Energy Pro Warns: You’re Doing Laundry at the Most Expensive Time of Day

Simple schedule switch could cut hundreds from your summer electricity bill

Summer energy bills can feel like a punch to the gut. Between blasting the AC, running fans, and keeping the fridge humming, it’s no wonder costs spiral fast. But here’s a surprise: something as small as when you do laundry could be adding hundreds to your bill every summer.

According to Corey Gilgan, energy expert and owner of Oregon Generators, your washer might be running at the worst—and most expensive—time of day.

“Most homeowners have no idea they’re paying premium prices to do laundry during certain hours,” Gilgan explains. “The timing of your wash cycle can actually put real money back in your pocket.”

Why Laundry Timing Matters

Electricity doesn’t cost the same all day long. Many utility companies use something called Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing, which basically means you pay more when everyone else is using power.

Think of it like surge pricing for electricity:

• Peak hours (4 p.m. – 9 p.m.) → Highest rates of the day.
• Off-peak hours (before 7 a.m. or after 8–9 p.m.) → Lowest rates.

During summer evenings, when air conditioners are running full blast, rates can double or even triple. Tossing a load in at 6 p.m.? That “quick wash” could cost twice as much as the same load at 6 a.m.

The Sweet Spot: When to Wash for Less

Here’s the magic formula Gilgan recommends:

• Early morning before 7 a.m.
• Late evening after 8 or 9 p.m. (depending on your provider)

“Think of it like going to the movies,” says Gilgan. “Matinee prices versus prime time. You’ll pay less for the same thing if you go at the right time.”

Bonus perk: washing in the morning keeps your house cooler. Heat and humidity from the dryer won’t battle with your air conditioner during the hottest part of the day.

The Cold Water Hack

Want to double down on savings? Use cold water.

Around 90% of your washer’s energy use comes from heating the water. That means your machine is basically an expensive water heater with a spin cycle.

“Cold water washing is the easiest money-saver people overlook,” Gilgan says. “Most modern detergents work just fine in cold water. It’s cheaper, and it keeps your clothes looking newer, longer.”

More Than Just Laundry

Once you get the hang of shifting laundry, you’ll start noticing other appliances that eat up energy during peak hours:

• Run your dishwasher right before bed
• Save your dryer cycles for mornings or evenings
• Charge your phones, laptops, or even EVs overnight

Some of Gilgan’s clients have reported cutting their summer bills by 20–30% just by changing their appliance schedule.

Why It Helps the Grid Too

It’s not just your wallet that wins. Running appliances during off-peak hours takes pressure off the grid. During heat waves, that can be the difference between smooth sailing and rolling brownouts.

“When you shift your laundry, you’re part of the solution,” says Gilgan. “You’re saving money while also helping the system run more reliably for everyone.”

The Bottom Line

If your summer bills are climbing higher than the temperatures, start with one simple shift: don’t do laundry between 4 and 9 p.m. Combine that with cold water washes, and you’ll see the savings add up.

And once you realize how much money is hiding in your schedule? You’ll start rethinking when you run every appliance in your house.

👉 Want more energy-saving tips straight from the pros? Check out Oregon Generators for smart solutions that keep your home running efficiently.