A tumble dryer is a total lifesaver if you have multiple loads of washing to do every week and limited drying space. Around 60% of us have one in the UK, but how much does it cost to run a tumble dryer?

Depending on what kind you have, tumble dryers can be expensive to use. Especially if yours is often working overtime to help you keep on top of your household’s laundry.

Installing a smart meter will allow you to monitor the cost of running your tumble dryer easily. But if not, we’ve worked out how much you can expect to spend each cycle – plus, we’ve found some clever ways to reduce your energy usage.

How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer?

According to the Energy Saving Trust’s latest figures from April 2022, the national average price per pence/kWh of electricity is 28.3. Following the energy price cap rise announced by Ofgem, this is 40% higher than it was in November 2021, when it was 20.33p per kWh. We have rounded the 28.3 figure to 28 for illustration purposes.

There are three types of tumble dryer – vented, condenser, and heat pump. Vented machines are often perceived as using more energy, although newer models include drying sensors that make them more efficient. The real difference comes from the more energy-efficient heat-pump tumble dryers. Here are the costs of running all three for comparison:

• An example 9kg vented tumble dryer uses 5.34 kWh for a full load cycle and approx 636 kWh over a year (if you use your dryer around two times a week). This means that this vented tumble dryer costs £1.50 per cycle and £178.08 per year on average. In November 2021, it was £1.07 per cycle to run and £127.20 per year on average.
• An example 9kg condenser tumble dryer uses 5.2 kWh for a full load and approx 617 kWh annually. This means a cost of £1.46 per cycle and £172.76 annually – that’s almost as much as a vented model. In November, pre-April price cap hike, it was £1.04 per cycle, equating to £123.40 a year.
• An example 9kg heat pump tumble dryer uses 2.16 kWh for a full load and 259 kWh per year. This means that you’ll be spending just 60p per cycle and £72.52 per year. Based on the November figures, this used to be 43p per cycle and only £51.80 a year to run it.

Image credit: Tim Young

‘Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-intensive devices in the home, so it’s worth trying to avoid using it during the warmer months,’ says Justina Miltienyte, energy expert at Uswitch.com. ‘Drying three loads a week in your tumble dryer will cost you about £223 a year, whereas putting it on the washing line is free.’

Are some tumble dryers cheaper to run than others?

Vented tumble dryers can be costly to run over an average year. They also may not be suitable for all homes as they’ll need to be placed near a wall or window so the moist air can be expelled.

Condenser dryers lift the moisture from the clothes and collect it in a container that sits inside the machine. Some will pump the water out through plumbing or you may need to empty the container. On average, they’re slightly more affordable to run than vented machines.

Heat pump tumble dryers work like a condenser dryer, collecting the moisture in a container, but they work more efficiently by re-heating the air that is passed through the drum (using a heat exchange system, not more electricity) and recirculating it. This means they use less energy and are cheaper to run.

‘Don’t be afraid to ask a retailer to explain the technology within tumble dryers to decide which type is most suited to your household,’ says Kimberley Garner, Hotpoint brand manager. ‘You will find that vented models are usually the least expensive to buy while heat pump models tend to be the most expensive. However, your retailer will be able to explain how you will save money on your energy bills in the long run.’

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

We also asked Vivien Fodor, Whirlpool’s Category Manager for Laundry in the UK & Ireland about how much it costs to run a tumble dryer. Vivien recommends investing slightly more upfront and buying a heat pump dryer, which is more energy-efficient.

‘In addition to the energy price cap, running costs vary depending on a handful of factors. Arguably the most important one is the energy rating of the appliance,’ says Vivien. ‘It’s important for manufacturers to create appliances that ensure efficient resource consumption, reducing running costs and in turn helping consumers to care for the environment.’

Vivien explains that due to the more advanced technology, heat pump dryers can cost more than vented and condenser models, but the savings in energy and care for clothes make up for the initial cost.

What energy-saving features should I look for when buying a tumble dryer?

If you’re looking for ways to save energy at home, these tumble dryer tricks and features could be a good place to start.

1. Sensor drying

Many tumble dryers – even vented models – now feature sensor drying, which works out how long your clothes need to dry and stops when they’re ready. Not only does this help to cut bills, it’ll prevent damage to fibres so clothes look good for longer, and keep the tumble dryer working well.

2. Drying levels

‘Take the guesswork out of choosing drying times by selecting a dryness level,’ explains Kimberley Garner. ‘When sensors identify that the clothes have dried to the level required, the dryer automatically finishes.’ This is ideal if you only need bedsheets to be ‘iron dry’.

