Although the drying times for cycles in condenser tumble dryers are shorter than cycles in heat pump dryers, the high temperature combined with the expulsion of hot air means the appliance uses significantly more energy.
By 'recycling' the warm air, they use less energy and are cheaper to run. According to Ideal Home, a 9kg condenser tumble dryer uses 5.2 kWh for a full load. That's a cost of £1.46 per cycle and £172.76 annually – almost as much as a vented model. In contrast, a 9kg heat pump tumble dryer uses 2.16 kWh for a full load.
Vented dryers use about a fifth less energy than a condensed dryer would use to dry a full load, but if you have a super energy efficient dryer with a heat pump then they are even more efficient.
A vented tumble dryer will be more cost effective than a condenser in both the purchase and running stages, if you are able to find somewhere to run the hose externally. It will also dry your clothes more quickly than a condenser dryer, as it is not required to spend time converting the hot air into water.
Heat pump tumble dryers are much more energy efficient than other types of machine, which means they're kinder on your wallet and the environment. These machines use up to 60% less electricity than a conventional condenser or vented tumble dryer while still being able to deliver the same performance.
As mentioned, one of the main benefits of buying a condenser tumble dryer is the fact you can place it anywhere in your home or garage, since they don't require a hose to remove the moisture. This is hugely beneficial if you need a tumble dryer but have little choice in where you place the machine.
Use low heat – You'll use less energy with a longer dry cycle at a lower heat setting than with a shorter cycle at a higher temperature.
Air-vented dryers draw air from the room in which they are installed, heat it and lead it through the humid clothing in the drum to evaporate the moisture. The humid air is then expelled to the external environment. Air-vented dryers thus require an exhaust to the outside, making them less practical.
One of the most popular advantages of condenser tumble dryers is that they don't need an external vent, so you can pretty much install it anywhere at home. However, they are less energy efficient than heat pump tumble dryers. This is because air has to be converted into water, which requires a ton of energy.
Check and clean the condenser
A dirty condenser will cause poor drying results. Note: Do not operate the tumble dryer when the condenser is blocked with fluff. This could cause damage to the tumble dryer. This also increases energy consumption.
How long your tumble dryer lasts will often depend on the quality of the build, the manufacturer and maintenance. Generally, you can expect your tumble dryer to last about 10 to 13 years on average.
For even more savings, consider ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryers - they use almost 30% less energy than a conventional clothes dryers. Consumers with high clothes dryer usage and high electricity rates have the potential for large energy and cost savings.
How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer for an hour? According to Heatable, a 2500W tumble dryer costs about 85p to use for an hour. However, the tumble dryer cost per hour depends on the energy efficiency rating of your tumble dryer and the cost of energy at the time.
Because a condenser dryer uses a heat element to dry, your laundry dries relatively quickly. On average, a condenser dryer takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to dry 8kg of laundry. This is half an hour faster than with a heat pump dryer.
Unlike condenser dryers, which convert hot air into water, vented tumble dryers expel hot air through external vent. This keeps your utility bills to a minimum, as the appliance does not covert hot air into water; it simply expels the air from your home.
Delicate or Gentle
On the other hand, delicate settings use the lowest amount of heat and tumbling action, explains Pozniak. This cycle is best for fragile fabrics or laundry pieces that may start to melt, fray, stretch, or fade in high-heat conditions.
Your average 9kg condenser tumble dryer will use around 5.2 kWh for a full load cycle. Using your dryer two times a week will give you an average annual usage of 617 kWh – which translates to £1.51 for each cycle and £178.93 a year. Your average 9kg heat pump tumble dryer will use around 2.16 kWh for a full load cycle.
Appliance cost: Condenser dryers typically cost more than vented models due to their advanced technology and flexibility. Energy efficiency and lifetime cost: Vented dryers tend to be more energy-efficient, resulting in lower operating costs over their lifetime compared to condenser dryers.
It is not safe. Vent hoses are necessary for dryers to operate properly because they allow heat, lint, and humidity to be vented outdoors. When a dryer is used without one of these vent hoses, moisture and lint can build up inside the appliance and even cause a fire.
If you're looking for a washer and dryer that will last a long time, Samsung is right up there with LG and Whirlpool in terms of longevity. Like Maytag, Samsung appliances typically require fewer repairs.
The cheapest type of tumble dryer to run is a heat pump dryer. While they typically come with a higher initial purchase cost, heat pump dryers are highly energy-efficient, using lower temperatures and less electricity to dry clothes.
Condenser tumble dryer
Your average condenser dryer will use 5.2kWh for a full load cycle, giving an average cost of £1.40 to run – making it slightly cheaper than the vented tumble dryer option.