Tumble dryer changes explained: 2027 regulations and energy labels

With new regulations and energy labels coming into effect, you’ll want to get your head around them before shopping for a new tumble dryer. We’ve got everything you need to know right here.

By Jade Golding-Gault

If you’re after a new tumble dryers, things might look a little different because the energy efficiency regulations are changing. From 2027, tumble dryer manufacturers will have to phase out less efficient technology to help households cut energy use, save money on running costs, and reduce the environmental impact.

What's changing?

New Ecodesign and energy labelling regulations are raising the minimum energy efficiency standards for tumble dryers. The designs of traditional vented and condenser tumble dryers won’t meet the new standards, so they won’t be available to buy new once stock runs out. However, most heat pump models will still meet regulations, so they will stay on the market.

What does this mean for you?

Improved energy efficiency

Any available tumble dryers will be efficient as standard.

Reduced bills

Running a heat pump tumble dryer is much cheaper than less efficient models.

Easy-to-understand labels

The new labels are designed to make it easier for customers to use.

Clear info on performance

Manufacturers will have to share more information about a machine’s performance and how easy it is to repair to reduce waste.

Plenty of choice

There’ll be more advanced tech and lots of choice when it comes to picking a new tumble dryer.

Why are vented dryers disappearing?

Vented tumble dryers have been a popular choice for years, but they waste a lot of heat, use a lot of electric, and run on high temperatures which can be bad for your clothes. They heat air and vent any moisture outside through a hose, making them effective at what they do but it’s not good for saving energy. Once the new regulations come into effect, manufacturers won’t be able to release new vented models onto the market.

Can you still buy a condenser tumble dryer?

Most standard condenser models won’t meet the new regulations, so once stock runs out you won’t be able to buy one new. However, if you already own a condenser tumble dryer, you can continue using it and repairing it as normal. And second-hand sales will still be possible, so you can pick another one up through resale sites.

Which tumble dryers will still be available?

The main type of dryer you’ll see available to buy new are heat pump models. They use clever technology to recycle warm air inside the machine, so they’re by far the most efficient type of dryer. And it doesn’t limit you, since there are lots of types available, like:

Freestanding
Integrated
Large-capacity models
Heat pump dryers with smart tech and app connectivity
Models with fast cycles and specialist fabric care programmes

So, don’t worry. There will still be lots of options to suit every budget, family size, or laundry routine.

What is a heat pump tumble dryer?

Heat pump tumble dryers recycle hot air in the drum, using lower temperatures to get your clothes dry. Because they don’t discard the warm air generated by the cycle like vented models, they use a lot less energy, cost less to run, and still deliver great results. The only trade-off is that cycles take a little bit longer sometimes, but they still have faster programmes when you’re in a rush.

Why choose a heat pump dryer?

Although heat pump technology can take a little longer to dry clothes than some other tumble dryers, there are plenty of benefits that make a heat pump tumble dryer a great choice:

Lower energy bills

They use less electricity, helping keep running costs lower.

Reduced energy use

They recycle warm air instead of constantly creating new heat.

Kinder to your clothes

By drying with lower temperatures, they reduce wear and tear on fabrics.

Flexible installation

Since they don’t need an external vent, you can place them anywhere there’s a plug.

Efficient to run

Many models have high energy efficiency ratings, making them a more sustainable choice.

Heat pump dryers can cost a bit more up front, but lots of people find the savings on running costs make up for it over time.

New energy labels explained

To go with the new regulations, energy labels are being updated too. They’ll use a more straightforward A to G rating, like most other appliances, with A being the most energy efficient. So, what was once an A+++ rated model will become A. Manufacturers also have to include extra information, so you’ve got everything you need to make the right choice. You’ll find more info on:

Annual energy consumption
Drying performance
Noise level
Capacity
Repairability, where applicable

This means when you're comparing tumble dryers, checking the energy label can help you choose a model that's cheaper to run in the long term.

Why people choose heat pump tumble dryers

Heat pump tech is already popular since it’s the most efficient option on the market. In fact, they’re so good at what they do that the government estimates households could save up to £250 in energy use over the lifespan of the appliance compared to conventional condenser models without heat pump tech.

If you're buying a new tumble dryer after the 2027 changes, a heat pump model is likely to be your best bet. They're more energy efficient, cheaper to run and packed with handy features to make laundry days easier. And with loads of programmes and smart features to choose from, finding the right one is simpler than you might think.

Shop tumble dryers

What happened to vented tumble dryers?: The 2027 efficiency standards mean manufacturers can’t sell new vented tumble dryers once the 2027 regulations come into effect. Existing models can still be used, repaired, and sold second-hand.
Can I still use my current tumble dryer?: If you already own a vented or condenser tumble dryer, you can continue using and maintaining it as normal. The changes only affect the sale of new appliances.
Do heat pump tumble dryers save money?: Heat pump tumble dryers use less energy than traditional vented and condenser dryers, helping to reduce running costs over time.
Why are heat pump tumble dryers more expensive?: Heat pump dryers use more advanced technology, which can mean the upfront price is slightly higher. However, their lower running costs can help offset the extra cost over the life of the appliance.
What do the new energy labels mean?: The new labels use an A to G rating system, making it easier to compare the energy efficiency of different models. They also include information on energy consumption, performance, capacity, and noise level.
Which tumble dryer is cheapest to run?: Heat pump models are typically the cheapest type of tumble dryer to run because they recycle warm air and use a lot less energy than traditional dryers.