Personal finance expert Martin Lewis has identified the tumble dryer as a "demon appliance" that significantly spikes household energy bills, advising people to avoid it. This advice comes as 3.5 million households reportedly owe their energy suppliers a collective £780 million, the highest debt levels in eight years, with many struggling as colder weather approaches.
Lewis explained that a tumble dryer can cost up to £1 per load, recommending that clothes be dried on an airer instead, or to at least shorten the dryer's usage time by removing excess moisture beforehand. He also suggested that dehumidifiers are a more cost-effective alternative for drying clothes indoors, as they use less wattage than heating and effectively remove moisture from the air.
In addition to addressing appliance usage, Lewis offered other money-saving tips for heating homes. He recommended installing reflective panels behind radiators, especially those on external walls, to prevent heat from escaping. Alternatively, he suggested using tin foil if reflective panels are not an option. He also advised turning off radiators in unused rooms before turning on the main heating to avoid wasting energy on empty spaces. Lewis also pointed out that adjusting the boiler's flow rate can reduce gas bills by over 9% without a noticeable difference in heating.
Further general advice from Lewis included checking televisions for low energy settings and identifying and sealing drafts around the house. The article highlight... download the app to read more
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