TUMBLE dryers churn through energy at a cost of 85p an hour so knowing when to ditch them can save you a lot.
As we get closer to summer, you may be wondering when it's time to start hanging the washing outside.
But with a chill still in the air, you could be worried wet clothes won't dry on the washing line.
How warm does it need to be before you should switch off the tumble dryer?
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, says it's a myth that the weather has to be sunny and warm to dry clothes outside.
She said: "While many believe a warm, sunny day is best for drying laundry outside, all you really need is a dry, low-humidity, breezy day.
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"If the air is dry enough, water will evaporate no matter what the temperature and a consistent breeze will speed up the drying time by taking away that moisture."
From now until the middle of May, the Met Office says weather is predicted to be patchy, with some areas experiencing occasional rain and showers.
But towards the end of the month temperatures are expected to be above average 17 degrees Celsius and higher.
That doesn't mean you have to wait until then to hang your clothes and other garments out though.
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Victoria says: "If you do have outside space, we’d suggest between 10 and 15 degrees is the optimum temperature for outdoor drying.
"Obviously the sunnier, the speedier – just be careful British showers don’t sneak up on you."
Victoria said drying your clothes at this temperature rather than using a tumble dryer could save a household around £70 a year on their bills.
And with energy bills for the average household at £2,500 a year, there's extra reason to use alternatives.
No washing line, no worries
If you don't have any outside space, don't worry, you have other options – and they can still save you money.
Victoria says switching from the tumble dryer to a traditional drying rack "should work just fine" if placed by a window when the weather is warm.
An electric heated drying rack could save approximately £40 a year versus using a tumble dryer.
"And with a smart meter display, it will be easy to keep track of how much energy you’re saving in pounds and pence over the warmer months," adds Victoria.
Not only will air-drying clothes save you cash, but it will help the environment too.
Victoria said it can reduce a household's carbon footprint by 45kg of CO2 a year.
How else can I save money on my energy bills?
Beyond ditching the tumble dryer, there's countless ways you can cut back on energy bill costs or get extra help if you are struggling.
Between now and Spring 2024, millions are having payments worth £900, £150-£300 and £150 paid into their bank accounts.
Eligibility for each payment varies. To qualify for the £900 payment you have to be claiming:
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
You will qualify for the £150-£300 payment if you are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24.
Meanwhile, the £150 payment will be made if you are receiving any of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
If you aren't currently receiving any of the benefits that qualify you for the cost of living payments, it's worth seeing if you can claim them.
A number of charities have calculators, including Turn2Us, EntitledTo and Citizens Advice that help you work out if you are eligible for a benefit.
Thousands of households are in line for help through the Household Support Fund too.
You will need to apply for the help through your local council.
You can find out what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for ways to actually cut your energy bills, you can start by switching up your lightbulbs to LED ones, saving you around £55 a year.
If you are set on using the tumble dryer and are looking at buying a new one, it's worth investing in a heat pump model.
They cost more to buy up front, but according to one expert they use 80% less energy than a condenser tumble dryer.
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Keeping your showers under four minutes can help slash energy bills and bring down water bills by £95 a year too.
For a full list of 33 ways you can cut your bills, you can read our guide.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
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