Tumble dryers typically use a great deal of energy, much more than a washing machine, so it is certainly advisable to consider whether you really need one before buying. If you feel that it is necessary, do make sure that you buy an energy efficient tumble dryer which will use less power and save you money! One in three homes in the UK has a tumble dryer so a great deal of energy could be saved if everyone had an energy efficient tumble dryer.
Some energy efficient tumble dryer models have particular cycles which use less energy, but bear in mind that these often take a long time as they use only a low heat; you could be talking seven hours to dry a load of cottons! Fine if you have the time, but not always the most convenient especially as many people only use their tumble dryer when they need something quickly! If you are looking to buy an energy efficient tumble dryer look for an energy efficiency rating of A and the Energy Saving Recommended logo to make sure you are getting the most economical model. You may have to pay a little more but should save money in the long run.
If everyone who buys a tumble dryer next year buys the most energy efficient tumble dryer, they will save enough energy to power 550 homes for a year every time they dry a full load of cottons!
Whether or not you have an energy efficient tumble dryer, there are steps you can take to use as little energy as possible. Do not overload the machine, although it is a good idea to ensure that it is pretty full rather than drying lots of small loads. Also, drying similar fabrics together will speed drying as will making sure that you first spin your washing on the highest spin cycle.
Check out our Energy Saving Tips for some pointers on drying your washing without using any energy!
