Martin Lewis Issues Warning Over 'Demon Appliance' Tumble Dryers
Personal finance expert Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning about tumble dryers, labeling them as the biggest energy guzzlers in UK homes. This comes as energy bills are set to soar by £332 this July, putting additional financial pressure on households across the country.
Energy Bills Set to Rise by 20%
According to analysts at Cornwall Insight, energy bills are expected to climb to £1,973 a year for typical dual fuel households from July to September. This represents a 20% increase, driven by wholesale price rises linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Lewis highlighted the tumble dryer as the key "demon appliance" to avoid, emphasizing that it can cost up to £1 per load. He stated, "Do you know what the real 'demon appliance' is in most people's houses - the one that you don't want to use because it's really expensive? Tumble dryers."
Cheaper Alternatives to Tumble Dryers
The money-saving expert recommends air-drying clothes outside or using dehumidifiers as more cost-effective alternatives. He explained, "Dehumidifiers take water out of the air rather than use the heating, and they're much lower wattage appliances than standard heating."
Practical Energy-Saving Tips
Lewis also suggests several other measures to reduce energy consumption and cut costs:
- Install reflective panels behind radiators on external walls to prevent heat escaping. Tin foil can work as a budget alternative, with proper reflector foil available at Screwfix for £6.39 per 4-metre roll.
- Turn off radiators in unused rooms to avoid wasting energy.
- Adjust boiler flow rates. Lewis advises, "Changing the flow rate on your boiler can cut gas bill by over 9% and you won't notice the change."
- Check TV energy settings to ensure they are optimized for efficiency.
- Seal drafts around the home to prevent heat loss.
By following these tips, households can mitigate the impact of rising energy bills and make significant savings on their monthly expenses.
