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Tumble dryer running costs
This handy guide will take you through the cost of running different types of dryers, and help you decide which of this tumbling trio is right for you.
Heat pump, condenser and vented tumble dryers do a great job of getting your laundry wardrobe-ready, but they all work slightly differently. That means the cost of running each one will also be different. We’ll go through how each one works and what that means for your wallet in the long run.
Heat pump
Heat pump tumble dryers are really efficient, because rather than continuously generating heat, they use recycled hot air. This closed loop means a cycle will only use around half the energy needed by other dryer types, but they can take a bit longer.
Condenser
Condenser tumble dryers work by heating cold air, passing it through the drum and cooling it again to collect the moisture in a removable tank. They’re a great option if you can’t vent the moisture outside, you’ll just need to remember to empty the tank after each cycle.
Vented
Just as the name suggests, vented tumble dryers create hot air to tumble clothes in before sending the moist, hot air outside through a long hose. Because the hose needs to be installed through a wall, you might want to get a professional to set this up for you.
When it comes to costs of running tumble dryers, there are all sorts of things that can affect your bills. The energy rating, time of day it’s on and how often you use it all make a difference, but as a general rule, tumble dryers that are cheaper upfront will cost more to run over time.
Based on using 3 cycles a week, here’s the average yearly cost of each type of tumble dryer.
Heat pump tumble dryers - £58 a year
Condenser tumble dryers - £145 a year
Vented tumble dryers - £147 a year
Looking for some more penny-saving pointers? Here are a few top tips.
Fill the drum to its maximum capacity
Filling the drum is the easiest way to get the most out of every cycle. Just make sure not to overfill it, as this can stop warm air circulating properly and slow down drying. No one wants to be left with soggy socks.
Clean the lint filter
Giving the lint filter a quick check after each cycle will keep it clear of any buildups that can block warm air, making sure your machine always runs at its best.
Look out for energy-saving features
A lot of tumble dryers come with clever tech to help you save energy each time you use them. Models with sensor drying keep an eye on moisture levels in the drum, and stopping a cycle when your clothes are ready, so nothing goes to waste.
Tumble dryers are a dab hand at sorting out the laundry, but each type has different running costs. Not only can you save pennies by choosing the right machine with efficient tech, but small, eco-conscious habits can help you make the most of every spin.
