Two tumble dryer alternatives 'slash energy bills'

With energy costs climbing higher and winter's arrival, household bills are poised to surge as temperatures plummet. Britons might well be reconsidering their laundry habits to help cut expenses, with many exploring lower-power alternatives to tumble dryers, such as drying pods.

With outdoor drying virtually impossible during the chillier months, one specialist has shared his verdict on the finest options. Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance repair specialist at Domestic and General, has outlined the benefits and drawbacks of utilising a heated drying pod or heated airer rather than a tumble dryer.

Ian said: "The main appeal to using tumble dryer alternatives like heated airers and dryer pods is the lower running costs. Heated airers usually use between 2p and 26p per hour, whereas a tumble dryer can cost you closer to 75p per hour. Although you'd probably have to use a heater airer or drying pod for longer at a time, it would likely still cost you much less overall than a tumble dryer load.

"Drying pods are also gentler on your clothes, with less risk of shrinkage and damage to delicate fabrics and sportswear. Additionally, airers are compact and portable, meaning they can be used more flexibly, placed in rooms with more radiators and airflow, making them adaptable to the colder months.

"However, it's important to make sure that a heated airer or drying pod is safe and not at risk of overheating. Don't use them in small, enclosed rooms with little ventilation, as excess heat and humidity can increase this risk. Remember to follow the manufacturer's guidance and regularly inspect that the product is working.

"Reducing your tumble dryer use can also help to extend its lifespan by giving the mechanical parts a break every now and then. Back-to-back drying cycles increase the risk of your machine overheating, especially without regular vent and filter cleaning, which can lead to an expensive tumble dryer repair."