Tumble Dryer Cost Per Cycle in the UK 2026
Updated: May 2026 — Power Guardian UK Editorial Team
Dryers are one of the worst electricity hogs in a UK home — quietly costing £100–£250 a year. Here's the cost per cycle at 27p/kWh in 2026.
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Cost per cycle by dryer type
| Dryer type | kWh per 8kg load | Cost per cycle | Annual cost (150 cycles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vented (older) | 4.5 | £1.22 | £182 |
| Condenser (B-rated) | 3.8 | £1.03 | £154 |
| Condenser (A-rated) | 2.8 | £0.76 | £113 |
| Heat-pump (A++) | 1.6 | £0.43 | £65 |
| Heat-pump (A+++) | 1.2 | £0.32 | £49 |
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A modern heat-pump dryer is 3–4× cheaper per cycle than a typical condenser. Over a 10-year life that is £900–£1,300 saved.
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View on Amazon UKWhen a heat-pump dryer pays back
| Household | Cycles/yr | Annual saving | Payback on £200 premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couple | 80 | £39 | 5.1 years |
| Family of 4 | 200 | £98 | 2.0 years |
| Family of 5+ | 260 | £128 | 1.6 years |
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Quick win: Spinning at 1400rpm vs 1000rpm before drying cuts dryer time ~25% — saving £25–£40/year for free.
Is air-drying really cheaper?
Yes — free in electricity. In winter pair with a 250W dehumidifier (~27p for 4 hours) to avoid mould. Still cheaper than any dryer cycle.
Sources
- Ofgem price cap (April 2026)
- DESNZ household energy statistics 2026
- Power Guardian UK editorial analysis
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