With energy prices soaring, many households are looking for practical ways to cut down on electricity costs without sacrificing convenience. The tumble dryer, while incredibly useful—especially during Ireland’s colder, wetter months—is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home. But don’t worry—there are several simple tricks to help you save money and reduce drying times.

Here are 10 easy tips that will make your tumble dryer more efficient and your energy bills lighter.

1️⃣ Try the Towel Hack

One of the quickest ways to speed up drying time is by adding a dry towel to your load. The towel absorbs excess moisture, helping clothes dry up to 30% faster. For best results, remove the towel halfway through to prevent it from becoming saturated and slowing the process.

2️⃣ Spin Clothes Extra in the Washing Machine

Before you even reach for the dryer, run an extra spin cycle on your washing machine. This removes excess water from your clothes, significantly cutting drying time. It’s a quick and energy-efficient way to reduce your electricity usage.

3️⃣ Clean the Lint Filter Every Time

A clogged lint filter forces your dryer to work harder, increasing drying times and energy consumption. Make it a habit to clean the filter after every cycle to ensure proper airflow and keep your machine running efficiently.

4️⃣ Load the Dryer Correctly ️

Both overloading and underloading your dryer waste energy. Too many clothes slow down drying, while too few items cause unnecessary cycles. Aim for a medium-sized load to achieve the best efficiency.

5️⃣ Use Wool Dryer Balls

Throw in a few wool dryer balls to improve airflow and separate clothes during the cycle. These handy balls can reduce drying time by up to 25% and help soften fabrics naturally—no need for chemical-laden dryer sheets!

6️⃣ Group Similar Fabrics Together

Drying heavy towels with lightweight t-shirts? It’s a recipe for longer cycles. Group clothes of similar weight and fabric type together for faster drying. Light fabrics dry quicker when they’re not weighed down by heavier items.

7️⃣ Use the Sensor Dry Setting

Modern dryers often come with a sensor dry feature that stops the cycle when clothes are dry. This prevents over-drying and saves electricity compared to using a timed cycle, which may run longer than necessary.

8️⃣ Air-Dry When You Can ️

If the weather allows, hang your clothes outdoors or use an indoor clothes rack. Even air-drying part of your laundry load can save significant energy. Reserve the tumble dryer for heavier fabrics or when you’re in a hurry.

9️⃣ Choose Lower Heat Settings

Higher heat settings may seem faster, but they consume much more energy and can damage delicate fabrics. Opt for low to medium heat to dry clothes more gently while keeping your electricity bill in check.

🔟 Dry Back-to-Back Loads

Planning multiple loads? Run them consecutively to take advantage of the dryer’s retained heat. This means shorter warm-up times and reduced energy usage overall.

Bonus Tip: Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Dryer

If you use your dryer regularly, consider investing in a heat pump dryer. Though more expensive upfront, these appliances can use up to 50% less electricity compared to conventional dryers—saving you money in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Saving on energy bills doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience. With just a few simple changes to your drying routine, you can save money, reduce your environmental impact, and extend the lifespan of your clothes.

Next time you do laundry, try out these tips—you’ll be surprised how much you can save!

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