A common laundry habit could be leaving homes damp, cold, and costing more to heat. Draping clothes over a radiator might seem like an easy solution when the weather prevents outdoor drying, but it can have negative effects on a home’s heating and moisture levels.
Research from the Energy Saving Trust suggests that households could save up to £55 a year by drying clothes on racks rather than radiators. The exact amount will depend on your home, heating system, and how often you dry washing indoors, but changing this everyday habit could help keep energy costs down.
Hanging wet washing on radiators prevents warm air from circulating, making the house feel colder and forcing the heating to work harder. This habit also releases moisture into the air, with a single load, according to research from the University of Manchester, capable of adding more than two litres of water to the home.
Professor David Denning from the University of Manchester explains that drying clothes indoors can lead to humid conditions, which can cause problems for people with asthma or weak immune systems. He notes that most people are immune to the fungus that grows in these conditions or have a healthy system to fight the infection.
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There are simple changes that can help tackle laundry without filling the home with extra moisture. Using a clothes airer in a well-ventilated room is a good alternative to radiator drying. Heated airers can also be used, and they can be placed near a plug.
Another option is to use a dehumidifier, which draws excess moisture from the air and helps keep humidity levels under control. The running cost of a dehumidifier is around 14p an hour, depending on the model and your energy tariff.
Taking advantage of milder days to hang washing outside can also help reduce moisture levels. Even in winter, a dry and breezy day can help get clothes and bedding dry. Ventilating the home by opening windows can also help let moist air escape, especially when drying laundry indoors.
It’s worth noting that a significant number of UK households, approximately 14 million, feel that their energy bills are ‘completely out of their control’, and many are taking steps to monitor their energy usage, with 76% keeping an eye on their electricity use and 66% monitoring their gas use for heating and cooking.
