How much does a tumble dryer cost to run?

A tumble dryer typically draws around 2800 W while running. Ratings vary widely between models, so check the label and change the figure below. A heat pump dryer uses roughly a third of this.

Power

Hours per day

Days per year in use

Electricity price

per kWh

Standby power

Grid carbon intensity

g CO2 per kWh

Cost per year

288.51

= Exact Running cost of a tumble dryer

Cost per month: 24.04
Cost per day: 0.79
Cost per hour of use: 0.78
Energy per year: 1030.4 kWh
Energy per day: 2.8230 kWh
Carbon dioxide per year: 257.6
Annual cost of standby alone: 2.35

Show the working

Power = 2800
Hours per day = 1
Days per year in use = 365
Electricity price = 0.28
Standby power = 1
Grid carbon intensity = 250
kw = 2800 / 1000 = 2.8
daily_kwh = 2.8 * 1 = 2.8
standby_kwh = 1 / 1000 * (24 - 1) = 0.023
Energy per day = 2.8 + 0.023 = 2.823
Energy per year = 2.823 * 365 = 1030.4
Cost per day = 2.823 * 0.28 = 0.790 44
Cost per year = 1030.4 * 0.28 = 288.511
Cost per month = 288.511 / 12 = 24.0426
Cost per hour of use = 2.8 * 0.28 = 0.784
Carbon dioxide per year = 1030.4 * 250 / 1000 = 257.599
Annual cost of standby alone = 0.023 * 365 * 0.28 = 2.3506

Values are shown to six significant figures here; the arithmetic itself runs on exact fractions and is only rounded where a number is printed.

Scenarios & local history

Compare a saved scenario

Recent calculations

The formula

daily energy = power in kW x hours
annual cost = daily energy x days x price per kWh

Nameplate wattage is the maximum draw, not the average. A cycling appliance like a fridge or a freezer averages far less.

Standby draw is small per device and adds up across a house: ten devices at 2 W each is 175 kWh a year.

A heat pump dryer uses roughly a third of this.

Running cost of a tumble dryer at different tariffs

Price per kWh	Per hour	Per year at 1 h/day
0.10	0.2800	102.20
0.15	0.4200	153.30
0.20	0.5600	204.40
0.25	0.7000	255.50
0.30	0.8400	306.60
0.40	1.1200	408.80

Frequently asked

How many watts does a tumble dryer use?

Typically around 2800 W while running, though models vary. Check the rating plate.

How much electricity does it use per day?

About 2.80 kWh at 1 hours of use.