As the colder months approach, many families face the challenge of drying clothes indoors without sending their energy bills soaring. Tumble dryers are a staple in countless households, but they can also be one of the most expensive appliances to run.
Energy experts at Grant Store say a simple feature hidden on many machines can save households money while keeping clothes in better condition.
“Most modern tumble dryers have a ‘sensor dry’ function. This automatically detects when your clothes are dry and switches the machine off,” the experts explained. “It prevents over-drying, which is a common issue that wastes energy and damages fabrics, and it can cut drying costs by up to 20 percent.”
A typical vented tumble dryer can cost around £179 a year to run. By using the sensor dry feature, households could save about £35 annually, bringing the total closer to £144. For more efficient heat pump dryers, which already cost less to operate at around £76 a year, the saving is smaller but still worth about £15.
“It might not sound like a huge amount, but across the winter it adds up. And because the feature is built in, it is a saving that costs nothing extra to access,” the experts added.
Some tumble dryers activate sensor drying automatically, while others require you to select it manually on the dial. If you are not sure whether your model has the function, it is worth checking the user manual or searching the model details online.
The experts also urged households to clean lint filters regularly to keep machines working at peak efficiency. A blocked filter makes the dryer work harder and prolongs drying time. Cleaning it after each use helps reduce costs and keeps your appliance running safely.
For those wanting to cut costs further, there are effective alternatives to using a dryer altogether. Heated clothes airers, which cost just pennies an hour to run, are a popular option, especially when used with covers to trap heat. Dehumidifiers can also speed up drying by pulling moisture from the air, helping clothes dry faster while reducing the risk of damp and mould.
“Drying clothes on radiators is one of the most expensive methods because it forces your central heating to work harder,” the experts warned. “Heated airers or dehumidifiers are far more efficient and kinder to your home.”
Whether you are making the most of built-in features or trying lower-cost alternatives, there are plenty of ways to keep laundry costs down this winter.
“The sensor dry button is a small change that makes a big difference. It saves money, saves energy, and extends the life of your clothes. In the current climate, those savings matter more than ever.”
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