To reduce energy bills, households will be required to wash their clothes at the same temperature this February. January was a particularly cold month for much of the UK, with temperatures dropping below freezing in many areas. It’s true that spring is approaching, but the situation doesn’t look like it’s going to improve any time soon. In fact, the Japan Meteorological Agency has announced that there is a risk of snow in many areas in early February. Meanwhile, weather maps from forecasting company WXCharts show sub-zero temperatures across much of the country from late January to early next month.
Families are feeling the pinch this winter as many families are burdened with bills amid the cold weather. Support such as the Cold Weather Benefit and the Winter Fuel Payment provide some relief to UK households, but many are still under financial pressure from rising food costs and high bills. In order to alleviate that financial burden as much as possible. Consumer experts are recommending households wash clothing only at certain temperatures for the rest of the winter.
experts in Which one? We’ve provided advice to reduce your energy costs this winter. When it comes to washing machines, one of the most energy-consuming appliances, lowering the temperature can make a big difference.
Their research suggests that washing clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C can reduce costs by 38%. This, along with other tips like not running heavy loads too often, can make a big difference in your energy bills.
Rapid Response’s energy experts explain how modern laundry detergents are designed to wash clothes at any temperature. However, it is a common misconception among households that 40°C is required to effectively wash clothes.
Basically, the higher the temperature you use, the more energy you use and therefore the higher your utility bill will be. Washing your clothes at lower temperatures also helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Additionally, clothes last longer when washed at 30°C instead of 40°C. Lower temperatures put less stress on the material, so you won’t notice your clothes wearing out as quickly.
Which one? We have shared some washing machine tips to reduce your energy bills. For example, experts also recommend using eco settings whenever possible. Sharika Hooda, Marketing Manager and Home Appliances Expert at Beko, said, “When using your washing machine, choose the Eco program to save significantly on water and energy bills on standard loads while maintaining excellent cleaning results.”
You can also save a lot of money by hanging your laundry outside to dry whenever the weather permits, since you won’t have to use the dryer as often. According to ‘Which?’ tests, washer dryers are the most expensive household appliances, costing on average over £200 a year.