You’re using your washing machine all wrong… seven clever tricks to save money on your energy bill
WITH energy bills soaring, now is the time to think about the appliances we use and the choices we make.
You can save hundreds of pounds a year by using energy-guzzling machines more wisely and swapping to more efficient models when it’s time to replace them.
SAVVY BUY: Look out for eco-friendly models when buying new appliances. Consumer group Which? says choosing a more efficient washing machine could save up to £55 a year. It might cost more upfront but you will spend less over the lifetime of the product.
SAVE: £55
GO ECO: Using your washing machine’s eco setting can cut water usage by up to 40 per cent per wash. Run a full load each time and you could save £15 a year by doing one less clean a week. Use eco mode on your dishwasher too.
SAVE: £15
FILL YOUR FREEZER: Stock up your freezer and you will save on electricity as it uses less when full.
FANCY A BREW?: Fill the kettle with as much water as you need for a cuppa or two and you could shave £7 off your bill, says the Energy Saving Trust.
SAVE: £7
THINK SMART: Invest in smart thermostats which connect to your smartphone so you can easily control the heating and be more frugal. The Google Nest thermostat is down from £219 to £179 at Currys.
SAVE: £40
LIGHT UP: Switch from traditional lightbulbs to LEDs, which use less energy.
SAVE: £9 per bulb per year
SWITCH OFF: Turn TVs and other devices off standby and unplug phones when fully charged to save up to £40 a year. Smart plugs let you switch off appliances when not at home. The Hive plug is down from £34.98 to £29.98 at Toolstation.
- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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