Brits have been alerted to a lesser-known feature on their washing machines that could cut down their energy bills.
New research discovered millions of people struggle to get to grips with their household appliances. It found around four in 10 people use the same washing machine setting each time.
Of the 2,000 adults surveyed by energy firm Utilita, around 59 percent admitted they simply use the “quick wash” setting on their machine, reports the Daily Mail. However, understanding what each setting actually means could save you money.
READ MORE: Man stays at 5star Turkey resort because it’s cheaper than rent in UK
READ MORE: DWP confirms specific group of women due back payments of nearly £8,000 this year
Utilita highlights that the eco mode, often overlooked or misunderstood, can actually reduce expenses. It says many people however think the setting could cost you more, reports the Mirror.
A spokesman from Utilita Energy, which commissioned the survey, said: “Kitchen appliances are designed to make life easier, but for many, the endless buttons, settings and features can feel overwhelming. It’s no surprise that so many end up using the same setting time and time again.”
(Image: (Image: Getty))
“We’re aware that the ‘eco’ mode has been confused for an ‘ecology’ mode, which people assume is high cost for the pocket, but low cost for the environment. Using the right settings can reduce energy consumption, cut waste, and improve efficiency… Small changes in how we use our appliances can lead to big savings over time.”
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
It wasn’t just washing machines that were baffling Britons, either. The de-scaling feature on coffee machines emerged as the least understood kitchen appliance function, while the filter clean option on vacuum cleaners was also causing head-scratching amongst householders.
Similarly, dishwashers presented a conundrum, with the majority admitting to sticking with familiar settings to avoid any confusion. Washing machines are seen as one of the highest energy-consuming appliances in British homes.
(Image: Getty Images)
As per Consumer Reports, they account for around four percent of electricity use within a house. Energy company E.On says that about 90 percent of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating water.
This implies that Brits looking to cut costs might want to select cooler wash cycles, given modern detergents are often effective at 30c. However, E. On has cautioned that using eco mode might not be as effective for loads lighter than 4kg.
Instead, the energy firm advises opting for a rapid cycle when dealing with smaller laundry loads, which could save both time and energy.