BBC expert says ‘simple switch’ can save £1,500 as ‘ban’ discussed | Personal Finance | Finance

Households can save more than £1,500 simply by choosing the right appliances and making simple switches.

The claim comes from consumer expert, Harry Kind, who told BBC Morning Live that switching to appliances which are more energy and water efficient can help slash bills. He argued that recent reports of a “ban” on traditional tumble dryers are overblown, while a new generation of appliances, including heat pump dryers, can deliver real savings or energy and bills.

Speaking on the programme, he said new minimum energy performance standards for tumble dryers expected from 2027 will effectively phase out inefficient machines by forcing manufacturers to improve efficiency, labelling and repairability.

£1,500 saving from one simple switch

The biggest savings come not from eco buttons, but from choosing the right appliance in the first place. For example, Mr Kind said switching to a heat pump tumble dryer could transform household bills.

Heat pump dryer: around 33p per cycle

Condenser dryer: around 83p per cycle

That’s a saving of 50p every time you dry clothes.

Used three times a week, that adds up to:

• £78 saved per year
• £1,560 saved over a typical 20-year lifespan

He said: “If you buy the right tumble dryer, you can save a fortune.”

Despite higher upfront costs for heat pump dryers, prices have fallen sharply – with some models now available for under £250 – making them far more accessible during the cost of living squeeze.

Eco settings DO save money – despite longer cycles

The consumer expert also tackled a common concern: that eco modes take longer and therefore cost more.

In reality, the opposite is true. He explained eco settings work by running “lower and slower”:

• Lower temperatures
• Less water use
• Longer cycle times

He compared switching to eco settings to driving more efficiently, saying: “If you drive at 50mph instead of 70mph, it takes longer, but it’s cheaper because you use less fuel.”

Washing machine savings

Eco settings on washing machines can cut energy use dramatically. He said they typically cut energy used by 30-40%, which equates to saving £18 to £48 per year.

This is because around 90% of a washing machine’s energy use comes from heating water , which is something eco cycles reduce significantly.

Dishwasher savings

Savings are just as clear in the kitchen.

He pointed to research by consumer group Which? It found that running a dishwasher on standard cycles costs around £71 per year, versus £52.13 when switching to the eco option – an annual saving of almost £20.

Extra tips to cut appliance costs

Mr Kind also shared practical ways to reduce bills further:

• Dry clothes outdoors where possible – it’s free
• Avoid overfilling machines (aim for 80% capacity)
• Clean lint filters regularly for efficiency and safety
• Use cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs where available
• Reduce unnecessary washing to extend clothes’ lifespan

He also warned that drying clothes indoors without ventilation can release 1–3 litres of water into the air, potentially causing damp and increasing heating costs.