As clocks go back on October 25, Britain’s energy consumption will also be increasing — one washing machine temperature change can save you some money.
As the clocks go back on Sunday, 25 October, Britain will be facing darker evenings and longer nights for the coming months. While the prospect of cosier evenings indoors is welcome, our energy consumption will inevitably rise as we turn up the heating and rely on artificial lighting for extended periods.
With the energy price cap increasing to £1,723 per year from 1 October to 31 December 2026, UK energy prices have risen by 4% compared to the previous price cap period.
Against a backdrop of sharply climbing energy costs, the majority of us are likely to become far more mindful of our energy usage.
Fortunately, energy specialists Fusion Electrical have put together a handful of useful tips on how to keep energy bills in check as the clocks go back this Sunday, including a couple of straightforward and effective changes you can make while carrying out everyday household tasks.
James Harrison, director of Fusion Electrical, said: “The end of BST is always a good indicator it’s time to start thinking about proofing your home to not only keep it warm, but given the rise in energy prices, also eliminate any wastage. With the dark nights coming in, here are some good methods and checks to take to ensure you’re winter ready.”
Wash clothes at one exact temperature
Doing the laundry is a regular household chore that consumes a considerable amount of energy. However, there is one specific temperature at which you can wash your clothes that will use less energy overall and save you money, according to the experts.
James advises: “Outside of heating, we do use other appliances more. We wear more layers and that means more washing. Wash your clothes at a lower temperature and save washing for full loads to save energy. Usually a 30°C wash is sufficient.”
Avoid tumble-drying when possible
When it comes to laundry, there is another adjustment you can make to cut energy costs, and it concerns one of the most power-hungry household appliances — the tumble dryer.
James explains: “Air-drying clothes indoors or even outdoors on dry days can significantly reduce the electricity usage that is needed for tumble-drying.”
Use LED bulbs
Another key recommendation from the electrical specialists is to swap out any older halogen or incandescent bulbs for LEDs, particularly in the rooms you use most frequently, before the evenings begin drawing in, reports the Express.
It almost goes without saying that you should also remember to switch the lights off whenever you leave a room.
Stop draughts
The energy specialists say: “It’s the ideal time of year to check windows and doors for gaps and get those fixed whether it be through appropriate sealing or the use of draught excluders.”
Make the most of daylight
Another straightforward yet genuinely effective piece of guidance is to take full advantage of the natural light available during the winter months. James suggests: “If you fix those draughts, open curtains and blinds during the day and keep windows unobstructed to let more daylight in. This will not only reduce the amount of artificial lighting you’ll need, but it can help heat the room.”
He adds: “Even in the winter, the sun can help heat a room. Close the curtains as the sun goes down to trap that natural heat in, as well as when the heating or fire goes on.”
Set heating efficiently
Another modest yet highly effective change is turning the thermostat down by as little as 1°C. This can make a significant difference to heating bills, while still maintaining a comfortable home.
A straightforward way to implement this is by using timers and smart thermostats, alongside making sure the heating is not running needlessly throughout the day.
Only heat the rooms you actually use
James shares: “In the rooms you’re heating, keep doors closed to retain the heat. Turn off the heating in spare rooms and those not being used, or use your radiator controls to do this.”
Don’t block radiators
Another well-known tip that is frequently repeated, but only because it is genuinely so effective, is to make certain your radiators are not obstructed.
James explains: “You need the heat to circulate as effectively as possible to heat the home and furniture in front of it or clothes drying on top will prevent this.”
Keep hot-water use down
The experts advise taking shorter showers during the winter months. James explains: “A long, hot shower can be appealing on those cold winter mornings, but actually, shorter and unnecessarily high hot-water temperatures can save on your gas and electricity.”
Check your energy settings
Finally, if you have a smart meter, the electrical experts recommend taking a moment to carry out a bit of analysis.
James recommends: “Look at your usage during the darker evenings and identify appliances or heating periods that are consuming more energy than you expected. You can then make a call on what to do about that, whether it be turning things off or making tweaks to maximise efficiency.
“What you should look to do is set your heating and lighting to your routine rather than simply putting everything on when you get home from work until bedtime. This small change repeated right throughout the winter can actually add up to some savings.”
