Energy Saving Tip #4: Washing & tumbling

Those large appliances around your house can make up a large proportion of your electric bill, so here's a few energy saving tips:

• When your old machines die, replace them with A or A+ rated versions. The better the rating the more money you save.

• As I've pointed out in an earlier post, dishwashers can actually be more efficient than hand-washing, but only if you run the dishwasher fully loaded.

• Washing machines: Try washing at 30 degrees C rather than 40. This can save up to 41% energy. 30 is not suitable for all washes, washing machines, or powders though, so check here for more info.

• Tumble Driers: Wherever possible, avoid tumble drying and either hang stuff outside on a line or inside on a rack if weather doesn't allow. Not only are you saving energy but you don’t have to clean the filter as much, use an anti-static sheet, or worry that the items you're drying will survive the high temperature.