Traditional tumble dryers are set to be “phased out” in favour for green alternatives as the Labour government continues to push to reach net-zero.
The government is said to be introducing new rules that could mean traditional condenser tumble dryers are phased out and replaced by more energy-efficient heat pump models.
Unlike condenser dryers, which use a heating element to remove moisture from clothes before draining water away, heat pump dryers use a system that recycles warm air and run at a lower temperature of around 50C.
According to The Times, the government believes the move will save UK households £1,000 over their 20-year lifespan due to lower running costs.
It is understood the plans do not mean using existing dryers will be banned, but that the sale of new tumble dryers will need to meet higher energy efficiency standards.
It’s also understood that the government is seeking to implement the rules to avoid an increase in the cost of imported tumble dryers due to new EU rules, rather than a net-zero drive.
But critics of the plan have pointed out the heat pump dryers cost more to purchase on average than traditional alternatives, and also take longer to dry clothes.
Tory shadow minister Claire Coutinho accused the energy secretary Ed Miliband of “Soviet levels of control” over a number of his net-zero policies.
Mr Miliband has served as Labour’s most vocal advocate for green energy and net-zero targets since the government came to power in July 2024.
“Heat pump dryers cost more up front and take longer to dry clothes, they can also use less energy,” the shadow energy secretary said.
“Why not let consumers choose whether or not that works for them?
“This is the problem with our net zero legislation, it means Ed Miliband dictating what car people drive, how they should heat their homes and even what machine they can tumble their pyjamas in. This is Soviet levels of control.
“That’s why we would repeal net zero legislation and focus on cheaper energy, our plan is better for the environment and for people’s pockets.”
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said: “Energy efficient tumble dryers will save households up to £910 over their machine’s 20-year lifetime, putting money back into the pockets of hard-working people.
“Every tumble dryer model on the British market must comply with stringent safety regulations. There are no current specific safety concerns with heat pump tumble dryers.”
