Heat-pump dryer vs vented dryer: which costs less to run?

Is a heat-pump tumble dryer cheaper to run than a vented tumble dryer?

Yes, per use as we measure it. At 26.32p per kWh, a heat-pump tumble dryer costs about 38p per load and a vented tumble dryer about £1.32 per load, so the vented dryer costs 3.5 times as much. A vented dryer heats air and blows it outside; a heat-pump dryer keeps recycling the same warm air. Energy labels put the heat-pump models we cite at 1.20 to 2.05 kWh for a full cotton load, against 2.95 to 5.02 kWh for the vented models.

How much do they cost a year?

At the usage each page assumes, about £59 a year for a heat-pump tumble dryer and £207 for a vented tumble dryer (October–December 2026 GB average rate). 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. For a vented 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.