Major energy suppliers including British Gas, EDF, EON, Ovo, and Octopus are issuing urgent guidance to their customers, recommending a simple yet effective change to laundry habits that could lead to substantial reductions in household energy expenditure. This advice comes alongside new research highlighting the significant running costs of common domestic appliances.
Washer-Dryers Identified as Most Expensive Household Appliances
According to the latest findings from the consumer organisation Which?, washer-dryers stand out as the priciest appliances to operate in the average UK home. The annual running cost for these combined units exceeds £200 on average, placing a considerable burden on household budgets. The research also pinpointed other high-consumption devices, with condenser tumble dryers and American-style fridge freezers each adding over £125 per year to electricity bills.
The Simple Switch: Lowering Wash Temperature to 30°C
The core recommendation from both energy suppliers and consumer advocates is to adjust washing machine settings. Households are being urged to wash their laundry at 30 degrees Celsius instead of the more commonly used 40°C cycle.
Which? testing demonstrates that this single change can cut laundry energy costs by a remarkable 38%. The consumer body emphasises that altering usage patterns for these high-cost appliances can make a "positive difference" to monthly energy payments.
Further efficiency tips include washing larger loads less frequently to maximise each cycle's efficiency and utilising eco-settings wherever available on washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances. Over-washing not only increases electricity costs but can also accelerate fabric wear, leading to fading, shrinkage, and loss of garment shape.
Expert Insights on Laundry Efficiency
Shalika Hooda, Marketing Manager and home appliance specialist at Beko, supports this guidance, stating: "When using your washing machine, select the eco programme to save a significant amount off your water and energy bills for a standard load, whilst still maintaining excellent cleaning results."
Energy experts at Rapid Response clarify that modern washing detergents are formulated to clean effectively across a range of temperatures, debunking the common household misconception that 40°C is necessary for a thorough wash.
Additional Strategies for Reducing Appliance Costs
Beyond washing machine use, Which? offers further advice for managing other energy-intensive appliances:
- Optimise Drying: Air-dry laundry outdoors whenever weather permits instead of relying on the tumble dryer.
- Sort Fabrics: Dry different fabric types separately in the tumble dryer, as they require varying drying times.
- Avoid Inefficient Loads: Refrain from using the tumble dryer for single garments to conserve energy.
The organisation also stresses the long-term financial benefits of investing in energy-efficient appliances when replacements are due, noting that choosing models with high efficiency ratings can save "hundreds of pounds each year in running costs" compared to the most power-intensive alternatives.
Which? bases its washing machine tests on the 40°C cottons programme, reflecting the most common usage pattern among its members, rather than the 60°C programme used in 60% of EU Energy Label assessments.
