Although the market for tumble dryers has previously included three options – heat pump dryers, condenser dryers and vented dryers, new legislation means that from January 2027 retailers will only be able to sell new heat pump models.
While they can still sell off any existing stock, and, as a homeowner, you are entitled to keep using whatever type of tumbler dyer you currently have in your kitchen or utility room, once it's time for an upgrade you will have to opt for a heat pump model.
In our guide we explain the technology behind heat pump tumble dryers, why using once can help you save on your energy bills and the inevitable pros and cons.
How do heat pump tumble dryers work?
Heat pump tumbler dyers differ from conventional models in two main ways. “Conventional tumble dryers work by releasing the hot air used to dry clothes, whereas heat pump technology conserves and reuses it," explains Luke Shipway, Caple's head of product. "They are much better for the environment and cheaper to run, with heat pump technology using almost 50% of the energy used by conventional models [C-rated]."
Sophie Lane, product training manager at Miele GB explains more. “Heat pump tumble dryers have a condenser that separates water from the warm air that passes over the wet clothes and puts it in a water tank. The remaining dry warm air is then pumped back through the drum, reusing it to help the clothes dry faster."
This is known as a "closed loop" because the air never leaves the dryer, it is simply reheated as it circulates back around. In the case of washer-dryer combos, which can be a wise choice for a small utility room, any excess water is sent back out of the standard plumbing drain line rather than into a tank, so there isn't even a vessel that needs emptying. It is worth noting, however, that washer-dryers are excluded from the changes to the Government's tumble dryer plans.
If you're weighing up a heat pump vs condenser dryer, then it's important to know they also operate at a lower temperature. A heat pump tumble dryer, like this Bush BHPTD7W 7KG Heat Pump Tumble Dryer from Argos, will usually operate at a maximum 50°C temperature, which is far lower than the 70-75°C used by a vented or condenser tumble dryer.
Shop for heat pump tumble dryers
Pair with a compatible LG washing machine and the dryer will pick the best programme according to the wash cycle used. Also offers a quick-dry function.
This A+++ rated tumble dryer has a self-clean function, double fluff filters and a bed laundry function to prevent bed linen from getting tangled.
Designed for busy lives, this model has five quick cycles to choose from ranging from 14 to 59 minutes, along with a wool cycle and an extra smooth drum surface. A++ Class.
With more than 21 years of tenure at Caple, Luke Shipway has covered various departments including sales, purchasing and product management before ascending to the position of Head of Product. His extensive experience and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in shaping Caple's innovative appliance solutions.
Sophie has been working with Miele for more than 10 years and has an in-depth knowledge of all the latest appliance technology. Her product know-how is invaluable when training consumers in the many features of Miele’s extensive range of high-end German appliances.
Pros and cons of heat pump tumble dryers
The main benefit of a heat pump tumble dryer is that they use less energy to dry clothes, thus saving you money on your electricity bills – especially where you've also switched to off-peak electricity times.
Another huge pro, as mentioned, is that due to the lower temperatures they are gentler on your clothing. In addition, the lower temperature can significantly increase the lifespan of your clothing as higher temperatures can cause small holes in your fabric to appear, wearing them out faster.
And of course, lower temperatures also allow you to potentially dry more types of clothing than you can in a different model. It also means the chance of accidentally shrinking clothing is reduced, a bonus for those who haven't got time to sift through delicates before throwing them in the dryer.
From a purely practical point of view, and one that's good to know if you're designing a laundry room, the final benefit of a heat pump dryer is that they, "don’t need an exhaust pipe, meaning they can be installed anywhere in the home," explains Sophie Lane. "From under kitchen cabinets to a garage or utility, there’s no need for a cumbersome exhaust pipe that needs to be fitted into a wall vent or hung out of a window.”
It means they can easily slot into your utility room layout without any major disruption to your exterior walls, and then it's simply a case of plugging in and pressing start.
The downsides to heat pump tumble dryers
There are, however, a few downsides to some heat pump dryers. The main one is speed. Due to operating at a lower temperature, you can't toss something into a heat pump tumble dryer last minute and expect it to dry quickly. You'll need to be organised with your washing and drying habits.
That said, innovations now mean that some models do offer quicker drying times, Sophie Lane tells us. "Dryer technology has moved on considerably. Miele has specifically developed technologies to combine energy efficiency with faster drying. On selected T1 models, EcoSpeed can reduce drying times by around 20 minutes.
