How Much Does It Cost to Run a Tumble dryer in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Tumble dryers are among the most power-hungry appliances in UK homes. Vented and condenser models use 2–3kW and around 4–5kWh per load, while heat pump dryers use roughly half the energy for the same load.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 2,500W tumble dryer running 1 hours a day costs about £0.66 per day (£137 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.66
- Per day
- £0.66
- Per week
- £2.63
- Per month
- £11
- Per year
- £137
- kWh per year
- 520
Based on 2500W ÷ 1,000 × 1h × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Tumble dryer running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 45 min | 1 hr | 1.5 hrs | 2 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800W | £0.16 | £0.21 | £0.32 | £0.42 |
| 1,500W | £0.30 | £0.39 | £0.59 | £0.79 |
| 2,000W | £0.39 | £0.53 | £0.79 | £1.05 |
| 2,500W | £0.49 | £0.66 | £0.99 | £1.32 |
| 3,000W | £0.59 | £0.79 | £1.18 | £1.58 |
Typical tumble dryer cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 2.50 kWh | £0.66 |
| Per day | 2.50 kWh | £0.66 |
| Per month | 43.3 kWh | £11 |
| Per year | 520 kWh | £137 |
What affects the cost
Dryer type
Heat pump models use about half the energy of vented or condenser models.
Spin speed
Wetter clothes take longer to dry.
Load size and fabric
Towels and denim take longest.
Filter cleanliness
A blocked filter extends drying time.
Cheaper alternatives to a tumble dryer
• Heat pump tumble dryer (about half the running cost) • Heated airer with cover • Dehumidifier laundry mode • Outdoor washing line
How to reduce the cost
- Spin at 1,400rpm or higher before drying
- Clean the lint filter every load
- Use sensor drying, not timed
- Dry full — but not overstuffed — loads
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tumble dryer cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.66 per hour for a 2,500W model at 26.32p/kWh.
How do I work out what my tumble dryer costs to run?
Divide the wattage by 1,000 to get kW, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your unit rate in pence. Our calculator above does this for you.
How much does a tumble dryer cost per load?
A typical vented dryer uses about 4.5kWh per load, roughly £1.18 at 26.32p/kWh. A heat pump dryer uses about 2kWh, or £0.53.
Is a heat pump dryer worth it?
If you dry three or more loads a week, the saving on running costs usually covers the higher price within a few years.
Does the standing charge affect appliance running costs?
No. The electricity standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether or not the appliance is on, so it is excluded from these figures.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.