How much does it cost per year?

With 3 times a week it uses about 234 kWh a year: about $42 · £61 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.

Spin at the highest speed in the washing machine: the less water left in the clothes, the less energy drying takes. Clean the lint filter every load and the heat exchanger monthly: when clogged, cycles take longer.

🌀 Tumble dryer

How much electricity does a tumble dryer use? Heat pump vs condenser, cost per load

Tumble dryer electricity use per load and per year: heat pump, condenser and vented models, with the running cost.

Per load

1.5 kWh

Cost per load

$0.27 · £0.39

Per year · 234 kWh

$42 · £61

With 3 times a week, electricity at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh all-in.

Technology makes the difference. A heat pump dryer recovers heat from the moist air and uses about 1.5 kWh for a full 8 kg load. A condenser dryer with a heating element uses 4–5 kWh: three times as much.

At three loads a week, switching from a heating-element dryer to a heat pump model saves about 470 kWh a year.

Consumption compared

Type	Usage	kWh/year	Cost/year
Heat pump, 8 kg, A+++	1.5 kWh / load	234	$42 · £61
Heat pump, 8 kg, A+	2.2 kWh / load	343	$62 · £89
Condenser (heating element), 8 kg	4.6 kWh / load	718	$129 · £187
Vented, 7 kg	4.1 kWh / load	640	$115 · £166

Yearly cost with 3 times a week.

Work out your cost

Energy per loadkWhTimes per weektimesElectricity price$/kWh

Per load: $0.27
Per month: $3.51
Per year: $42
Energy per year: 234 kWh

The price is a typical all-in figure for your country: replace it with yours (bill total ÷ kWh).

How to use less

Spin at the highest speed in the washing machine: the less water left in the clothes, the less energy drying takes.
Clean the lint filter every load and the heat exchanger monthly: when clogged, cycles take longer.
In summer, dry outdoors: it’s free.

Lower-energy modelsCompare prices and energy labels on AmazonAmazon ↗

FAQ

How much electricity does a tumble dryer use?: About 1.5 kWh per load, from 0.8 kWh to 5.5 kWh depending on model and programme.
How much does it cost per year?: With 3 times a week it uses about 234 kWh a year: about $42 · £61 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.
How can I reduce it?: Spin at the highest speed in the washing machine: the less water left in the clothes, the less energy drying takes. Clean the lint filter every load and the heat exchanger monthly: when clogged, cycles take longer.

And what does your whole home use?

The calculator estimates heating, hot water and appliances and tells you what to change first.

Run the free calculator →

Consumption compared

How to use less

FAQ

Other appliances