Householders are being advised to watch out for a common mistake that can add £55 to your winter energy bills - here's what you can about it (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

British Gas, EON, EDF and Octopus customers risk £55 energy bill hike this winter

A convenient way of dealing with damp winter laundry can lead to wasted energy and higher costs, experts have warned

by · Birmingham Live

Thousands of UK householders risk adding £55 to their winter energy bills with a simple mistake. Dealing with wet laundry when it's not possible to hang it outside is an issue most of us face whenever the weather gets cold and wet - but making the wrong choice can prove costly, energy experts have warned.

Customers with energy suppliers including EON, EDF, British Gas and Octopus have been advised that draping your wet clothes over radiators can lead to an extra £55 added to your energy bills. Heating expert Gordon Wallis explained: "Drying clothes on radiators might feel like a convenient solution, but it can actually cost you more in the long run.

"This common mistake could increase your energy bills by up to £55 a year. When radiators are blocked by damp clothes, they can't heat the room effectively, leading to wasted energy and higher costs."

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Mr Wallis says hanging the unloaded contents of your washing machine on all the radiators can also lead to excess condensation that can encourage mould to grow in your home. This in turn can cause damage to paintwork and trigger allergies from microscopic spores released into the air by patches of mildew.

He says alternatives include placing damp laundry on racks near windows so that warmth from the sun can reach it. Also, be sure to turn over wet clothes so they dry evenly and use coathangers for shirts and jackets to improve air circulation and reduce creases. Adding lavender oil to fabric conditioner can also help to prevent mould and combat damp smells, ensuring your clothes stay fresh without the need for additional drying time.

It's also important not to fill up washing machines and airers. If your machine is overloaded, the spin speed will be reduced and it's also harder for water to drain away at the end of the cycle, so clothes will still be very wet when you get them out. Your laundry detergent will also have had less chance to circulate through the load so items may not be properly cleaned.

Similarly, cramming as many garments as possible onto racks and airers reduces the airflow so they won't dry as quickly. Spread things out as much as possible, he advised.

Mr Wallis, from Your NRG, said: "It's important to consider the impact of overcrowded airers and washing machines on drying efficiency. Washing fewer clothes per load allows for better airflow and quicker drying times, reducing the risk of damp and musty smells. By adopting these simple yet effective tips, homeowners can optimise their indoor drying process while minimising energy consumption and maintaining a comfortable living space.

"There are plenty of other simple tricks you can use to cut down on energy usage and save money. For instance, using the eco settings on your washing machine and dishwasher could save you around £63 and £28 a year respectively. And don't forget about maximising the spin cycle on your tumble dryer - it could save you up to an extra £53 annually. Little changes like these can add up to big savings over time."

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