Saving tips: tumble dryer
An average household can save a lot of money on an annual basis by acting energy-consciously every day. The tumble dryer is one of the largest energy consumers in the home. Older dryers in particular use an enormous amount of electricity to dry the washing. By using the dryer consciously, it is possible to save tens of euros a year on energy consumption. In addition, the climate is burdened less heavily when energy is used consciously.
)
01Choosing the right tumble dryer
A tumble dryer is one of the largest energy consumers in a household. That is why it is advisable to stop using very old tumble dryers. These tumble dryers often use quite a lot of energy. So choose a new tumble dryer that has been designed with more economical energy consumption in mind. Like washing machines, dryers have their own energy label. In the shop this energy label is clearly indicated. Very energy-efficient dryers have an A label, but often require a larger investment. In principle it is better to buy a heat pump dryer than a gas dryer. A gas dryer is often considerably less energy-efficient.
A washer-dryer combination or all-in-one machine
It is sometimes wrongly thought that it is better to use a washer-dryer combination instead of a separate washing machine and dryer. Yet it is better to buy two separate appliances. An all-in-one machine uses much more energy than two separate appliances combined.
Moreover, use the highest possible speed during spinning. The dryer then does not have to work so hard. In addition, we recommend using an automatic programme. Most modern tumble dryers have their own automatic programmes, depending on the type of clothing in the dryer. An automatic programme is as a rule much more energy-efficient than a programme based on a fixed running time. Sometimes the washing has long been dry, while the programme still keeps running. It goes without saying that this is not the most energy-efficient solution. Here you can find more tips to save energy.
Energy consumption differs from dryer to dryer. Older dryers are naturally less economical, but there are also differences between new dryers. All dryers have their own energy label that shows how energy-efficient the dryer is. The most economical dryers have label A, the least economical dryers have energy label G.
Dryers with label A are usually heat pump dryers. Gas dryers are often less economical (label B or C). The more economical dryers are as a rule also more expensive. With the expensive water pump dryers it is difficult to earn back the extra investment within their lifespan compared with less economical dryers. With cheap water pump dryers this may well be possible.
Other saving tips
Besides choosing the right dryer, there are other ways to save on the energy consumption of the dryer.
Hang the washing out
It is stating the obvious, but where possible it is worth considering hanging up the washing. The dryer stays off and electricity is saved. Moreover, this saves extra time when ironing, because everything is less creased.
Fill the drum as much as possible
Make sure the drum is full. By drying as much washing as possible in one go, the dryer needs to run less often. A full drum in the washing machine, by the way, also gives a better washing result.
Choose the ‘iron dry’ option
Most dryers have different settings, such as cupboard dry or iron dry. With the cupboard dry setting, the dryer runs longer and more energy is used than with the iron dry setting.
Spin the washing well
Let the washing spin a little longer in the washing machine before it goes into the dryer. Spinning costs less energy than drying.
Always clean the lint filter
Every dryer has a lint filter that is fairly full after an average drying cycle. When the lint builds up, this affects energy consumption. So make it a habit to clean the lint filter after every drying cycle.
Switch the dryer off as soon as possible
Do not leave the dryer on for longer than necessary after a drying cycle. Although the dryer is not actively working, energy is still being used. This is comparable to leaving the lights on unnecessarily and applies equally to the washing machine.
02Frequently asked questions about saving on the energy consumption of the dryer
The best way to save on the energy consumption of the tumble dryer is not to use the dryer, but simply to let the washing air-dry. If you do use the dryer, it is important to use it carefully. In this FAQ we answer a number of frequently asked questions about using a dryer sustainably.
Since March 2021 the energy label with the many pluses has been dropped and a different classification has taken its place. As a result, tumble dryers that previously had label A+++ may now suddenly have label B, C or D. The appliance may then seem less energy-efficient, but it is of course still the same appliance with the same energy consumption. Because today’s tumble dryers have all become very energy-efficient, the new classification makes it possible once again to distinguish better between the various dryers.
How does the new energy label for tumble dryers work?
This depends on which dryer you have and how often you use the dryer. An energy-efficient dryer will, for example, use 100 to 175 kWh per year. This is up to three times less than an inefficient dryer. However, it still uses much more than the most ecological dryer there is: the washing line.
How much energy does a tumble dryer use?
It is better for the dryer to be well filled. The dryer then needs to run less often and as a result you will have lower energy consumption per kilogram of laundry.
Is it better to fill the dryer completely or not?
A higher spin speed is generally recommended because less heat then needs to be generated to dry the laundry. Spinning costs less energy than generating heat. This is of course particularly relevant for automatic programmes, where the programme stops automatically when the laundry is completely dry.
Do I use a high or a low spin speed?
You can simply hand these in at the shop where you buy a new dryer or you can hand it in at the Milieustraat (recycling centre) of your municipality. Finally, Milieu Centraal advises not to take old dryers to the second-hand shop or to sell them (online). They are so energy-unfriendly that you are doing the environment no favours. It is better that they are recycled and that others buy a more energy-efficient dryer.
What do I do with my old tumble dryer?
Save money and energy on the tumble dryer ➜ 6 tips you can apply right away!
Is a washer-dryer combination energy-efficient? Does a full drum give better results? ➜ These tips really help with ➜ saving energy.
Work out the monthly amount with your usage and feed-in.