Appliance you should ‘avoid’ turning on as ‘budget friendly alternative’ will save £50

Heating your home can be costly in winter, but one appliance can ramp up the bills 

In a bid to keep costs down during the chillier months, Andy Ellis from Posh.co.uk has revealed a top tip for saving money: ditch the tumble dryer.

“Winter can be a difficult time for homeowners, as the festivities and colder evenings often result in higher bills,” he said.

“By considering your energy consumption at home, you can identify effective ways to save throughout the season,” he added.

His key piece of advice is to avoid using your tumble dryer, which could save you up to £50 a year.

Appliances that provide heat come at a costly price, so by avoiding the tumble dryer will save you money. Where possible, air drying your clothing – such as using a clothes rack – is a budget friendly alternative.

He suggests that simple measures like insulating rooms and sealing draughts can make a significant difference.

“There are simple yet cost effective ways to reduce your energy bills this winter, through insulating rooms and sealing draughts, families can enjoy a warm and comfortable home without the added heating bill to worry about.”

Andy emphasises the importance of efficient heating use: “Maximising the efficiency of your heating when it’s on is essential for families to stay warm during winter without raising energy costs.”

How to cut down on energy bills

Switch Off Standby: Leaving appliances on standby can add up on your energy bills. Unplugging devices and turning them off at the wall when not in use can prevent unnecessary energy waste.

Use Silver Foil: Placing silver foil behind radiators can help reflect heat back into your room instead of it being absorbed into the walls. This simple step can raise the temperature in your home while reducing energy consumption.

Uncover Radiators: Furniture like sofas or beds placed in front of radiators can block heat circulation, causing your radiator to work harder. Rearranging furniture to keep radiators uncovered ensures better efficiency.

Take Shorter Showers: Long showers are a major energy drain. Reducing your shower time by just one minute can save £18 per year per household.

Lowering the water temperature slightly also helps cut down on energy costs.

Add Insulation: Insulating your walls can help retain heat in your home, reducing heating costs. Insulating pipes will also keep water warmer, which means you won’t have to turn up the temperature during showers.

Wrap Up Warm: Instead of turning up the thermostat, consider wearing thick dressing gowns, warm sweaters, cosy socks, and blankets. Staying bundled up can help you stay comfortable without increasing your heating bill.

Avoid the Tumble Dryer: Heat-generating appliances like tumble dryers are costly to run. Air-drying clothes instead can save you up to £50 per year, offering a more budget-friendly alternative.

Bleed Radiators: Air trapped in radiators can reduce their efficiency. Bleeding your radiators regularly can ensure they’re working at their best, helping to keep your home warm and your energy bills down.

Trapped air in radiators can lead to cold spots and decreased efficiency. Regularly bleeding your radiators ensures optimal performance, enhancing heating and saving you money.

Draught-proofing:This is another effective measure. Draughts from doors, windows, and gaps can allow warm air to escape and cold air to infiltrate.

Use sealant, draught brushes, window film, or excluders to seal these gaps, keeping the heat in and preventing unnecessary thermostat adjustments.

Investing in energy-efficient appliances: This can also significantly reduce your energy bills. These appliances use less electricity, helping you save money while minimising your carbon footprint.

Washing laundry at lower temperatures: This can help cut energy usage. Washing at 30°C instead of 40°C can make a difference over time. Moreover, washing larger loads less frequently can further reduce costs.