(Image: Getty)
A home energy expert has revealed the times Bradford residents could save money by running household appliances, potentially helping families reduce their energy bills this winter.
With winter coming up, many people will be preparing to spend a bit more money on their energy bills.
The energy price cap rose by 4% at the start of October with customers who pay by direct debit or are on a standard variable tariff having to pay around £144 a month.
If you are looking to cut the cost of your energy bills, you might be able to bring down the price by being picky with the time you run certain household appliances.
Does when you run your dishwasher or washing machine matter?
An expert has revealed that running your household appliances at certain times can be impacting your energy bills.
But this is only if you are on a time-of-use tariff like Economy 7.
An energy specialist from Go.Compare, Gareth Kloet, has said washing machines and dishwashers are some of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home.
If you are on a time-of-use or dual rate electricity tariff, you can save some money by using these appliances during off-peak hours.
If you are on a flat-rate tariff, the time you use your appliances does not matter.
He said: “Be sure to check the details of your tariff to find out what rate you're on and whether it includes different price bands throughout the day.
“If you are on a time-of-use tariff, off-peak times tend to be overnight, generally between 10pm and 8am.
“Some also include lower rates around mid-afternoon, so if you're often at home around this period, then this will probably be the best time for you to put on a wash and set the dishwasher away.
“If you're usually out during the day, putting them on overnight or first thing in the morning can also be a great way to save money on your energy costs.
“Just be mindful of your neighbours when doing so – if your appliances are close to their walls, then you might create a disturbance by putting them on too early or too late.
Recommended reading
"The exact times of the lower rates can vary by supplier and tariff, so make sure you check the details of yours to find out exactly when they offer the cheapest prices, then you can plan your washing schedule around these.”
A time-of-use tariff might not necessarily save you money if you are using most of your electricity during the most expensive periods and might even end up costing you more.
Will this affect when you run your household appliances through the winter? Let us know in the comments.