Heated airer vs heat-pump dryer: which costs less to run?

Is a heated clothes airer cheaper to run than a heat-pump tumble dryer?

Yes, per use as we measure it. At 26.32p per kWh, a heated clothes airer costs about 32p per load and a heat-pump tumble dryer about 38p per load, so the heat-pump dryer costs 20% more. A heated airer uses low-power rails for hours; a heat-pump dryer draws more power but finishes a full load in around three hours. Our airer figure assumes four hours on per load; real drying time depends on the room and how well the washing was spun.

How much do they cost a year?

At the usage each page assumes, about £49 a year for a heated clothes airer and £59 for a heat-pump tumble dryer (October–December 2026 GB average rate). For a heated clothes airer: three loads a week, each on for four hours. For a heat-pump tumble dryer: three full loads a week all year. The 2011 Energy Follow-Up Survey found a median of three drying loads a week in winter and none in summer, so this is on the high side for anyone who line-dries in summer.

Does where I live change which is cheaper?

No. Both run on electricity, so a higher or lower unit rate changes both costs in the same proportion. The cheaper appliance stays cheaper; only the pence change. Your region, tariff and how long you run each appliance change the actual amounts.