Energy saving advice from the manufacture -The Effect of Limescale On Home Appliances

Did you know that if your washing machine or dishwasher heater element is clogged with limescale, it could be adding up to £88 per year to your energy bill?

Any increases in limescale (CaCO3) on a heater element, means that your home appliances won’t work efficiently as limescale impedes the heater element from effectively heating the water. This is because the limescale acts like an insulator and the heater element has to work for longer to heat up the water in your washing machine and dishwasher, meaning an increase in electricity consumption during each wash cycle.

Here are some facts on limescale and the impact it can have on your electricity bills:

• The limescale has a high insulating power and when it accumulates, the heat transfer decreases, hence the efficiency decreases and the energy consumption increases.
• For instance, even 2mm of deposit causes up to 15% of additional energy consumption. Any additional mm provokes 7-10% more energy consumption.
  • According to the average consumption of laundry washing cycle (source: ENEA), the energy consumption for a washing cycle at 60°C is around 1,5 kWh; considering a cost of £0.52/kWh in the UK at the end of 2022, the energy cost per washing cycle is around £0.78. This means that 2mm causes an increase to £0.90 per wash (+15%), 4mm causes £1.04 per wash (+33%) and 6mm causes £1.09 per wash (+40%).
  • An average of 284 laundry washing cycle per year, the energy cost jumps from £222 to £255 (2mm limescale), £295 (4mm limescale) or £310 (6mm limescale). Plus, the maintenance cost caused by limescale deposits.

 Efficiency loss of Electric Resistance (%) caused by the increasing limescale on the surface (mm)

• As the limescale insulates the heater element it needs to be on for longer to heat up the water to the required temperature. Staying on for longer can lead to the heater element overheating and cause premature failure – leading to potentially costly repair bills or even having to replace the appliance!
• By descaling your appliance, you are also helping to remove bacteria and hygienically clean your machine, which can also help remove any smells from your appliance and improve your laundry results.

In the UK, around 60% of the population live in a hard water area, which greatly increases the amount of limescale build-up on and within home appliances. The true effects often remain un-seen and it’s these ‘hidden’ areas of the heater elements (inside your washing machine/dishwasher) that can end up costing you the most. We recommend using our professional product 3-in-1 Washing Machine / Dishwasher Limescale remover & Cleaner to keep your machine and pipe work clean and free from limescale, dirt, grease deposits and bad odours. Monthly descaling treatment is highly recommended. It will not only help to extend your appliance lifespan, but also help you save up to £88 per year on your electricity!

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