Overview

• Major UK energy suppliers recommend washing clothes at 30°C to save up to £24 annually, with most energy used in heating water.
• Customers are encouraged to avoid using washing machines during peak hours, typically 4pm–7pm, to benefit from lower tariffs.
• British Gas’s PeakSave scheme offers half-price electricity on Sundays for smart meter users, highlighting the value of off-peak programs.
• Experts suggest running machines overnight or early morning and combining laundry loads to optimize energy use and reduce costs.
• Smart meters are required to access supplier-specific discounted energy schemes, emphasizing their role in household energy management.