As we enter the 2025-26 financial year, electricity prices are set to rise again. With the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) releasing its Default Market Offer (DMO) for the next 12 months, homes could see prices rise by as little as 0.5% or as much as 9.7%.
Whether you find yourself on the higher end of that scale, are feeling the crunch on your electricity bills or simply want to save, it’s essential to review your power usage as a whole. That includes looking at appliances like your dryer and working out exactly how much electricity it uses to help you minimise what you’re paying each month or quarter.
How much electricity does a dryer use?
To calculate how much a dryer costs to run, you’ll first need to work out its electricity usage. There are three main types of dryers to choose from:
Heat pump dryers
Comfortably the most energy-efficient dryer type, heat pump dryers circulate hot air to draw out moisture and recycle it. However, they’re also the most expensive type of dryer on the market. Here are six current models and their energy efficiency:
| Heat pump dryer model | kWh per year | kWh per load* |
|---|---|---|
| LG 8kg Heat Pump Dryer with Inverter Control | 115 | 2.21 |
| Fisher & Paykel 8kg Series 5 Heat Pump Dryer | 155 | 2.98 |
| Haier 8kg Heat Pump Dryer | 135 | 2.60 |
| Hisense 8kg Series 3 Heat Pump Dryer | 134 | 2.58 |
| Miele 8kg Heat Pump Dryer | 94 | 1.81 |
| Electrolux 8kg Ultimate Care 500 Heat Pump Dryer | 130 | 2.5 |
| Average | 127.17 | 2.45 |
| Source: Energy Rating Calculator, Energy Rating | ||
Vented dryers
The more traditional dryer model, vented dryers cycle air from the room, heat it and draw it into the drum to dry out clothes. Let’s take a look at six vented dryers available in Australia and how they stack up efficiency-wise:
| Vented dryer model | kWh per year | kWh per load* |
|---|---|---|
| Fisher & Paykel 7kg Series 5 Vented Dryer Auto Sensing Full Reverse Tumbling | 315 | 6.06 |
| Electrolux 300 Series Vented Dryer – 7kg | 315 | 6.06 |
| Whirlpool 7kg Air Vented Dryer | 300 | 5.77 |
| Haier 7kg Sensor Vented Dryer | 315 | 6.06 |
| Mistral 7kg Tumble Dryer | 312 | 6 |
| Solt 7kg Vented Dryer | 311 | 5.98 |
| Average | 311.33 | 5.99 |
| Source: Energy Rating Calculator, Energy Rating | ||
Condenser dryers
Condenser dryers are similar to heat pump dryers in how they work, but don’t offer anywhere near the same energy efficiency. As a result, they’re far less common in Australia today. You can see this in the three models displayed below:
| Condenser dryer model | kWh per year | kWh per load* |
|---|---|---|
| Beko 8kg Sensor Controlled Condenser Tumble Dryer | 360 | 6.92 |
| Fisher & Paykel Series 5 8kg Condenser Dryer | 355 | 6.83 |
| ASKO 8kg Condenser Dryer | 353 | 6.79 |
| Average | 356 | 6.85 |
| Source: Energy Rating Calculator, Energy Rating | ||
*kWh per load calculated on the basis of one load per week.
All models and kWh measurements correct as of 11 July 2025.
How much does it cost to run my dryer?
Once you find out how much energy your dryer uses, you can work out what you’re spending to run it. The table below demonstrates how much you can expect to pay to run your dryer per load and annually in each state and territory:
| NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | ACT | NT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average usage cost/kWh | $0.3862 | $0.2945 | $0.3350 | $0.3237 | $0.4535 | $0.2753 | $0.3120 | $0.3008 |
| Heat pump cost/load | $0.95 | $0.72 | $0.82 | $0.79 | $1.11 | $0.67 | $0.76 | $0.74 |
| Heat pump cost/year | $49.11 | $37.45 | $42.60 | $41.16 | $57.67 | $35.01 | $39.68 | $38.25 |
| Vented cost/load | $2.31 | $1.76 | $2.01 | $1.94 | $2.72 | $1.65 | $1.87 | $1.80 |
| Vented cost/year | $120.24 | $91.69 | $104.30 | $100.78 | $141.19 | $85.71 | $97.13 | $93.65 |
| Condenser cost/load | $2.65 | $2.02 | $2.29 | $2.22 | $3.11 | $1.89 | $2.14 | $2.06 |
| Condenser cost/year | $137.49 | $104.84 | $119.26 | $115.24 | $161.45 | $98.01 | $111.07 | $107.08 |
| Average usage cost/kWh for each state calculated by averaging out average costs by distribution network. Dryer cost per load and year calculated based on average usage of select models. | ||||||||
As you can see, vented and condenser dryers work out to be much more expensive to run than heat pump dryers. However, you’ll have to consider how often you’ll use them, as it may work out to be cheaper in the long run to pay less upfront and more per load.
You can expect to pay the most in South Australia to run your dryer, with New South Wales being the second most expensive on average. Tasmania and Victoria, as of July 2025, offer the cheapest electricity on average.
