Responsible Energy Efficiency in the home ensures you do your bit when it comes to reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment. You can save a few pounds too.
Today we’re going to look at getting the maximum efficient use out of your Washing Machine
A Washing Machine that’s used 300 times a year (not unusual for families) will cost you around £30-£50 per annum in Electricity.
Here’s how to reduce your bill when using your Washing Machine
Buy The Highest Energy Rated Machine You Can Afford
A+++ is the highest energy efficiency, while ‘A’ is the lowest. Since 2014 no washing machines lower than an ‘A’ have not been made, but lower-rated machines can still be found on the market. A+++ will use the least amount of Electricity and cost the least amount of money to run, but will not necessarily the least amount of water consumption (more on this below). As a general rule of thumb buys the highest-rated machine you can afford.
Check Water Consumption
It’s not just electricity that costs money and harms the environment, the production and consumption of clean water does too. Once you have narrowed down a list of energy-efficient washing machines, check the water consumption of each one. Some A+++ rated machines will use over double the water of other A+++ rated machines.
Run Shorter
Most washing machine settings can be run for shorter times. The longer the machine runs the more electricity it will use run on the shortest time possible.
Run Full
No one wants to wash whites, darks and colours at the same time, but if possible, let the wash basket fill and don’t run the washing machine until you have enough for a full load. Running full will ensure overall you run your washing machine less.
Run At Lower Temperatures
Always wash your clothes at the lowest possible temperatures. Lower temperatures use less energy. Read your manual and learn the running times and temperatures of all settings. You might have to experiment to find a setting that works for you. Sometimes you may have run some washing for a longer time at a higher temperature (heavily stained clothes, for example). But for most of your washing settle for the most energy-efficient setting possible.
Dry Outside
Tumble drying is the easiest way to dry your washing, but like washing machines, they consume energy. If you have an outdoor area, install a washing line. On warm sunny days and dry windy days take a few minutes to peg your washing out and let nature dry it for you.