THIS is the best time to run your washing machine and dryer for lower bills and smarter energy use |

By Sandy Verma On Jan 16, 2026

Laundry is an essential activity in every household, but it is imperative to consider the time you do your laundry, as it makes a substantial impact on your energy bills, the planet, and your comfort in the house. It is quite common for many individuals to do their laundry whenever it is convenient for them without contemplating the use of electricity, heating, and the drying aspects, as it can be exceptionally expensive and also stress the machines in use.Having an awareness of the times when there is high and low electric power, employing an efficient temperature in washing, and ensuring strategic laundry time can greatly assist in cutting down on your expenditures as well as energy consumption. Moreover, ensuring proper management in the use of the dryer, optimizing the use of renewable resources, and maintaining these machines can enable you to have cleaner laundry while ensuring it is more planet-friendly.Timing is an aspect that makes an ordinary task, such as laundry, much more effective and stress-free in a household.

Best times to run your washing machine to reduce electricity costs

Electricity costs fluctuate depending on demand. Peak hours occur when most households and businesses are using power, often late afternoon or early evening in summer and early morning in winter in regions with electric heating. Running laundry during off-peak times, such as evenings, nights, and weekends, reduces electricity costs and relieves pressure on the power grid. Checking with your local utility helps identify the cheapest times to wash.For maximum savings, plan laundry during low-demand hours. Evening or nighttime loads in warmer months reduce additional indoor heat, which helps minimise air conditioner usage. In colder months, avoiding early-morning peaks prevents higher electricity charges associated with heating. Washing in cold water and running full loads further improves efficiency while maintaining cleanliness.

How to use your washer and dryer efficiently

Most energy is used to heat water. Using cold water for most laundry can dramatically reduce consumption, and full loads maximise energy use per cycle. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning cycles, leak checks, and servicing, keeps your washing machine operating efficiently, reducing energy waste and prolonging its lifespan.The dryer consumes more electricity than the washer and produces heat and humidity, increasing cooling needs. Running laundry in cooler hours or ensuring proper ventilation minimises heat buildup. Air-drying where possible and timing dryer use strategically can reduce energy consumption and prevent indoor humidity issues.Homes with solar panels benefit from running washing machines during daylight hours to use clean energy directly. This approach lowers grid dependency, reduces carbon footprint, and combines environmental benefits with cost savings.

Additional laundry efficiency tips

Use energy-efficient wash cycles to minimise electricity usage.
Maintain your washing machine regularly, including cleaning cycles and checking for leaks.
Monitor indoor humidity to prevent mould and reduce cooling costs.
Consider using disposable or secondary numbers for certain laundry-related setups, such as temporary laundries or outdoor washing.
Ensure proper ventilation in the laundry area to reduce heat and moisture buildup.
Plan loads carefully, washing full loads when possible to maximise energy efficiency.
Air-dry clothes when possible to reduce dryer energy consumption.