The energy firm has offered advice that could keep bills lower during the coldest months of the year
Households across the UK are facing higher energy costs this winter after Ofgem lifted its price cap by 2% from October 1. However, Octopus Energy indicates there are various methods to potentially reduce these bills, including one change to your laundry routine.
Believe it or not, the energy firm simply recommends using a washing line or clothes horse to dry your washed clothes instead of a tumble dryer. These machines can be considerably energy-intensive, particularly older models with lower efficiency ratings.
In an online blog on ‘energy-saving tips’, Octopus Energy explains: “Ditching the tumble dryer and drying your clothes on a washing line or clothes horse could save you £50 a year according to the Energy Savings Trust. Avoid drying clothes on radiators – this makes your boiler work harder.”
Octopus Energy’s tip cites guidance from the UK’s Energy Saving Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping people save energy and lower their bills. Beyond using a tumble dryer, the Trust recommends lowering the temperature of your usual laundry wash to save costs, too.
“Wherever your model rates on the scale, there are some fundamental factors to consider in energy performance,” the UK’s Energy Saving Trust explains online. “Two of the main ones are wash temperature and load size.
“Lower temperatures use less energy, and while there has been increased awareness of the advantages of turning to 30 degrees, the European Union’s Ecodesign initiative has made a 20 degree option compulsory on new machine models since 2013.
“Such temperatures are particularly worth considering when washing clothing that is not heavily soiled.” The Energy Saving Trust certainly isn’t alone in this perspective.
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Last year, consumer experts at Which? even claimed that washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of 40 could make laundry ‘38% cheaper’. At the time, they said: “Using appliances efficiently is also a good way to save money as many, including washer dryers and condenser tumble dryers, are costly to use.
“To save money, do laundry at 30 degrees instead of 40 as it makes it 38% cheaper, according to Which?’s tests. Stacking dishwashers efficiently so that every item gets cleaned well – and only running the machine when it is full – will also shave a few more pounds off your bills.”
To ensure your washing machine operates at peak efficiency, Which?’s Home Products and Service Editor, Natalie Hitchins, also previously told the Mirror that regular maintenance and cleaning are essential.
In 2024, she said: “It might seem simple but keeping your washing machine clean is so important. If you don’t, you could be faced with limescale, soap scum and mould build-up.
“Every two to three months, clean the detergent tray and run a hot drum cleaning wash to make sure everything is working well and will keep your clothes smelling fresh.”
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