Is it cheaper to do washing after 8pm?

Is It Cheaper to Do Your Laundry After 8pm?

Many householders wonder if timing their chores can shave a few pounds off their energy bills — especially when it comes to running appliances like washing machines and tumble dryers. The short answer? Yes, doing your laundry after 8pm can be cheaper — but only if you wait until closer to 10pm.

Electricity prices fluctuate throughout the day based on demand. The period between 4pm and 9pm is considered peak time, when people return home, switch on lights, cook dinner, and generally use more power. This surge in demand drives up the cost of electricity, which is reflected in your energy tariff if you're on a variable or time-of-use plan.

Conversely, off-peak hours — typically from 10pm to 8am — are when national electricity usage drops. With fewer people drawing power, energy suppliers often offer lower rates during this window. So while 8pm marks the beginning of a transitional period, the real savings kick in after 10pm.

That said, if you’re on a standard flat-rate tariff, the time you run your washing machine makes little difference to your bill. But if you're on an economy or smart tariff — such as Economy 7 — shifting your laundry routine to the early hours can lead to noticeable savings over time.

It’s also worth remembering that modern washing machines often come with delay-start features, letting you schedule cycles to begin overnight. Combine that with an energy-efficient model, and you’re not just saving money — you’re also reducing your environmental footprint.

So while tossing a load in after 8pm won’t break the bank, waiting until after 10pm is the smarter move — both for your wallet and the grid.