brews available throughout the three public sessions. With ticket sales already moving quickly, organisers are encouraging fans of independent drink to secure their spots early. For those keen to discover new favourites and support Scottish brewers, this year's Indie Beer Scotland is set to be a highlight of the calendar. Session Timings: Friday Evening 17.30 – 22.30 Saturday Afternoon 11.30 – 16.30 Saturday Evening 17.30 – 22.30 Beer prices: All beer and cider will be priced at; up to 4.5% = £4 pint/£2 half-pint 4.6% - 6% = £5/£2.50 6.1% - 7.9% = £6/£3 8% or above = £3.50 half
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
British Gas to give hard-up households up to £1,700 to pay off debts – and you don't even have to be a customer
BRITISH Gas is to give thousands of hard-up households up to £1,700 to pay off their debts - and you don't even need to be a customer. The British Gas Energy Trust's Individual and Families Fund is now accepting applications from those struggling with energy debt. 1 The scheme was set up in 2021 to help households struggling with energy debt. However, unlike other energy supplier grants, the support is available to both British Gas and non-British Gas customers. Energy customers could previously get up to £1,500 in help from the fund, but it recently increased this to £1,700 last winter to help an increasing number of households in debt. Ofgem figures show that energy debt rose to a new high of £4.15billion in the first quarter of 2025. While you don't need to be a British Gas customer to get the grant, not everyone is eligible. There are certain criteria that you need to meet to be considered for the Individual and Families Fund, including: Pre-payment meter customers must have between £50 and £1,700 of energy debt Credit customers must have between £250 and £1,700 of energy debt You live in England, Scotland, or Wales You have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years You must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account. The account must be in your name and relate to your main residence You have received help from a money advice agency within the last six months Customers with energy debts worth more than £1,700 will not be eligible for support through the fund. British Gas Energy Trust boss Jessica Taplin said, 'We're pleased to announce the reopening of our Individuals and Families Fund to both credit and prepayment meter account holders, as we know just how important it is. 'Many households across Britain continue to struggle with high energy costs alongside other financial challenges, and this means we can once again provide vital support, regardless of which energy supplier they're with. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now "This fund will help those who need it most get back on stable ground and feel confident in keeping their homes and families warm and safe.' Although British Gas Energy Trust welcomes applications from customers of all energy suppliers, customers from the following companies should seek assistance through their own hardship schemes first: Ovo Energy Next EDF Energy Scottish Power Octopus Energy Utilita If you're rejected by your own energy company's fund, you can apply for the grant at What other suppliers offer Most energy suppliers have a discretionary grant scheme to help support vulnerable customers. Grants vary by supplier, and the exact amount you'll get will depend on your own financial circumstances. These are all the other energy suppliers offering support. EDF Energy EDF's Customer Support Fund provides grants to support vulnerable customers struggling with energy debt. Grants are given to help clear debt and to help fund the provision of essential white goods, such as fridges or cookers. You can apply to the scheme at But before you can apply for funding, you need to seek independent debt advice. You will also need to provide your EDF account number, current debt balance and details of your household finances and vulnerability. Next Customers of Next can apply for cash grants to help with their energy costs. doesn't have established eligibility criteria, but the fund aims to help as many people as possible, and applications from individuals with the greatest needs will be prioritised. You must know your energy account number and provide a recent meter reading to complete your application. As part of your application, you'll also be asked to provide evidence of your circumstances, such as proof of household income or DWP benefit payments. Find out more, including how to apply, by visiting Octopus Energy Octopus Energy offers a range of support, including cash from its Octopus Energy Assist Fund. It could also include loaning a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks in your home, which you can fix to reduce energy usage and your bill. It also conducts home energy visits to discuss how households can reduce their usage and gives out free electric blankets. Octopus is encouraging all customers to get in contact if they're struggling with their bills. Octo Assist fund is still open for applications, and customers have no deadline for applying. Find out more by visiting ScottishPower ScottishPower has handed out more than £60m in support to customers experiencing difficulties in paying their energy bills, through its Hardship Fund. You could qualify for help from the fund if you receive support from the following benefits: Income-related employment and support allowance Income-based Jobseeker's allowance Income support Housing benefit Universal Credit Tax credits Pension credit savings credit Help could also be available if you have a low household income or if special circumstances, such as illness, have impacted your earnings. To apply you'll first need to sought advice from debt charity Step Change by calling 0800 138 1111. You'll then need to apply for funding through Scottish Power 's scheme by visiting If your application is successful, the fund can wipe all or part of your energy debt. Utilita Utilita Giving is Utilita's charity partner and offers grants to vulnerable customers to help clear energy debt. The fund provides grants to wipe or reduce energy debts. However, it's only available to customers on legacy credit meter. To find out more and how to apply, visit Utility Warehouse Utility Warehouse offers financial assistance to customers struggling with their bills. Citizens Advice Plymouth operates the scheme, which also provides Utility Warehouse customers with budgeting advice and benefits assessments. .