3. Lower temperatures

Many heat pump machines use lower temperatures to both protect your clothes and use less energy. Some also have drum movements to prevent clumping so warm air can circulate efficiently.

4. Autocleaning

‘This feature uses water collected during the drying phase to clean fluff from the condenser at the end of each cycle,’ says Kimberley Garner. ‘This ensures long-lasting performance and reliability, and also saves money and time.’

Image credit: Ti-Media

How can I cut the cost of running a tumble dryer?

1. Run it overnight

If you’re on a cheaper off-peak tariff, take advantage of your tumble dryer’s delay start feature and run it during the night.

2. Choose a higher spin speed on your washing machine

Wetter clothes take much longer to dry, meaning more work for your tumble dryer. Use a higher spin on your washing machine so there’s less water in your laundry before drying starts.

3. Loosen your load

If a load of laundry has clumped together in the washing machine, it’s a good idea to loosen it before you put it in the tumble dryer. This means that warm air can circulate more easily between the layers of fabric, shortening drying times. Similarly, don’t overload the tumble dryer, and dry similar fabrics together.

4. Use tumble dryer balls

Pop these in the dryer with your load of wet laundry and they’ll reduce drying time by helping hot air to circulate around your clothes. Wool dryer balls also soften laundry and reduce wrinkles.

5. Keep your drying sensor clean so it works accurately

You’ll find it in the drum, usually below the door opening, made from two strips of metal. Wipe it down regularly with white vinegar and a cloth. Our guide to how to clean a tumble dryer explains more.

6. Run a full load

Our example 9kg vented machine mentioned above uses 2.9 kWh for a half load, compared to 5.34 kWh for a full one.

7. Remove lint from the filter after every load

Lint restricts the airflow, making drying less efficient, so every cycle will cost more to run. If your machine is vented, make sure the wall vent is fluff-free too, and that there’s no kink in the hose.

The post How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer after the April price cap rise? appeared first on Ideal Home.

Strong colours can transform a room, making it feel rich and luxurious and warm and inviting, so it’s easy to see why dark, moody paint colours have become so popular in our homes over recent years. But if dark walls aren’t your thing, or you’ve moved into a new property with one-too-many dusky paint shades, then what’s the best method of painting over dark colours if you want a little light relief?

While taking walls from dark to light is slightly more labour-intensive than simply painting over a paler colour, the good news is that with a little extra effort it is possible to cancel out dark colours completely and effectively. So if you really can’t live with that dark navy downstairs loo or wall-to-wall black hallway, then the good news is that you don’t have to with our easy DIY and decorating advice.

What’s the best method of painting over dark colours?

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore

We asked the top paint experts to share the best techniques and paint ideas for painting over strong colours and make it possible to take a room from dark to light. The general consensus is that ‘cutting corners’ and ‘quick tricks’ are a waste of time. When it comes to painting over darker colours, it’s all in the prep work and investing in the right tools, equipment and paint materials to achieve the best results. So read on and find out all you need to get started.

Kit yourself out with the right tools and equipment

Image credit: COAT paints

As with any DIY project, having the right tools at the outset will make the task easier and give a better end result.

What you’ll need:

Sandpaper, filler and a filling knife
Good quality primer
Roller, paint tray and brushes
Quality paint for the top coat

‘To make the job easier, invest in a good quality 2 in acrylic decorators brush for cutting in around the edges and fiddly bits, plus a good quality medium pile emulsion roller and an extension pole,’ says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux.

Do the prep work first

Image credit: Dulux

Even when painting walls white on white, walls should always be clean and sound before you do any painting at all. But prep work is even more important when taking walls from a dark colour to a lighter one as any imperfections will show through and ruin the end result.

Start by cleaning walls with a dry, long-handled duster or microfibre cloth to get rid of any dust and cobwebs first, running it along the whole length of wall from floor to ceiling. Then use detergent cleaner on a damp cloth to get rid of any additional stains and marks on your walls.

Scrape and brush off any areas of peeling or flaking paint. Then fill any holes, dents or damage caused by furniture or picture hanging, using a good quality filler and a filling knife. Allow the filler to fully dry before rubbing it down with sandpaper so filled areas are flush to the wall. Wipe down a second time to remove filler dust and paint flakes.

Take time to prime the walls

Applying primer to the walls is key when transitioning from dark walls to light, and while with most painting projects a single coat of primer is sufficient, with dark walls a second coat will be necessary. Multiple thin coats of primer will provide a more even finish than trying to save time by applying one thick coat of primer.

