In most homes, a heated airer costs significantly less to run than a tumble dryer — often pennies per hour instead of pounds per load. For everyday laundry, especially small or regular washes, a heated airer is usually the cheaper option. A tumble dryer can still make sense in specific situations, but it’s rarely the lowest-cost choice.
If you’re standing in the laundry aisle (or staring at your energy bill) wondering whether a heated airer is worth it, you’re not alone. This question comes up because drying clothes has quietly become one of the most expensive parts of doing laundry.
What does a heated airer cost to run vs a tumble dryer?
Heated airer running costs
Most heated airers use around 200–300 watts.
At typical UK electricity rates, that works out to roughly:
- 5–10¢ per hour to run
- Around 20–40¢ for a full day of gentle drying
They’re designed to be left on for longer periods without spiking your bill.
Tumble dryer running costs
A standard vented or condenser tumble dryer uses 2,000–3,000 watts.
That usually works out to:
- $1–$2+ per load, depending on efficiency and cycle length
- More if you’re running multiple loads a week
Even heat-pump dryers (which are cheaper than older models) still tend to cost more per load than a heated airer over time.
In simple terms:
One tumble dryer cycle can cost the same as running a heated airer for several days.
Why this feels confusing (and why so many people second-guess it)
A few things muddy the water:
1. Tumble dryers feel “normal”
Many of us grew up with one, so it doesn’t feel like a luxury appliance — even though energy-wise, it kind of is.
2. Marketing focuses on speed, not cost
Dryers are sold on convenience: fast, fluffy, done. Heated airers are sold quietly, like a compromise — even though they’re far cheaper to run.
3. Energy advice changes constantly
One minute you’re told to air-dry everything, the next you’re warned about damp, mould, and indoor drying. It’s exhausting to keep up.
4. Bills don’t show line-by-line costs
You don’t see “this tumble dryer load cost $1.74” on your statement, so it’s easy to underestimate how much it adds up.
What actually matters in real households
Here’s where the decision gets more practical and less theoretical.
Load size and frequency
- Small, regular loads (school uniforms, work clothes, everyday washing): heated airer wins on cost
- Big, bulky loads (bedding, towels for a family of five): tumble dryer might be more realistic sometimes
If you’re washing towels constantly, it’s also worth checking how often they really need washing.
Time and mental energy
A heated airer takes longer. That’s fine if:
- You’re home anyway
- You can leave it running overnight or during the day
- You don’t need everything dry right now
If you’re already overwhelmed, convenience matters — and that’s not a moral failing.
Space and ventilation
Heated airers work best when:
- You can place them in a reasonably ventilated room
- You’re not stacking clothes too tightly
- You’re okay with slower drying for thicker items
If indoor drying causes damp or condensation in your home, the cheapest option isn’t always the best one long-term.
When a tumble dryer
is genuinely worth the cost
This isn’t an anti-dryer post. There are situations where paying more makes sense:
- Bedding and heavy towels that take days to dry
- Households with very limited space
- Back-to-back laundry days (babies, illness, sports kits)
- Cold, damp homes where indoor drying causes problems
Some people use a hybrid approach:
Heated airer for most clothes, tumble dryer occasionally for bulky or urgent loads. That’s often the sweet spot.
Where heated airers save the most money
A heated airer tends to shine when:
- You do frequent small washes
- You already avoid over-washing clothes
- You don’t rely on fabric softener or dryer sheets
- You’re happy with “dry enough” rather than tumble-dryer fluffy
They’re also gentler on clothes, which quietly saves money by extending how long things last.
A quick word on “hidden” costs people forget
Clothes wear and tear
Tumble dryers are harder on fabrics. Over time, that means:
- Faster fading
- Thinner fibres
- Shorter clothing lifespan
It’s not dramatic, but it adds up — especially for kids’ clothes and basics.
Extra washing
Over-drying or heat damage can make clothes feel stiff or “off”, leading people to rewash them.
Same goes for using too much detergent in the first place.
More washing = more drying = higher costs.
Practical, realistic advice (no perfection required)
If you’re trying to lower laundry costs without making life harder:
- Use a heated airer for everyday clothes
- Save the tumble dryer for bulky or urgent loads
- Spin clothes well before drying (this matters more than the drying method)
- Don’t overload the airer — airflow matters
- Skip unnecessary extras like scent boosters
You don’t need to optimise everything. Even swapping some dryer loads for a heated airer can make a noticeable difference over a year.
So… which should you choose?
If the question is purely heated airer vs tumble dryer cost, the answer is clear:
A heated airer is cheaper to run in most situations.
But the better question is: what fits your life right now?
If a tumble dryer keeps your household running smoothly, that has value. If a heated airer reduces your bills without adding stress, that’s a win too.
You’re not doing laundry “wrong” either way. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s finding something that works without draining your energy or your bank account.
