Dehumidifier vs Tumble Dryer: Running Cost Comparison

Dehumidifier Running Costs

A dehumidifier uses 200-300W and costs roughly 30-80p per drying session.

A typical compressor dehumidifier used for clothes drying consumes 200-300W on average [S1]. At the current Ofgem rate of 26.32p per kWh, an 8-hour session costs approximately 53p.

Dehumidifiers work by extracting moisture from the air, creating a drier environment that encourages clothes to dry. They are most effective in small, enclosed rooms with the door closed [S1].

• Average wattage: 200-300W
• Drying time: 6-10 hours per load
• Cost at 26.32p/kWh: approximately 30-80p per load
• Most effective in small, enclosed rooms

Condenser Tumble Dryer Running Costs

A condenser tumble dryer typically uses 2-5 kWh per load, costing £1-3.

Condenser tumble dryers are the most common type in UK homes. They typically use 2-5 kWh per load depending on the dryer size, load size, and cycle selected [S2].

At 26.32p per kWh, a typical condenser dryer cycle costs £1-3. Larger drum sizes and higher heat settings increase energy consumption. Some older models can use even more [S2].

• Typical energy use: 2-5 kWh per load
• Cost at 26.32p/kWh: £1-3 per load
• Larger loads and higher heat = more energy
• Older models may use significantly more

Heat Pump Tumble Dryer Running Costs

A heat pump tumble dryer uses 1-2 kWh per load, costing 60p-£1.50.

Heat pump tumble dryers are significantly more efficient than condenser models. They recycle heat within the dryer, using 50-60% less energy [S2]. A typical heat pump dryer uses 1-2 kWh per load.

At 26.32p per kWh, this costs approximately 60p-£1.50 per load. Heat pump dryers also operate at lower temperatures, which is gentler on clothes but means drying cycles take longer (typically 2-3 hours versus 1-2 hours for condenser models) [S2].

• Typical energy use: 1-2 kWh per load
• Cost at 26.32p/kWh: 60p-£1.50 per load
• Uses 50-60% less energy than condenser models
• Longer drying cycles (2-3 hours)

Full Comparison Table

The dehumidifier is the cheapest per load but the slowest. Heat pump dryers offer a good balance.

Annual Cost Comparison

For 5 loads per week, a dehumidifier costs approximately £130/year vs £260-£780 for a condenser dryer.

For a household drying 5 loads per week (260 loads per year), the annual running costs are significantly different [S1][S2]. A dehumidifier at 50p per load costs approximately £130 per year.

A condenser tumble dryer at £2 per load costs approximately £520 per year. A heat pump dryer at £1 per load costs approximately £260 per year. Over 10 years, the savings from a heat pump dryer over a condenser can exceed £2,600 [S2].

• Dehumidifier: approximately £130/year
• Condenser dryer: approximately £520/year
• Heat pump dryer: approximately £260/year
• Heat pump saves approximately £260/year over condenser

When to Choose Each Option

Dehumidifier for lowest cost, heat pump for speed and efficiency, condenser only if budget is tight upfront.

A dehumidifier is the best choice if running cost is the top priority and you can wait 6-10 hours for clothes to dry [S1]. It is also useful for general damp reduction in the home.

A heat pump tumble dryer offers the best balance of speed and efficiency if you need dry clothes quickly [S2]. A condenser dryer is the cheapest to buy but the most expensive to run.

• Lowest running cost: dehumidifier
• Fastest drying: condenser dryer
• Best balance of speed and cost: heat pump dryer
• Dehumidifier doubles as general damp control

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

A dehumidifier is the cheapest option at roughly 50p per load, while a condenser tumble dryer costs £1-3 and a heat pump dryer costs 60p-£1.50 [S1][S2]. The dehumidifier is the clear cost winner but takes significantly longer. A heat pump dryer offers the best balance of speed and efficiency.