When is the cheapest time to use a tumble dryer in the UK?
GIVING your clothes a spin in the tumble dryer can help get you through the washing load far quicker than air drying.
But it's not the cheapest appliance to run at home - and in fact could be adding quite a bit to bills.
That's why it could pay to know the best time to run the device, so you're not spending more than you need to.
The exact cost of running the device will depend on the tariff you're on.
With over 25million households on standard variable tariffs, average dual fuel energy bills are capped at £2,074 a year - but the exact amount can vary depending on use.
Though you could pay less than that too if you're on a fixed tariff, several of which have recently come back on the market.
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The price of running a tumble dryer could also be less if you're on a special tariff too.
These are known as "time of use" tariffs that mean you pay a different price depending on the time of day.
The most common of these is an Economy 7 tariff.
You pay less for using energy at night and more in the day.
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The times and different prices can depend on the supplier you're with.
Using energy at a cheaper off-peak time could save you cash - but could cost more if you end up running appliances in peak times.
You should keep an eye on your usage, as you could end up spending more if you use a lot of energy in the daytime.
Bear in mind too that leaving electrical appliances on at night can be a fire hazard, so make sure you're awake while the machine is running.
You'll also need to have a meter installed to have an economy 7 tariff, as that's used to give you the different prices.
More ways to save on your tumble drying costs
Reducing the time you tumble dry can help save cash.
You can start off the load and get the worst of the wetness out, then air drying the rest.
Of course, avoiding using the tumble dryer altogether and drying outside is the best way to reduce costs, but isn't always possible in the famous British weather.
If you do need to use the device, check your manual carefeully.
Eco settings could slash your energy bill.
For big families who do three loads of washing a week, a tumble dryer can cost £104.52 a year tumble drying your clothes.
Households that opt for the eco or low heat setting can slash their energy bill by £53 a year according to Uswitch.
Another expert tip is using the spin cycle on your washing machine before you whack clothes in the dryer.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, previously told The Sun "If your clothes are still very wet when you take them out of the washing machine, you could make use of the spin cycle setting.
"Using the spin cycle will remove excess water, meaning your clothes will dry faster in the tumble dryer or on an airer."
It's also worth researching which model you're going to buy before splashing the cash.
There are three main types of tumble dryer you can buy - heat-pump dryers, condenser dryers and vented dryers.
But research from Which? suggests a heat-pump dryer might be the best way to go - these cost up to £51 less each year to run compared to some other models.
That's because they recycle hot air when drying your clothes, so they don't need to work as hard.
Meanwhile Which? home products and services editor Lisa Barber said keeping your tumble dryer in good shape can help shave money off your bill.
"Maintaining your tumble dryer could also trim your bill, as filters blocking up with dust and lint from clothes can add nearly £20 to annual laundry costs," she said.
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