Laundry drying comparison · UK energy estimate
Dehumidifier vs Heated Airer vs Tumble Dryer Cost
Compare UK clothes-drying costs for a dehumidifier, heated airer and tumble dryer using your tariff, appliance wattage, cycle time and current Ofgem defaults.
Compare your own tariff
Cost comparison
Default: 26.11p/kWh, 1 July 2026–30 September 2026. This is an Ofgem average; your region, tariff and payment method can differ. View Ofgem's price-cap rates.
Transparent formula
How the estimate works
(watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × your unit rate
For the monthly figure, the calculator repeats that use for 30 days. Change the tariff above to use the rate from your bill.
Worked example
What that means in practice
A tumble dryer can finish a load faster, but its high heat means its per-load electricity use is usually far above a heated airer or a dehumidifier-assisted drying setup.
Before you compare
Assumptions and limitations
- The appliance figures are typical inputs, not measured consumption for a specific model.
- Drying time changes with room temperature, ventilation, load size and humidity.
- A dehumidifier can help manage moisture but it does not heat the clothes directly.
Power draw can vary with a thermostat, mode, room conditions and appliance model. This is a running-cost estimate, not a performance or safety recommendation.