When Should I Run Appliances in the UK?
Running your appliances at the right time can save you £100–£200 per year on electricity bills.
This guide covers the best times to use electricity for each major household appliance.
Quick summary
- Run washing machines and dishwashers after 9pm or before 8am
- Charge EVs overnight (12am–5am)
- Avoid 4pm–9pm for high-energy appliances
Best times for each appliance
Check when electricity is cheapest and use these guidelines:
Washing machine
£30–£50/yearBest time: After 9pm or 6am–8am
Use delay timer to start at midnight
Dishwasher
£20–£40/yearBest time: After 9pm or overnight
Run a full load to maximise efficiency
Tumble dryer
£40–£60/yearBest time: After 9pm (most energy-intensive)
Air dry when possible to save more
EV charger
£200–£400/yearBest time: 12am–5am
Use scheduled charging in your EV app
Storage heaters
£50–£100/yearBest time: Overnight (automatic)
Ensure timer is set correctly for Economy 7
Hot water immersion
£30–£50/yearBest time: Early morning or overnight
Use a timer to heat during off-peak hours
Why timing matters
On variable tariffs like Octopus Agile, the difference between peak and off-peak rates can be dramatic — sometimes 5p/kWh overnight vs 35p/kWh in the evening.
Even on standard tariffs, shifting usage helps balance the grid and reduces strain during peak hours.
Using delay timers effectively
- Most washing machines and dishwashers have built-in delay timers
- Set them to start after 11pm when rates drop
- Smart plugs can add timer functionality to any appliance
- EV chargers usually have scheduling features in their apps
Track your usage with a smart meter
A smart meter shows exactly when you are using the most energy. Use this data to identify which appliances to shift to cheaper times.
You could be overpaying for energy
Based on your usage and location, you may be able to save £100–£400/year
Start Saving on Your Energy Bills Today
- Find the cheapest times to use electricity
- Get alerts when energy is cheapest
- Save £200–£400 per year