The Best Time to Run Your Washing Machine to Reduce Your Electricity Bill

If you want to bring your electricity bill down noticeably, one of the simplest levers is to manage your washing machine use more strategically. Here’s the time to start your washing machine (or washer) if you want to make worthwhile savings.

At a time when cutting energy use is no longer a choice but a necessity, every household has a reason to rethink how it consumes electricity. Among everyday appliances, the washing machine is far from trivial: it accounts for around 6% of the electricity used by an average home (according to EDF). That’s why it pays to know how to run it more efficiently-so you reduce both your bill and your environmental footprint.

What time should you absolutely avoid starting your washing machine?

A good starting point for more responsible electricity use is understanding peak periods. Between 18:00 and 22:00, demand for electricity is at its highest, which pushes energy costs up.

This time window often aligns with the “peak hours” tariff offered by many electricity suppliers. By keeping your washing machine off during these hours, you not only save money, but you also help reduce pressure on the electricity grid.

The best times to run a washing machine

The alternative is to use off-peak hours, typically between 22:00 and 06:00, depending on your electricity contract. During this period, overall demand is lower, and cheaper rates usually apply. Scheduling your washing machine for off-peak hours lets you take advantage of a lower cost per kWh, which can bring your bill down. If you’re on an EDF Tempo tariff, using the washing machine in off-peak hours is even more relevant (except on red days).

As a bonus, shifting use to off-peak times helps smooth demand across the grid, which is a meaningful environmental win.

Choose eco mode

To push savings further, most modern washing machines include an eco mode. This setting washes at temperatures below 40°C, which significantly reduces hot-water use and, in turn, energy consumption. If your clothes aren’t especially dirty, it’s one of the best options for cleaning effectively while spending less. It also tends to be gentler on fabrics.

Also remember to maintain your washing machine regularly. Clean filters and seals help it run at peak efficiency and prevent unnecessary overuse of water and electricity.

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