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Heated clothes airers became one of the UK's favourite cost-of-living buys, and for good reason. But are they really cheaper than a tumble dryer, and do they cause damp? Here are the numbers.
The sums
We use 25p per kWh, close to the current UK price cap.
| Method | Typical energy per load | Cost per load |
|---|---|---|
| Heated airer (220 to 300 W, 4 to 5 hours) | 1 to 1.5 kWh | 25p to 38p |
| Vented or condenser tumble dryer | 4 to 5 kWh | £1 to £1.25 |
| Heat pump tumble dryer | 1 to 1.5 kWh | 25p to 38p |
| Ordinary airer by a window | 0 | free (but slow in winter) |
For any airer: watts ÷ 1000 × hours × price per kWh. A 300 W airer running 4 hours uses 1.2 kWh, which is 30p.
The catch: moisture
A full washing load holds a couple of litres of water. A tumble dryer sends it outside or into a tank. A heated airer releases it into your home, where it ends up on cold windows and walls. That is how many people get mould in their first winter of drying indoors.
The fix is cheap: put the airer in a small room with the door closed and either open a window slightly or run a dehumidifier next to it. A compressor dehumidifier on laundry mode also speeds up drying a lot. See our guide to choosing a dehumidifier.
What to look for in a heated airer
- A cover: a fitted cover traps the warm air around the clothes and can cut drying time noticeably. Some airers include one, others sell it separately.
- Tiers and wing space: 2 or 3 tier models hold a full load; flat wing designs are easier to fold.
- A timer: stops it running all day if you forget.
- Power under 300 W: most good models sit around 200 to 300 W.
Models to look at
The best-known UK option is the Lakeland Dry:Soon range, and there are many cheaper alternatives from brands sold on Amazon and in high-street stores. We will add our picks here.
Where to buy (prices change often, so check the current price):
Tips to dry faster for less
- Use the highest spin speed your clothes allow. Every bit of water the washer removes is water you don't pay to evaporate.
- Don't overload the rails; air needs to move between items.
- Turn items halfway through.
- Run it during off-peak hours if you are on a time-of-use tariff.