British financial expert Martin Lewis shares surprising insight surrounding a common household appliance that might be quietly increasing your electricity bill and how to find low-cost alternatives
Martin Lewis is one of the UK’s most popular money-saving experts. He has recently issued homeowners a stark warning about a common household appliance that could be secretly draining their finances and raising their electricity and water bills.
With the evident cost-of-living crisis putting immense pressure on energy bills, the financial guru has explained that the most expensive appliance to run is actually the tumble dryer. Lewis discussed on his ITV show, The Martin Lewis Money Show, how the way you dry your clothes can quickly add up.
“Do you know what the real demon appliance is in most people’s houses?” he asked viewers. “The one that you don’t want to use because it’s really expensive, tumble dryers.”
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According to Lewis, tumble dryers, which use considerable amounts of electricity to generate heat , can cost up to an astonishing £1 per load. This makes dryers one of the most energy-hungry appliances in UK households, especially for families doing multiple loads of laundry weekly. While, for families finding it impossible to lower their energy bills, the cost of running a tumble dryer frequently could be the reason.
However, instead of relying on tumble dryers, the 52-year-old encourages Brits to consider alternative clothes drying methods, especially if time isn’t an issue. Advising, “Dry your clothes on an airer outside to shorten the amount of time you’re using your tumble dryer, or avoid using it completely.”
Dryers, particularly the traditional vented models, typically cost more as they consume copious amounts of electricity to heat and circulate air, making them more energy-intensive than washing machines and other common household appliances.
Investing in an energy-efficient dryer can help lower costs. Households are still warned that other factors like the load size and drying time all contribute to the overall cost of using a dryer.
Lewis also recommends a dehumidifier as a cheaper option, suggesting they can help “take some of the moisture out” of the air while consuming considerably less electricity than an average tumble dryer. Lewis’s recommendations come as members of the Money Saving Expert (MSE) forum have started communicating their tips and tricks for lowering energy costs.
Numerous forum users have supported utilising heated airers or dehumidifiers to replace tumble dryers. In contrast, others recommend timing laundry for warmer, breezier days to allow clothes to dry naturally.
With energy prices continuing to be a significant concern for UK households, Lewis’s advice is the perfect reminder to avoid high-energy appliances and look for more budget-friendly solutions.
With the warmer months approaching, families should consider drying clothes outside, which will save them money in the long term.
