Energy-Efficient Clothes Dryers

5th November 2024

What you need to know about energy-efficient dryers

Arguably one of the best things about living in Australia is our temperate climate. With the abundance of sunshine in our beautiful country, a clothes dryer is often just a complement to the trusty clothes line. After all, sunshine and a light breeze cost nothing. However, in our fast-paced modern lives, a clothes dryer can be a real lifesaver, especially in cooler months or when a school uniform needs to be washed and dried in a hurry.

When choosing a new clothes dryer, consider the following:

• How often you will need to use your clothes dryer
• The impact of the dryer on your electricity usage
• The types of items you will be drying
• The ventilation and space available in your laundry
• Your environmental footprint

If a dryer is a must in your home, understanding these factors will help you pick an energy-efficient dryer that meets your needs and helps save on energy costs.

How much energy does a dryer use?

Clothes dryers and other appliances covered by energy-efficiency regulations need to meet specific requirements to receive an Energy Rating Label and Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) approval. This label is a great starting point to understand the energy consumption of a dryer.

To get an estimate of how much energy a clothes dryer will use, check the kWh figure indicated on the Energy Rating Label of the appliance. This figure represents the amount of electricity the dryer uses per cycle or year, depending on the model.

Here’s how you can calculate the estimated energy cost:

1. Find the kWh figure: Look for the energy consumption (in kilowatt-hours) on the Energy Rating Label.
2. Know your electricity rates: Check your most recent energy bill for your current rates.
3. Calculate the cost: Multiply the kWh figure by your electricity rate to get an estimate of the running cost.

For example, if your dryer uses 3 kWh per cycle and your peak electricity rate is $0.30 per kWh, each cycle will cost you approximately $0.90 to run during peak hours.

Remember, energy-efficient models with a high star rating can help reduce energy consumption, which can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill over time if you regularly use your dryer.

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Which clothes dryer is best for me?

Clothes dryers remove moisture from wet laundry by moving heated air through the fabric. Various models use different technologies, and some offer more sophisticated features, so your personal circumstances will determine which is best for you. The different types include:

• Vented clothes dryers: These dryers pump hot, humid air into the surrounding area to remove moisture from the clothes. They are usually cheap to buy but more expensive to operate due to higher energy consumption.
• Condenser clothes dryers: These dryers use a heat exchanger to condense the moisture. They tend to be more expensive than vented dryers but are a bit more versatile as they don’t require as much ventilation.
• Heat pump condenser clothes dryers: These work in the same way as a reverse cycle air conditioner. While they may be more expensive to purchase, they use less energy than vented dryers of the same size, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
• Gas clothes dryers: These dryers use natural gas instead of conventional electric heaters, but they work in the same way. They usually have a higher upfront cost but they are quite cost-effective to run.

Understanding the different types of clothes dryers and their operating costs will help you choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

How can you identify an energy-efficient dryer?

Regularly using your clothes dryer out of convenience can quickly impact your electricity bill. Buying the most energy-efficient dryer is a great way to help reduce energy consumption, especially if you need to use it frequently. You can identify the most energy-efficient electric clothes dryers by comparing the efficiency ratings of similar capacity dryers. The Energy Rating Label displays the efficiency through the number of stars. For example, a 5kg clothes dryer with five stars will be much more efficient than a 5kg machine with two stars.

Paying attention to these ratings can help you choose a dryer that will save you money on energy costs in the long run.

Energy saving tips for using your dryer

Here are a few handy tips to help you save energy and reduce costs:

1. Choose the most energy-efficient dryer you can afford: Opt for a dryer with a high Energy Star rating. Dryers with more stars are more efficient and can help save you money on energy bills in the long run.
2. Use the highest spin speed on your washing machine: Before using the dryer, maximise moisture removal by selecting the highest spin speed on your washing machine. This reduces the amount of time your clothes need to spend in the dryer.
3. Clean out the lint filter after every load: Keeping the lint filter clean improves airflow and efficiency. It also reduces the risk of fire hazards associated with lint buildup.
4. Air dry your laundry whenever possible: Take advantage of Australia’s sunny climate by air drying your laundry outdoors. This not only saves energy but also helps prolong the life of your clothes and reduces wear and tear caused by heat.
5. Use the auto-sensor function (if available): Many modern dryers have auto-sensor technology that detects when clothes are dry and automatically shuts off the dryer. This prevents over-drying and saves energy.
6. Load the dryer efficiently: Avoid overloading or underloading the dryer. Overloading can lead to longer drying times and increased energy consumption, while underloading wastes energy and reduces efficiency.

Implementing these tips will help you lower your energy consumption and minimise the environmental impact of using your clothes dryer.

The final word

Regularly using a clothes dryer can have an impact on your energy bill. But with Australia’s varying winter climate, they can be a lifesaver in the colder months. By investing in an energy-efficient clothes dryer, you can dry your clothes on rainy days all while reducing your energy consumption.

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