Households with tumble dryers are facing charges of up to £508 this summer as the Ofgem energy price cap rises by 13% from July. The cost of operating a tumble dryer, already one of the most expensive household appliances, will climb significantly.
Price Cap Increase
From July 1, Ofgem will lift its price cap to 26.11p per kWh for electricity and 7.33p per kWh for gas, adding an average of £221 to annual household energy bills. The exact cost of running a tumble dryer depends on the type of model owned.
Types of Tumble Dryers and Their Costs
According to Ideal Home, there are three main types: vented, condenser, and heat pump dryers. Vented and condenser models consume similar amounts of electricity—5.34kWh and 5.2kWh respectively—while heat pump dryers use only 2.16kWh on average.
Based on the new July rates, a 5.34kWh vented dryer would cost £1.39 per 60-minute cycle, or £508.91 if used for one hour daily over a year. A more economical vented dryer costs £1.36 per hour, or £495.57 annually. In contrast, a heat pump dryer costs just 56p per hour, or £205.85 for a year's daily use.
Heat Pump Dryers: Higher Upfront Cost, Long-Term Savings
Heat pump tumble dryers have a higher upfront price tag, but they are the most energy-efficient option. Currys notes that while they may cost more initially, they save money in the long run. They are also gentler on clothes and do not heat up the room as much, making them ideal for small apartments, especially in summer.
Tips to Reduce Tumble Dryer Costs
Even with less efficient models, these tips can help cut costs:
- Spin clothes first: Remove excess water in the washing machine to reduce drying time.
- Clean the lint filter after every use: A clogged filter reduces airflow and increases energy consumption.
- Dry similar fabrics together: Fabrics that dry at the same rate reduce overall drying time.
- Use wool dryer balls: They keep clothes separated, allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently.
- Dry full loads: Drying a full load is more efficient than drying small batches.
The most effective way to reduce energy bills is to secure a fixed energy deal. Some fixed tariffs are currently marginally cheaper than the July price cap, potentially saving households money over the next 12 months.
