How to cut the cost of tumble drying
8 top tips
At Go Assist, we understand that tumble dryers are a convenient solution for drying clothes, especially when the weather isn’t on your side. However, they can also lead to high energy costs if not used efficiently. To help you save money and keep your dryer running smoothly, we’ve compiled a list of simple tips that will reduce the cost of drying your clothes.
1. Use a high spin cycle first
Before transferring clothes to your tumble dryer, select a high or speedy spin cycle on your washing machine. This will remove as much water as possible from your clothes. Washing machines use less energy than tumble dryers, so reducing the moisture in your laundry before drying can significantly shorten drying times, ultimately cutting costs.
2. Separate clothes by fabric type
When you mix heavy fabrics like towels with lighter items such as t-shirts, your dryer has to work harder to dry the entire load. The lighter clothes may end up over-dried or even damaged, while the heavier items remain damp. To avoid this, separate your laundry into groups of similar fabric types to ensure more even drying.
3. Select the right drying programme
Most modern tumble dryers have a variety of programs designed to suit different fabric types. For instance, cotton items such as bedsheets can be dried using the 'Cotton Cupboard Dry' setting, which will dry them to the perfect level for folding. For synthetics like sports gear, choose a 'Synthetics Dry' program to save energy and protect your clothes. Many dryers also come with humidity sensors that stop the machine when the clothes are dry, so make sure you're using the best programme for your load.
4. Regularly clean the lint filter
The lint filter collects fluff from your clothes during drying. If it becomes blocked, it prevents hot air from circulating properly, forcing the dryer to use more energy. Regularly cleaning your lint filter after every load will help your dryer operate efficiently and safely, as clogged filters can pose a fire risk.
5. Untangle clothes
Before putting clothes in the dryer, take the time to untangle any knots and fasten buttons or zippers. Small items, like socks, can become trapped inside duvet covers or larger items, staying damp and requiring longer drying times. Untangling and separating items can help ensure even drying and avoid unnecessary energy use.
6. Clean the heat exchanger regularly
Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers use a heat exchanger to turn steam back into water during the drying process. This heat exchanger can become clogged with fluff and debris, which reduces its efficiency. Regular cleaning, ideally once a month, can help keep your dryer running smoothly and efficiently. Always check your machine's manual for specific cleaning instructions.
7. Position your tumble dryer wisely
Condenser and heat pump dryers need a minimum ambient temperature of around 5°C to function correctly. If your dryer is in a cold or unheated space like a garage, it may struggle to work efficiently. Consider moving it to a heated part of your home, where it will run more effectively and use less energy. Alternatively, a vented dryer can be placed in an unheated space, as long as it's properly vented to the outside.
8. Run your dryer during off-peak hours
If you have a time-of-use electricity tariff, using your tumble dryer during off-peak hours can lead to significant savings. Off-peak electricity is usually cheaper and is often available between 10pm and 8am. If it's safe to do so, consider running your dryer at night or early in the morning to reduce energy costs.
By following these simple tips, you can reduce the cost of running your tumble dryer while keeping your clothes dry and fresh. If your tumble dryer isn’t working as efficiently as it should or you’re in need of a repair, we're here to help.
Book a tumble dryer repair online or give us a call on 0333 733 1234 today to get your appliance back to optimal performance in no time!
