Try washing before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. – Many energy companies charge extra for electricity during their “peak hours,” which see increased energy usage. During the summer, run your washer early in the morning – energy use peaks on hot afternoons.
Run your machines later in the day
The most expensive time for you to wash or dry your clothes is between 4pm and 7pm, so try to avoid using your machines between these hours. Energy prices are at their lowest between 10pm and 5am – perfect for night owls and early risers.
What is the cheapest time to use your washing machine? According to the Daily Record, the most expensive time to use your washing machine or tumble dryer is between 4pm and 7pm. Energy prices are at their lowest between 10pm and 5am, but make sure you never leave it on over night as this could be a fire risk.
Conclusion. Unless you're on a special tariff such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, your washing machine will cost the same amount to run no matter what time of day or night you use it.
The most expensive time to wash your clothes is between 4pm and 7pm.
However, depending on your energy provider's rates, you can often save on your energy bill by washing your clothes at different times of the day. Try washing before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. – Many energy companies charge extra for electricity during their “peak hours,” which see increased energy usage.
Given that energy prices are at their lowest between 10pm and 5am, I would advise scheduling your washing machine to run into the early hours of the morning. Doing this can help you to significantly cut down energy costs."
It's cheaper at night, when demand for power is at its lowest. This quieter period is called the off-peak hours, which usually falls between 10pm and 8am. Conversely, peak hours are during the daytime, when more people are using electricity and demand is higher. Not all energy suppliers follow time-of-use tariffs.
While 29% say it is ok to run a washing machine that can be heard from other homes whatever the hour, 19% say 9pm is the latest, and 15% would not accept washing machines running after 10pm if they can be heard from neighbouring properties.
It is recommended to avoid doing laundry (or using other major electrical appliances) during your energy company's “peak hours,” aka the time of day when the electricity demand and price per kWh are highest. Hours considered “peak” are typically 4pm to 8pm, when people are returning home from work or school.
The firm said: 'If you have a two-rate meter, use devices such as your washing machine and tumble dryer between midnight and 7am when rates are cheaper. ' However, it's not advised to leave a washer going overnight while you're asleep – as it's a potential fire risk.
“The most expensive time to run your washing machine is between 4pm and 7pm," Vivien said.
Every two days: hand towels and dish towels. Every three to four times you wear or use them: bath towels, bras, slips, dresses, sweaters, skirts, pajamas, slacks and jeans. Weekly: sheets, pillowcases and bath mats. Monthly: mattress pads, bathrobes and pillow liners.
In most cases, you can wear the likes of work clothes up to five times before they need to be washed. Things like a suit can be worn multiple times, button-down shirts can usually be worn up to four times and pants can last for up to five wears as well before washing is necessary.
He said the peak time for energy usage is between 4pm and 7pm. This means avoiding using high-energy appliances such as washing machines outside of these peak hours, so demand for electricity is reduced.
Using a washing machine during the day or late at night can make all the difference and alleviate the pressure on household bills.
General safety
Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out.
'Peak electricity hours' refers to the specific time of day at which electrical consumption is at its highest, and electricity rates are their most expensive. Off-peak hours are when electricity demand is at its lowest, and electricity prices are at their cheapest.
In general, Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 from Monday to Friday in cities and large towns, and at 09:00 everywhere else. If your train is scheduled to depart after this time, you can travel with an Off-Peak ticket.
During high-use energy periods in the winter, meaning in the early morning hours when people click their heaters on to warm their houses, electricity costs more. So, you save a bundle by washing and drying clothes on winter evenings, when electricity usage is at a low level and rates are much lower.
Holding off on cleaning your clothes until the evenings either before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. This will allow you to not only save on doing laundry but will create heat that will help to warm your home. This will help you to keep your hands off your thermostat and will put even more money back in your pocket.
I always wash bedding on a Tuesday and towels on a Wednesday because these are the days that I am at home the most, and I can move everything through the laundry cycle as soon as the last stage has finished.