Household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are often the most significant energy drains in homes.
Yet, a simple feature present in many modern appliances but overlooked by many owners could be the key to slashing energy bills. Energy specialists at Bionic have pointed out that approximately 60 percent of UK residents don’t fully exploit eco-settings available on their devices.
Eco mode, a function found on various large appliances including tumble dryers, is engineered to fine-tune the performance of the device to minimise energy use and sometimes water consumption as well.
Les Roberts, Energy Expert at Bionic, commented: “Activating eco mode on your appliances is an easy and efficient way to cut down on energy use and lower your electricity bills. Although tasks might take a bit longer, the resulting energy savings and environmental benefits make it worthwhile.”
“Over time, these minor adjustments can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and utility expenses, making eco settings a smart, cost-effective option for households mindful of their budget and the environment.”
Top reasons to engage eco mode include:.
- Energy conservation – Eco mode adjusts appliances to run at lower temperatures and extend their cycles. This means they use less heat and take longer to complete their cycles.As a result, they use far less energy than their standard modes, boosting their energy efficiency.
- Savings on bills – Households can achieve significant savings on their energy costs by using eco settings. These settings optimise appliance functionality to consume less energy without compromising effectiveness.
- Reduced carbon emissions – Eco mode allows users to reduce their carbon footprint. Lower energy usage results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to overall environmental sustainability.
How much you could save per appliance
Washing Machines
By using the eco mode on your washing machine, you could cut energy consumption by up to 59% compared to standard hot washes. This could result in annual savings of up to £111.98 on your energy bills, or about 43p per wash when using eco settings instead of regular cycles.
Dishwashers
Switching your dishwasher to eco mode can reduce energy use by an average of 30% compared to traditional settings. If you use your dishwasher five times a week, this could mean annual savings of more than £35, or 14p a cycle.
Tumble Dryers
Choosing the eco cycle on your tumble dryer can cut energy consumption by around 3.7% on average. If you use your dryer in line with every wash, five times a week, this could lead to annual savings of over £11, or around 5p every time you use your tumble dryer.
