In today's economy, finding ways to trim expenses and keep energy bills manageable is a top priority for many. While we can't control overall energy prices, there are small adjustments we can make at home that can add up to significant savings.

To avoid surprise costs if your appliances break down, why not insure them- a bill to repair your washing machine could put all your energy saving efforts to waste!

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Here are five savvy strategies I employ as an appliance expert at Domestic & General that could cut costs and maximise efficiency with my appliances.

Washing Machine Wisdom:

  • Pre-soak heavily soiled clothing to avoid washing twice.
  • Ensure the machine is fully loaded before running a cycle.
  • Opt for lower temperature washes, like 30 degrees, for lightly soiled laundry.

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Dishwasher Efficiency:

  • Skip pre-rinsing dishes but scrape off solid leftovers.
  • Load the dishwasher to full capacity to maximise each cycle.
  • Take advantage of timer settings, especially if you're on a time-of-use energy plan.

Fridge Freezer Tactics:

  • Avoid overfilling to ensure proper air circulation.
  • Maintain recommended temperature settings (3-5°C for the fridge, -18°C for the freezer).
  • Keep door seals clean and promptly repair any faults to prevent energy wastage.

Oven optimisation:

  • Where possible, use ceramic or glass dishes in the oven, rather than metal (they’re better at retaining heat)
  • Thaw frozen items before cooking to reduce energy consumption.
  • Regularly check and clean oven door seals to prevent heat loss.

Tumble Dryer Tactics:

  • Spin wet laundry at a high speed in the washing machine before drying to reduce moisture.
  • Keep filters clean and free of lint to maintain dryer efficiency.
  • Dry multiple loads consecutively to capitalise on residual heat and minimise energy waste.

Bonus Tip: Embrace Air Drying

One of the most effective ways to save money on tumble drying is to use nature's resources. If you have outdoor space, consider hanging laundry to air dry instead of using the dryer. This not only saves energy and money but can also extend the life of your clothing.

About the author

Ian Palmer-Smith

Ian is our go-to expert when it comes to plumbing, boilers and carbon monoxide safety. After 39 years (and counting) of working in operations – he knows quite a bit about appliance maintenance and repairs too. Even during washing machine debates (yes, they happen), his expertise is unmatched. Thankfully, Ian regularly contributes to the blog to share his wisdom – helping us all out when our appliances aren’t working quite as we expect.

Last year, Ian was recognised as a finalist in the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers’ Gas Leadership Award – a real testament to his authority in the industry. He’s even represented Domestic & General at the House of Commons. There he informed everyone about the importance of carbon monoxide safety and awareness in the home.

Outside of work, Ian is usually occupied taking his sons to various sporting events, watching  football, rugby… and a little more sport.

Explore Ian’s wealth of knowledge on all things gas safety and appliance care now. You can check out some of his insightful articles below.