Overview
- Martin Lewis called tumble dryers a "demon appliance" and advised cutting use or stopping altogether, saying typical loads can cost up to about £1.
- Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action estimates vented or condenser models at roughly £1.21–£1.56 per cycle, underscoring their heavy energy draw.
- Alternatives highlighted include air-drying and dehumidifiers, with heated clothes airers cited by users as drying two loads in around three hours when used effectively.
- Consumer guidance points to efficient heat-pump dryers as significantly cheaper to run, with a Which.com pick estimated at about £45 a year.
- Context from new reports shows rising pressure on bills, with Uswitch research putting household energy debts at about £780 million and estimates suggesting twice-weekly dryer use can reach roughly £187 annually.