The energy price cap has seen many struggle to pay their this year. This price increase has seen the average household paying £146 more for gas and electricity.

With many already feeling the strain of the cost of living, families should look at how much they are consuming to keep down costs during the colder months.

Although heating is often the biggest contributor to high energy bills, the cost of running can quickly add up.

Washer-dryers are the most expensive appliance in UK homes, costing Brits a whopping a year on average on the current tariff.

With this in mind, Matt Ayres, an appliance expert at , has shared his top tips on how households can keep washing costs down this autumn.

The cost of running a washer and dryer can vary greatly. According to , the cheapest washer dryers can cost as little as £121, while the most expensive machines cost more than double, at £282.

To avoid high energy costs, it's essential to know the wattage of the washer dryer and your machine's energy efficiency rating. Machines with higher ratings, such as A+++ or A++, are more efficient and consume less electricity, ultimately lowering your energy bills.

Individuals may have to pay a little more upfront for these environmentally friendly washer-dryers, but the energy savings over time can be significant.

Using the economy wash setting is a great way to save money on laundry while still ensuring your clothes are thoroughly cleaned.

If the washer-dryer doesn't have an economy mode, you can achieve similar savings by setting the machine to wash at 20°C instead of the standard 40°C or higher.

To ensure someone's clothes get just as good a clean, use a stain remover first and double-check whether your detergent can work on a colder wash.

Whether individuals are putting their washing out to dry or using the tumble dryer function, one step you shouldn't skip is the post-wash spin cycle.

In the colder months, when outdoor drying isn't always an option, maximising the efficiency of your drying process becomes even more important. By running an extra spin cycle, they can minimise the time their clothes spend in the dryer, which not only saves energy but also helps to lower your electricity bills.

Additionally, a thorough spin can prevent dampness from lingering in someone's clothes, reducing the risk of musty odours and ensuring your laundry dries faster, even indoors.

While a washer-dryer combo is convenient, especially in homes where space is limited, it's not always the most energy-efficient or cost-efficient option. On average, you save more money having a standalone tumble dryer and washing machine. So, if space and budget allow, consider investing in these.

Standalone tumble dryers tend to be more efficient and faster at drying clothes compared to their combined counterparts. Separate appliances also often have larger capacities, meaning you can dry more clothes in one go, reducing the number of drying cycles required.

When selecting a tumble dryer, look for models with heat pump technology. These dryers use lower temperatures and recycle hot air, making them up to 50 percent more energy-efficient than conventional models.