Drying your clothes in a tumble dryer can be expensive as they consume large amounts of energy. The EU energy label for tumble dryers is calculated using the cotton drying cycle with a maximum load. Products are rated A – G according to the energy required per kilogramme of washing.
There are two different types of tumble dryer: a vented dryer and a condenser dryer (which needs no venting) and each has its own energy rating scale. Condenser dryers are slightly more expensive to run that vented dryers; typically around 5pence – 10pence per load depending on exact energy consumption and size of load.
Most tumble dryers are C rated; there are very few A rated machines available. An A rated machine would save approximately 15pence per load of drying, which depending on the number of loads of drying you do per year could save you in the region of £ 15 - £ 30 per year. However this needs to be put in the context of the extra cost of an A rated tumble dryer, which could be up to £ 200 more expensive to buy.
As with washing machines, there is very little to choose between tumble dryers on energy consumption when buying a new one. Reliability, longevity and your overall budget will be more important factors in your purchasing decision.
However if you do use a tumble dryer then there are big cost savings you can make if you minimise the amount you use your machine.
Energy saving Tumble Dryer tips...