The cost of running your dryer doesn’t just depend on where you live, though. Part of this is in your hands, as cheaper electricity plans can deliver more savings. We’ve taken the average cost of plans from the Big Three in the energy space to see what you might expect to pay:
| Origin Energy | AGL | EnergyAustralia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump cost/load | $0.82 | $0.77 | $0.87 |
| Heat pump cost/year | $42.73 | $39.73 | $45.06 |
| Vented cost/load | $2.01 | $1.87 | $2.12 |
| Vented cost/year | $104.61 | $97.26 | $110.30 |
| Condenser cost/load | $2.30 | $2.14 | $2.43 |
| Condenser cost/year | $119.62 | $111.21 | $126.13 |
| Average usage cost/kWh for each provider calculated by averaging out average costs across Australia. Costs vary depending on usage, plan type and where you live. Dryer cost per load and year calculated based on average usage of select models. | |||
There may only be relatively small differences per load and even per year between the three. However, over ten years, the cost discrepancy would increase to around $150 between the averages of AGL and EnergyAustralia.
That’s why it’s imperative to compare electricity plans, which you can do right here through Savvy’s utilities partner, Econnex. You can consider offers from leading Australian providers side-by-side to see how much you’ll be spending each month and year on your power.
How can I minimise my power usage when drying my clothes?
Here’s some great tips to minimise your power usage when drying your clothes:
- Choose your dryer carefully: look for models with high energy star ratings and energy-saving features, like cycle delay switches that allow you to choose when to dry your clothes.
- Air-dry clothes where possible: air-drying your clothes partially on a drying rack before transferring them to the dryer, or letting them air-dry completely, reduces your usage.
- Dry clothes during off-peak hours: if your electricity provider offers off-peak pricing, take advantage of lower rates by running your dryer during those times. Having a dryer with a delay function allows you to do this easily.
- Optimise load capacity: tailor your loads to the size of your dryer. Overloading or underloading the machine can result in inefficient drying and higher energy consumption. Aim for balanced and appropriately sized loads.
- Clean the lint filter regularly: keep the lint filter clean to maintain proper airflow. A clogged filter restricts air circulation and forces the dryer to work harder, increasing energy use. Clean the filter after each use or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Which is better: condenser dryers or heat pump dryers?
As mentioned, heat pump dryers offer much lower power consumption than condenser dryers. Crucially, these dryers recycle and reheat the same air within the drum to maximise efficiency.
However, if you only dry laundry occasionally, a condenser dryer could end up being a cheaper option. They’re often half the cost (or less) of heat pump dryers, so you might still be ahead in ten years’ time even with the increased running costs. There are far fewer condenser options on the market in 2025 than heat pump dryers, though.
How do I calculate how much an electrical appliance costs to run?
The steps for determining the cost of running your appliance are simple. Here’s what you can do:
- Identify the electricity usage: find the power rating of the appliance, measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). This information is typically mentioned on the appliance itself or in the product documentation.
- Determine the operating time: estimate the average number of hours the appliance operates per day or week. Consider your typical usage pattern over an average week to get an accurate estimate.
- Convert watts to kilowatts: if the power rating is given in watts, divide it by 1,000 to convert it to kilowatts. For example, if the appliance has a power rating of 1,200W, it would be 1.2kW.
- Calculate energy consumption: multiply the power rating in kilowatts by the number of hours the appliance operates. For instance, if the appliance uses 1.2kW and operates for four hours per day, the daily energy consumption would be 4.8 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Find out your electricity tariff: check your electricity bill to find the tariff rate you are charged for electricity. This rate is usually measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh).
- Calculate the cost: multiply the daily energy consumption in kWh by the tariff rate to calculate the daily cost. Using the example from step #4, if the tariff rate is 35c/kWh, the daily cost would be $1.68 (4.8kWh x $0.35/kWh = $1.68).
- Estimate monthly or yearly costs: to determine the monthly or yearly cost, multiply the daily cost by the number of days in a month or year. Adjustments can be made for variations in usage throughout different seasons.
Which other appliances in the house use most electricity?
This is the average electricity consumption of common household appliances in Australia that are known to draw a lot of power:
- Fridges and freezers: these are a must in all Australian households. However, they can consume a significant amount of electricity, especially if they’re older models or aren’t efficient. Consider switching to a more energy-efficient model to reduce your power consumption. Also, if you have other, smaller fridges, such as a bar fridge, consider whether you really need to run them all the time.
- Air conditioners: air conditioning systems are essential for maintaining indoor comfort during hot Australian summers and cold winters. However, they can be power-hungry appliances. Opt for energy-efficient models and use them judiciously to balance comfort and energy.
- Heating systems: while electric heaters, such as space heaters or electric furnaces, are convenient in winter, they can use substantial amounts of electricity. You could consider using layered clothing or blankets to reduce reliance on electric heating if you’re looking to cut back on bills.
- Water heaters: water heaters, including electric storage tank heaters or instantaneous systems, are used for hot water supply throughout the year. That means they can account for a significant portion of a household's electricity usage. If you’re looking at reducing power consumption, consider energy-efficient heat pumps or switching to a solar-powered system.
- Pool pumps and spa heaters: pool pumps and spa heaters are common power-guzzlers in Australian households. Ensure the pool pump operates efficiently and only runs for the minimum necessary period during off-peak electricity hours. Consider solar-powered spa heaters or energy-efficient heat pumps.
- Washing machines: washing machines are considered essential in most family households, so opt for energy-efficient models with water and power-saving features. Adjust the settings according to the load size to further optimise its usage.
- Dishwashers: dishwashers can consume a considerable amount of electricity. Use dishwasher settings that prioritise energy efficiency, like shorter cycles or eco modes. Waiting until the dishwasher is full before running it helps make the most efficient use of electricity.
- Ovens and stoves: electric ovens and stoves are the heart of any kitchen. Choose energy-efficient models that heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly. You can even utilise the oven's residual heat by turning it off a few minutes before cooking time is complete.
