UK running cost calculator
Tumble Dryer Cost Calculator UK
Estimate how much it costs to run a tumble dryer in the UK using energy label values, an editable electricity rate, and a simple load-based estimate.
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026
Calculator inputs
Choose your weekly dryer use, pick a label-based estimate, and adjust the electricity rate if your tariff is different.
Result Card
Estimated tumble dryer cost
Based on 3.86 kWh per load at 24.67 p/kWh and 3 loads per week.
3.86 kWh per load
3 loads per week
Weekly cost x 4.345
Weekly cost x 52
617 annual kWh / 160
kWh per load x loads per week x 52
Efficient heat pump comparison
Compared with an efficient heat pump dryer, this could cost about £95.49 more per year.
How this estimate works
See the exact steps behind the estimate so the result stays easy to sense-check.
This calculator uses tumble dryer energy label values. If you enter annual kWh, it divides that number by 160 drying cycles to estimate kWh per load. It then applies the current default UK electricity unit rate. Actual cost can vary by tariff, load size, programme, fabric type and appliance model.
- kWh per cycle = annual kWh / 160, or use the cycle value directly
- Cost per load = kWh per cycle x electricity price per kWh
- Weekly cost = cost per load x loads per week
- Monthly cost = weekly cost x 4.345
- Yearly cost = weekly cost x 52
- Yearly kWh = kWh per cycle x loads per week x 52
Electricity rate source: Ofgem energy price cap unit rates.
Energy label method: tumble dryer labels can show annual energy use based on 160 drying cycles.
Example calculation
A worked example helps the user compare the result with a familiar everyday scenario.
A standard condenser estimate of 617 kWh per year works out to about 3.86 kWh per load.
At 24.67 p/kWh and 3 loads per week, that is about £0.95 per load, £12.40 per month, and £148.41 per year.
Simple ways to reduce tumble dryer costs
Small household changes can often reduce running costs without overcomplicating the decision.
- Spin clothes well before drying.
- Clean the lint filter regularly.
- Use sensor drying if your machine has it.
- Avoid over-drying clothes.
- Dry full but not overloaded loads.
- Use a clothes airer or line drying when practical.
- Consider a heat pump dryer if you use a tumble dryer often.
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Tumble dryer cost questions
Short answers to common tumble dryer cost questions.
Why use energy label values instead of watts?
Tumble dryers do not use one fixed wattage for the full cycle. Energy label values give a more realistic cycle-based estimate.
Why divide annual kWh by 160 cycles?
Tumble dryer labels can show annual energy use based on 160 drying cycles. Dividing by 160 gives an estimated kWh per load.
Does this include standing charge?
No. Standing charge is not included because this calculator estimates the cost of running one appliance.
Estimate notice
This is an estimate. Your actual cost may vary depending on your tariff, load size, drying programme, fabric type and tumble dryer model.