The Money Saving Expert estimates households are typically paying ‘up to a quid per load’ and is advising Brits to shorten the time they use their tumble dryer or stop using it altogether.
According to fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, a vented or condenser tumble dryer with a power rating of 1,500- 2,500W could cost approximately £1.21 – £1.56 to run per cycle.
Speaking on an episode of his BBC 5 Live Podcast, The Martin Lewis Podcast, Martin advised people to air dry their clothes or use a dehumidifier instead.
Martin Lewis said: “Do you know what the real demon appliance is in most people’s houses, the one that you don’t want to use because it’s really expensive?
“Tumble dryers. You’re typically paying up to a quid per load so dry your clothes on an airer outside to shorten the amount of time you’re using your tumble dryer, or avoid using it completely.
“For those who have dehumidifiers, that can take some of the moisture out of it and it’s less wattage than a tumble dryer so it can be more effective.”
With chillier temperatures meaning it’s taking longer than ever to dry clothes, Brits can cut the drying time and save cash by following these tips.
Smart Energy GB advised households to dry their clothes outside, or inside on wet days and use a lower heat setting if they really do need to use their tumble dryer.
Top tips to slash costs drying clothes in Winter
- Dry clothes on an outside line – as long as it’s not raining
- Dry clothes on a clothes drying rack – done in a warm and well-ventilated room to avoid condensation
- Use dehumidifiers to take some of the moisture out of clothing
- If you really need to use a tumble dryer, use an energy-efficient model
For those who do want to continue using their tumble dryer this winter, Which.com recently released a list of the three cheapest to run models.
- Samsung DV80CGC0B0AEEU Heat pump dryer – costs approximately £45 per year to run
- Montpellier MTDC8SDW Condenser dryer – costs approximately £349 per year to run
- Candy CSE V9DF NFC Vented dryer – costs approximately £249 per year to run