"The latest Miele T2 Nova takes this even further with QuickPowerDry, which can dry a 4KG load in just 49 minutes," she continues. "This means consumers no longer necessarily have to choose between the energy-saving benefits of heat pump technology and convenient drying times. Of course, as with any tumble dryer, exact programme times will still depend on the size and type of load, its residual moisture level and the programme selected.”
One other key factor to bear in mind when budgeting for your utility room costs is that heat pump tumble dryers are generally more expensive to purchase than your typical conventional vented or condenser tumble dryer. That said, once they become the only model available to buy, the pricing model may need to change.
And finally, unlike vented models, you will need to empty the water out from the container before you put another load onto dry, which is something to bear in mind when looking at what to include in your utility room. A sink with close proximity to your dryer will generally make your laundry quicker and easier to complete.
Potential energy cost savings
Sophie Lane explains how heat pump dryers can save on costs and by how much. "Modern heat pump tumble dryers work by reusing warm air within the appliance, rather than continually generating new heat, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 60% compared to traditional vented dryers, depending on the model and usage habits.
"Heat pump tumble dryers cost around just £100 a year to run compared to around £400 a year when using a vented model," she says. "The running cost savings can more than pay for the machine over time."
Luke Shipway agrees that there are certainly savings to be made, telling us: "A vented model costs around £1.16 per cycle and takes approximately 145 minutes to dry a full cotton load. A condenser model offers a slightly lower running cost of around £1.10 per cycle with a faster average drying time of 121 minutes. For maximum energy efficiency, the Caple TDI4001 heat pump dryer costs just £0.69 per cycle to run, almost half the cost of a vented model, although the drying time is longer at approximately 244 minutes. All figures are based on the standard cotton programme at full load and an electricity rate of 26.32p per kWh (October 2026 price cap)."
FAQs
What other smart features do heat pump dryers have?
While every brand offers different features, Sophie Lane explains how they are progressing at Miele.
1. Sensor control: "Miele heat pump tumble dryers use sensors to assess the load, then apply only the right amount of time and energy. They then sense when the load is perfectly dry, stopping the cycle when the items are ready. This means you’ll use less electricity, and your clothes will only be subject to the right amount of heat to dry them for a shorter period of time."
2. Noise reduction: "With a SilenceDrum the noise from zips and buttons hitting the drum can be brought down by approx. 3 DB, which is a significant reduction and means drying is quieter than ever, which is particularly useful for open-plan living." Ideal if you are looking at extra ways to reduce noise when soundproofing a utility room.
3. Extra hygiene: "For those who are especially conscious of hygiene, the HygieneDry setting will eliminate 99.99% of all bacteria thanks to longer temperature holding times. This feature has been independently certified by the Rhein-Waal technical university in Germany and offers peace of mind that you can achieve a truly hygienic result when drying items such as bedding, towels and washcloths."
How can I save money drying laundry if I still have a vented or condenser dryer?
If you don't have any need to upgrade your current tumble dryer to a heat pump model, rising energy costs may mean you are reluctant to use it. In this instance, you can of course think about other alternative means of drying.
Laundry racks in a utility room combined with smart utility room heating could be one method, while another is to think about using a dehumidifier instead, says Noel Fok, CEO and co-founder of EcoAir.
“A dehumidifier placed next to a clothes airer will directly extract the moisture from freshly washed clothes, leaving laundry bone dry in just a few hours. Indeed, many models now include a dedicated “laundry”, “turbo” or “drying” mode especially for this purpose," he says.
“Modern dehumidifiers cost between £100 to £300 – a considerably lower upfront investment than a heat pump dryer. They also benefit from energy-saving technology, auto-stop functions and smart controls that minimise power consumption by shutting down automatically when ambient humidity reaches the desired setting, or switching between full power, economy and standby modes to optimise performance and energy efficiency."
And, even though heat pump dryers are gentler on clothes, "another important advantage of dehumidifier use for drying laundry is that it will not damage fabrics at all," adds Noel. "Unlike tumble dryers, there is no friction placed on the load as it dries.
“Finally, whilst drying your laundry, a dehumidifier simultaneously controls humidity levels in your home and optimal humidity will lower energy bills in winter as it’s harder to heat moisture-laden air."
At the forefront of the air purification industry, EcoAir manufactures and supplies a range of innovative and environmentally friendly air treatment products. Noel is the designer behind several of the brand’s top-selling products and has been instrumental in the development of EcoAir’s desiccant technology.
If you're looking at heat pump tumbler dryers to fit in a new utility room, make sure you avoid these utility room mistakes, and if you're planning a full home renovation, why not think about relocating your utility room upstairs. After all, it makes sense when you look into it.
