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Heat Pump Tumble Dryer vs Condenser Tumble Dryer: Running Cost Comparison

Updated March 2026. Default rate effective 1 April 2026 (Ofgem Q2 2026).

We compare heat pump tumble dryer running costs with condenser tumble dryer running costs.

The first row shows each appliance's own natural usage basis. Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual figures are comparable because they use the default assumptions for each appliance.
PeriodHeat Pump Tumble DryerCondenser Tumble DryerDiff
Typical basis44.9pTypical use98.0pTypical use53.1p
Per day19.2p42.0p22.8p
Per week£1.35£2.94£1.59
Per month£5.86£12.78£6.93
Per year£70.26£153.30£83.04
Annual use286.79 kWh625.71 kWh338.93 kWh

Which is cheaper to run?

A heat pump tumble dryer costs approximately 44p per cycle versus 98p for a condenser dryer — a saving of 55%. Over a year with 3 cycles per week, a heat pump dryer saves approximately £84 in electricity.

The Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is roughly 54% cheaper on the default assumptions, saving about £83.04 per year.

Things to consider beyond running cost

The trade-offs are important: **Purchase price** — heat pump dryers cost £400-800 versus £200-400 for condenser dryers. **Payback period** — at £84/year saving, the extra cost pays for itself in 2-4 years. **Drying time** — heat pump dryers take longer (2-3 hours vs 1.5 hours).

Adjust and compare

Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

W
Per use
44.9p
Per day
19.2p
Per week
£1.35
Per month
£5.86
Annual cost
£70.26

Typical annual electricity use: 286.79 kWh

Condenser Tumble Dryer

W
Per use
98.0p
Per day
42.0p
Per week
£2.94
Per month
£12.78
Annual cost
£153.30

Typical annual electricity use: 625.71 kWh

p/kWh

Heat Pump Tumble Dryer calculator

See the full breakdown

Condenser Tumble Dryer calculator

See the full breakdown

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