TUMBLE dryers can seem like a godsend when unpredictable weather conditions limit the use of clothing lines.
Chris Richards revealed he has a must-try trick for reducing the time it takes to dry clothes – and as a result, saving money on cycles.
Richards is the CEO of Utility Saving Expert, a UK-based price comparison service that helps to save on energy bills.
Many people rely on tumble dryers throughout winter to dry their clothes but at around £1.27 per cycle or £66.25 per year, it’s the most expensive appliance to run.
“Washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers account for 14% of a typical energy bill,” Richards told National World.
“However, there are simple ways to cut costs with these appliances.”
He recommended avoiding the use of tumble dryers when possible by drying clothes outside on sunny days.
When the option is unavailable, a simple towel trick can reduce the time a tumble dryer is needed.
He suggested putting a dry towel in the dryer alongside the washing to absorb excess water, this reduces the need for multiple cycles.
The cost of using dishwashers and washing machines can also be cut easily.
Only use them on eco-settings and with a full load.
According to Richards, washing clothes at 30 degrees and limiting the usage of washing machines can save around £22 a year.
A further £11 can be saved annually by choosing to use dishwashers just once a week.
The energy bill hacks come after the property experts at B&Q shared tips that will help to avoid a pricey heating bill.
They said radiators can take longer to heat the home and even make loud noises when it’s time for them to be bled.
The process which involves a radiator key or a flat-headed screwdriver is “quick and easy.”
Once the bleed valve on the top left or right of the radiator has been loosened, the heating device will more efficiently heat the home.
1. Draught-proof your home
It takes time and money to heat up your home, so it’s important that you do as much as you can to keep in the warmth. Close your doors and windows, and fill any gaps with a draught excluder.
2. Dial down your thermostat
According to Energy UK, turning down your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, and save you around £85 per year. Plus, if you don’t have a thermostat, installing one could save up to £70 per year!
3. Move furniture around
Make sure not big, bulky furniture like sofas are blocking radiators.
4. Wash clothes on a lower temp and add an extra spin
Unless it’s bedding, towels or really dirty items, dial down the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees, and do a double spin to remove excess water.
5. Heat the person not the home
There’s not point heating up a room that no one is sitting in, so be mindful about which radiators are on.
However, the efforts to maximise heat from the radiators will be pointless if cold air can still creep in between the gaps in the floorboards.
The experts recommend adding a “cosy feel” to rooms with a rug.
Heavy curtains can also be beneficial for restricting cold air and draughts that enter around window panes.
Curtains should be open during the day to let warmth from the sun into the rooms and closed before it gets dark.
