Can you think of a way to do this ?

Shrimpfarmer_2

Hi

Thanks to Martins site I have been looking at ways to save even more money. Now I want to get the washing machine to wash during off-peak hours on economy seven.

I cant use a normal 13amp socket timer because our washing machine is computer controlled and needs the power on and you to press the switch manually to start a wash.

I need a cheap way to simulate pressing the switch during the economy seven time band. Has anyone solved this already? The switch pushes in and then springs out again.

Its a Bosch machine and although its computer controlled, its does not have its own timer.

Anyone got any bright ideas ?

mynamesnotdave

what happens it you selotape it in and then turn the power on?
If the machine is computer controlled is there no timer option on it?

Shrimpfarmer_2

Good idea with the selotape but does not work with the switch held in. Needs to be pushed, switch makes a nice click and then springs out again.

hobo28

Please don't take this the wrong way but are you sure you are on an Economy 7 tarriff? Its a commonly held belief that its cheaper overnight but unless you are specifically on a economy 7 tarriff then you don't.

Generally you only go economy 7 if you have those electric storage heaters rather than gas central heating because the daytime rate for electric is higher than nighttimes. Whereas a normal rate will be a low price all day (but more than E7).

The point I think I'm trying to make badly is that it might be better to switch to a non-economy 7 rate if you don't have those storage heaters.

Does that make sense!?!?!?

Shrimpfarmer_2

Well now you have got me thinking!

I am certainly on economy seven, I have the extra timer switch on the meter that clicks over etc and my electricity bill shows daytime and nightime usage and rates. However, I dont have storage heaters. I only use the economy seven for the dishwasher, tumble dryer and an oil filled radiator on the landing. I average about 7 units per night on economy and 12 units on daytime rate. I am going to check the prices per unit if I switched as suggested.