UK households urged not to use washing machine at these times of day

UK households have been warned to STOP using some of the most popular white goods after certain times of day. The key times to avoid are between 4pm and 9pm as these are peak times for energy firms and suppliers, it has been warned.

Llewellyn Kinch, energy expert at MakeMyHouseGreen, says 10pm could be a golden hour for those using dishwashers, washing machines and more. Mr Kinch explains: “Simple adjustments, like shifting your dishwasher usage to off-peak hours and using eco mode, can have a real impact on your energy bill. During winter, when energy consumption is typically at its highest, every little change helps.

“Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers tend to use significant energy, especially when run during peak hours. By making a conscious effort to use these devices during off-peak periods—typically late at night or early in the morning—you can benefit from reduced electricity rates if you're on a Time-of-Use (TOU) tariff.

“It’s equally important to focus on maximising the efficiency of appliances. For example, running your dishwasher on eco mode can lower the water temperature and reduce energy consumption. These small, mindful adjustments add up over time and can make such a difference to your energy bills.”

“With things getting chillier as winter sets in, people depend more on their heating to stay warm in the house,” Llewellyn Kinch, CEO and co-founder of solar platform and home energy specialists MakeMyHouseGreen, said: “Night tends to suck the heat out of a house in winter. Who wants to get up in the morning to a freezing house?

"If you use your home heating in one key way, you and your family won’t have to.” He said: “To create a balance between energy efficiency and home comfort at night, turn your heating on about an hour before you go to bed and leave it on for a few hours by setting the timer.

He added: “Use smart thermostats to fine-tune your heating. You can use thermostatic radiator valves to control the heating of each room separately.” He said: “Unused, cold rooms suck heat from warmer rooms through walls and doors, and that will waste heat energy.

"Use draft excluders around windows and external doors to stop Jack Frost getting in while keeping your house toasty, too.”