Choose white primer when going from dark to light, and grey when going from light to dark. And don’t skimp on the quality if you want to achieve a good quality finish. Using a high opacity primer is key to deaden the dark colour and to prevent it coming through again. And always allow sufficient drying time between each coat of primer and paint.

Image credit: Little Greene

‘If you are transitioning from a dark paint to a light colour, start with a suitable undercoat which will help to obliterate the colour beneath,’ says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. ‘Our All Surface Primer with it’s low sheen and versatility will create a matt finish with excellent adhesion on any surface.’

‘At Little Greene we use 40% more pigment than many ordinary paints, because to put it simply, the more pigment a paint has, the higher the opacity and the better it will cover, meaning you require less paint to cover an area. Once you have applied your undercoat, you will only need two coats of your top coat to achieve an unrivalled depth of colour.’

Ensure complete coverage

Image credit: Valspar

‘When painting over darker walls, it’s really important to use a primer that will prevent the existing shade from bleeding through in your new shade – this will also help cut down the number of coats needed, saving you time and supplies,’ says Tobie Lewis, Senior Brand Manager at Valspar. ‘Primers can come in different shades, so you can actually pick a primer that is suited to your new colour, helping ensure your walls turn out vivid and bold.’

‘If you are painting white, cream, or beige, white Primer is your best friend. Cover your dark wall using two coats of white primer, which will lighten your base shade and block in all potential stains and bleeds, giving you a flawless finish.’

Image credit: Valspar

‘Grey Primer is ideal under shades like light yellows, oranges, greens, and any light neutrals with grey undertones. It’s a great option to lighten up a dark surface, without going as vibrant as a bright white primer.’

‘If you are planning more bold colour choices, such as reds and pinks, dark grey primer is the perfect base for any red-toned paint. Using a dark grey primer underneath navy, greys, or blacks will make them even deeper in tone and more vibrant. Valspar’s Primer and Undercoat comes in white and available in four shades of grey to aid with hiding edge exposure and help limit the amount of coats you’ll need.’

Try an alternative technique

Image credit: COAT paints

Rob Abrahams, Co-Founder of COAT Paints suggests another approach for dealing with darker colours.

‘If you are painting over a dark colour you need a high quality paint with high opacity which basically means it covers well and there will be less bleed through from the previous colour,’ says Rob.

Image credit: COAT paints

‘The trickiest colours to paint over are the highly pigmented ones like black and yellow and I’ve found this process to be fail safe in getting the perfect finish.’

‘First, use a ‘mist coat’, assuming you are using a water-based paint, simply dilute it with water so it is 50 / 50 ratio and do a first coat, then add a coat of your desired colour followed by two to three more coats. There you have it – a perfect finish with no signs of the colour before.’

Opt for a more durable finish on skirting boards and trims

Image credit: Crown Paints

‘When painting skirting boards, doors and architrave apply an undercoat first. This is necessary when painting over a light colour or a dark colour,’ says Justyna Korczynska, Senior designer at Crown Paints. ‘The best way to get a better opacity when painting is to choose an undercoat or base coat that is a similar colour to the new paint. Once you’ve applied a layer of undercoat, then the new colour can be used on top. If you use an undercoat that is not a similar shade to the final colour choice, then an extra coat may be required.’

Apply your light-coloured top coat

Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber

All the experts agree that a good quality paint is key when it comes to painting over a dark wall colour. At least two coats of top coat will be needed and, as with primer, thinner coats will provide a much more even and better-quality finish than one extra-thick coat of paint.

Before painting walls, place painters tape along the edges of any areas you don’t want to be painted, such as skirtings, door frames and ceiling cornices. Alternatively, if you have a steady hand, use a narrow brush to cut in around the areas that are to stay paint-free.

Make sure to load your roller with plenty of paint, but try not to overload it which can cause lots of drips and splashes. Use the angled part of the roller tray to wipe off any excess. Apply paint to the wall making M or W shapes with the roller as you move along the wall, rather than going straight up and down. This will ensure complete coverage and prevent streaks showing up when paint dries.

Take a break between coats

Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson

With any type of painting project, allowing adequate drying time is key if you want to achieve a top quality finish. Paint that is still tacky won’t provide an optimal surface for the next coat to adhere to and can make the finish patchy and uneven, so it’s essential to let paint and primer dry fully in-between coats.

