This simple change could help you reduce your energy costs while making minimal changes.
With the Ofgem price cap rising by 1.2% this month and Britain facing the coldest January night in 15 years, families across Britain are feeling the pinch more than ever.
Recent polling reveals that 88% of people are more worried about their energy costs than last year, with widespread calls for urgent solutions like a social tariff.
And, as people grapple with a drawn-out wait for payday, many are searching for ways to cut their energy usage.
John Small, a Home Energy Expert at Ty Eco has shared how a simple change can help households lower their energy use and save money at the same time.
Many people rely on tumble dryers in winter to dry their clothes, but they can use a huge amount of energy.
Currys put the average cost of a cycle at £1.54, adding up to a shocking £184 a year.
But running your tumble dryer during off-peak hours can significantly lower the cost of your electricity bill.
John said: “Economy or time-of-use tariffs can help you reduce the cost of appliances like a tumble dryer by offering cheaper rates for energy used during off-peak hours.
“For instance, British Gas offers Economy 7 tariffs and two rate meters, with energy used between 12-8 am costing significantly less.
“They also offer PeakSave Sundays, where electricity between 11 am and 4 pm is half-price.
“Another popular energy provider, Ovo, offers two money-saving plans.
“With Off-Peak E, you get 8 hours at the cheapest rate for stored heat each day, while Off-Peak F provides 10.5 hours a day at lower prices.”
But whether on a standard tariff or off-peak plan, it can still be cost-effective to run your tumble dryer at night for a couple of reasons.
While standard tariffs charge a flat rate for electricity regardless of the time of day, overall grid demand tends to drop at night.
This means appliances running overnight might place less strain on the grid – lowering electricity prices in the long term.
Appliances like washing machines and dishwashers generate heat which can warm your home.
This means that tumble drying at night, during cooler hours, could slightly offset heating needs in winter.
He added: “With this in mind, I recommend scheduling your tumble drying overnight to save money.
“Most dryers have a ‘delay’ function, allowing you to schedule it for a couple of hours before you wake up, so your clothing isn’t sitting damp for hours overnight.”
