Tumble dryer Electricity Cost
Estimate what your tumble dryer costs per load and over a year. Dryers are one of the more expensive appliances to run, so it's worth checking.
Tumble dryer running cost calculator
Example: 2,000 W. Example for a vented or condenser dryer. Heat pump dryers typically use much less power.
e.g. 0.25 = 15 min
0 to 7
Example rate — enter your own tariff.
Estimated cost to run your tumble dryer
£0.75per day used
Uses 3 kWh on each day it's used (2,000 W × 1.5 h).
How it works: cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh. Standing charges aren't included because you pay them whether or not the appliance is on.
Estimates only. Real consumption depends on the model, settings and how the appliance is used.
How tumble dryer electricity use is measured
Tumble dryers use a heating element (or a heat pump) plus a motor to turn the drum. Vented and condenser dryers usually draw a few kilowatts while heating; heat pump dryers draw far less but often take longer. Check the rated power or kWh-per-cycle figure for your model.
How to calculate your tumble dryer running cost
Cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh
Example only: at 2,000 W for 1.5 hours, a tumble dryer would use about 3 kWh, costing around £0.75 at 25p per kWh. Used 3 days a week, that's roughly 469 kWh and £117.32 a year. Your own figures may be quite different.
Why actual usage varies
- Dryer type — heat pump models are generally much more efficient than vented or condenser models.
- How wet the laundry is — a faster spin on your washing machine leaves less water to remove.
- Load size and fabric — heavy towels and bedding take longer to dry.
- Sensor drying — models that stop when clothes are dry avoid running longer than needed.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Use a high spin speed before drying.
- Clean the lint filter every time to keep airflow good.
- Dry similar fabrics together so the cycle ends sooner.
- Air-dry when the weather allows.
To include all your household use, try the electricity cost calculator, or price any other device with the appliance electricity cost calculator.