When painting indoors the temperature of the room will affect the drying time so ensure that windows and doors are open to aid ventilation. Paint manufacturers will list drying times on the can, but in general, water-based emulsion paints will be ready for a second coat after around four to six hours.

Once you’ve applied a second coat of your lighter colour and allowed time for it to dry, there should be no trace of the old, dark paint colour at all..voila!

Can you paint a lighter colour over a darker colour?

Without using a primer, it will be tricky to achieve a good finish if you are attempting to cover a dark paint colour with a lighter one. Dark colours and highly pigmented paints tend to bleed through lighter colours which will cause patchiness and discolouration. But a primer acts as a block which has the effect of cancelling out the previous colour completely.

Using a high opacity primer will give superior coverage, deadening the darker colour so that it won’t affect any lighter-coloured top coat. Opacity refers to the ability of a coat of paint to hide the substrate, wall or previous coat of paint from view, so it figures that the higher the opacity, the fewer coats will be needed even if the colour change is significant.

Can you paint straight over a dark colour?

Painting straight over a dark colour without using a primer is possible, but it will require several coats of paint to do this, which can be tiresome and work out expensive (as well as being a waste of good paint). A good quality primer should be able to cancel out a dark colour in two coats, which will save labour and time – plus the cost of a tin of primer will be less than the price of a tin of paint.

The post Painting over dark colours: easy ways to take walls from dark to light appeared first on Ideal Home.

Estate agents Knight Frank have revealed in their five-year house price forecast that we can expect house prices to continue to increase in 2022 and 2023, but at a much slower rate than the record-breaking numbers at the start of this year.

House prices have steadily been climbing since the housing market reopened in 2020. Earlier this month Halifax reported that house prices were rising at the fastest rate since 2007 with the annual rate of price growth reaching an annual growth of 11 per cent in March, the highest level seen since mid-2007.

However, in their house price forecast released this morning, Knight Frank revealed that it expects house price growth to start to slow to 5 per cent growth this year and slow to 1 per cent growth in 2023 as the impact of the cost of living is felt.

Image credit: JTim / Future PLC

Knight Frank house price forecast

‘The UK property market has defied gravity over the course of the pandemic. Tight supply, low-interest rates, accumulated household wealth, and a desire for more space and greenery have conspired to produce double-digit house price growth over the last year,’ explains Tom Bill, Head of UK Residential Research at Knight Frank. ‘We believe that 2022 is when this begins to unwind, and growth returns to single digits.’

‘We forecast that UK prices will grow by 5 per cent this year, with several factors acting as a drag on the rampant growth that has taken place in recent months despite the end of the stamp duty holiday last September.

‘First, mortgage rates will continue to rise alongside interest rates,’ he explains. ‘The Ukraine conflict may slow the pace of this normalisation, but the Bank of England will be under pressure to respond to inflationary pressures in the short term and the UK’s economic recovery in the longer term.’

Image credit: David Parmiter

However, the biggest factor that is expected to have an impact is the increase in house supply. ‘The supply shortage has been the single biggest cause of strong house price growth and early signs this spring suggest stock levels are building’ he adds.

Rightmove reveals that it is expecting a similar slowing down of house price growth in the second half of 2022. ‘There are headwinds that seem likely to remove the current market froth in the second half of the year,’ explains Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Data. ‘We’ve just seen interest rates rise again, and there are further incremental increases forecast for the year which will raise mortgage rates for some. Inflation and cost of living increases are also likely to affect buyer affordability and market sentiment.’

Will property prices fall in 2023?

But what does this mean for house prices in 2023? Knight Frank predicts that house prices will continue to increase, however at a much slower rate, revealing that although the ‘race for space’ might have calmed down, after successive lockdowns it will still be a driving force for buyers.

Image credit: Oliver Gordon

‘For many people, the post-Covid work-life balance is far from set in stone and demand will still be fuelled by a desire to improve living arrangements after successive lockdowns, in many cases enabled by the accumulation of household wealth and the fact many sectors of the economy have performed well during the pandemic,’ says Tom Bill. ‘However, we believe the cost-of-living squeeze will bite harder in 2023, and we expect house prices to climb by 1% before starting to slowly pick up again.’

House prices are not showing any signs of dipping over the next five years, although the price growth is expected to slow. Overall, Knight Frank predicts to we will see a cumulative house price increase of 13.6 per cent over the next five years.

The post Will property prices fall in 2023? Estate agent Knight Frank reveal their five year prediction appeared first on Ideal Home.