Per-cycle cost
Tumble dryer running cost calculator
Compare common dryer types and estimate the electricity cost of every load using your tariff.
Your dryer
Calculate a drying cycle
For the closest estimate, replace average power and time with the kWh-per-cycle figure from the energy label.
Sensor drying may finish early; heavy or very wet loads can take longer.
Compare dryer types
Lower power can beat shorter cycles.
Heat-pump dryers use lower temperatures and usually take longer, but their total energy per cycle can still be lower. Compare kWh per 100 cycles on current energy labels rather than judging by wattage alone.
| Illustrative cycle | Energy | Cost at 24.5p |
|---|---|---|
| Vented: 2.5 kW × 1 h | 2.50 kWh | 61p |
| Condenser: 2.3 kW × 1.25 h | 2.88 kWh | 70p |
| Heat pump: 0.9 kW × 2.5 h | 2.25 kWh | 55p |
Use a high-spin washing cycle first, clean the lint filter and avoid overloading. These steps can help the dryer move air and finish sooner.
Common questions
Tumble-dryer answers.
How much does a tumble dryer cost to run?
Multiply the cycle's kWh by your electricity price. A 2.5 kWh cycle costs about 61p at 24.5p per kWh.
What is a heat-pump tumble dryer?
It recirculates warm air through a heat-pump system. It normally runs cooler and longer while using less electricity than many conventional dryers.
Which figure should I use from the label?
Use the published kWh per cycle where possible. Enter it by setting power to 1,000 W and cycle length to the same numerical number of hours.