Martin Lewis shares advice on when to use your washing machine amid energy blackout warning

MoneySavingExpert founderMartin Lewishas been a fount of knowledge for consumers as the cost of living crisis becomes a very real thing with winter setting in.

As the National Grid warned of up to three-hour planned blackouts during the coming months due to gas shortages this winter, Martin, 50, was quick to react to help consumers.

Posing the question "when's best to use high energy appliances such as tumble dryers?", the finance guru took to Twitter to share his advice.

He explained how some households might have time-of-use tariffs, which would make washing and drying clothes cheaper at night – after 9pm.

While those who are not on this arrangement need not go to the effort and do their laundry whenever they please, with no price difference.

"Most don't have time-of-use tariffs so there's no price difference," Martin added.

"If you do, night's cheaper. Yet peak use is 4pm to 9pm so for UK's energy security, not then is better."

The consumer expert also raised awareness of money saving hacks when it comes to solar appliances: “If [you have] UV solar panels, use appliances in daylight hours”.

When it comes to washing machines, Mr Lewis had further general advice for Brits wanting to reduce their energy costs.

"Try to do one fewer load of washing a week and make sure you fill up the machine each time. "No more washing just one shirt or dress that you need for a big night out." he wrote onmoneysavingexpert.com.

"The savings aren't huge, around £19 a year for modern machines, but can be much more with old ones.

"You could also try doing your washing on a colder setting. By washing your clothes at 30 degrees, you could save £54 a year, leading to a £73 overall saving."

The expert also advised people to use appliances on 'eco' mode where possible, which means they will run at a lower speed and heat and therefore cost less.

For those who own a dishwasher, he further suggested filling up the machine before switching it on.

"It might be tempting to run your dishwasher when it's only partially full, just to get your stuff clean, but it's an extremely inefficient way to use energy," he wrote.

"If you wait till it's full, you can manage one less run of the machine a week. According to the Energy Saving Trust, reducing your dishwasher use by one run a week could save £27 annually."

Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers are examples of high energy appliances and make up 14 percent of a typical energy bill, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

The amount of power needed to heat the water that they use pushes up energy consumption, making them energy hungry.

Millions of households will also now be paid to use electricity outside peak hours this winter through a new scheme – as experts have warned there could be blackouts.

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