Laundry Drying Cost Calculator
This calculator goes beyond a single-load comparison. Enter how many loads you dry per week and see the cost impact over weeks, months and years. Adjust watts and runtime for each method to match your own appliances.
Compare the same load size and dryness for each method. The starting watts and hours are editable examples, not measured product tests. Enter kWh per completed load when you have a meter reading or a matching energy-label figure.
Cost per completed load (lowest first)
The order uses cost per load, independently of loads per week. Compare weekly and annual bills using the same number of loads; a lower annual bill from fewer loads does not mean a cheaper method.
| Method | kWh/load | Cost/load | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heated airer | 1.80 | £0.47 | £1.90 | £8.21 | £98.54 |
| Dehumidifier | 2.00 | £0.53 | £2.11 | £9.12 | £109.49 |
| Heat-pump dryer | 2.50 | £0.66 | £2.63 | £11.41 | £136.86 |
| Dehumidifier + airer | 3.30 | £0.87 | £3.47 | £15.06 | £180.66 |
| Condenser dryer | 3.75 | £0.99 | £3.95 | £17.11 | £205.30 |
Cost/load = kWh/load × electricity rate in pence. For wattage estimates, kWh/load = watts ÷ 1,000 × hours. For measured or label mode, the entered kWh is used directly. If a label gives kWh per 100 cycles, divide by 100 first. Weekly = cost/load × loads/week; monthly = weekly × 52 ÷ 12; annual = weekly × 52. Standing charges are excluded.
Electricity cost alone does not assess moisture removal, ventilation, fabric care or drying time. This comparison does not predict an exact drying time or diagnose damp.
What the result means
- Results are estimates based on the wattage, runtime and load frequency you enter.
- A dehumidifier used alongside a heated airer combines both power draws for the overlapping period.
- Do not assume a fixed percentage saving for heat-pump dryers; compare completed-load kWh for the specific models and programmes you are considering.
- Actual costs depend on load size, spin speed, room temperature, humidity and ventilation.
Related guides
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