Financial guru Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to UK households, branding the tumble dryer a 'demon appliance' that should be switched off immediately to combat soaring energy bills.
The Rising Tide of Energy Debt
This stark advice comes as households face their most expensive winter in years. According to a Uswitch survey, energy debt has reached a staggering £780 million – the highest level recorded in eight years.
The comparison site revealed the number of households in debt to their energy provider has surged by 46%, jumping from 2.4 million last year to 3.5 million this year.
Martin Lewis's Cost-Cutting Solutions
On his BBC Radio 5 podcast, Lewis pinpointed the financial drain of using a tumble dryer. 'You're typically paying up to a quid per load,' he stated, urging listeners to find alternatives.
His primary recommendations include drying clothes on an airer outside whenever possible to reduce tumble dryer use, or avoiding the machine completely. For those needing to dry clothes indoors, he suggested a more economical appliance. 'Those who have dehumidifiers can take some of the moisture out of the air. It's less wattage than a tumble dryer, so it can be more cost-effective,' Lewis explained.
This advice followed a question from a listener named Rob, who noticed his flat had become damp since he started drying laundry indoors. Lewis confirmed that a dehumidifier, which extracts water from the air, would result in definitely lower electricity bills compared to using standard heating to combat dampness.
Further Winter-Proofing Your Home
During the discussion, Lewis also revisited other practical tips for keeping warm without massive energy costs. He recommended installing reflective panels behind radiators on external walls to prevent heat from escaping. For a budget-friendly alternative, he noted that tin foil could work, though less effectively.
Other general energy-saving tips from the money expert included:
- Checking that TVs are set to a low energy mode.
- Acting as a 'draft detector' by walking around the house to identify and seal drafts.
With energy debt at a critical high, these simple changes could provide vital financial relief for millions this winter.
