tumble dryers and energy ratings

[hmwatson]

Hi
I’m looking for a new tumble dryer, would like to be as energy efficient as possible and quite happy to have a vented dryer (we have a conveniently located cat flap). Also not bothered how long it takes to dry clothes. So I think I’m looking for a vented sensor dryer that has a cycle that uses just ambient air.
Your tumble dryer buying guide says
“Recently White Knight introduced an “A” rated dryer, but the drying cycle that gives that low energy use takes eight hours to complete, so pretty much useless in real world terms.”
I’ve tried to find this dryer and I think the ratings must have changed because the only A rated dryers are gas dryers and condensing dryers (I asked the White Knight sales team). Are you referring to the “White Knight 85AW Vented Tumble dryer (B rated)”? Or have you any other suggestions?
Many thanks for your help

[DrDill]

Re: tumble dryers and energy ratings

Condenser and heat pump dryers tend to have the best energy ratings, all will have sensor dry programmes and different drying levels. Makes to look for Bosch, Siemens, Miele. Vented dryers tend to be the worst energy ratings.

Sent from my iPhone
http://www.kitchenkitsw.com

[kwatt]

Re: tumble dryers and energy ratings

Heat pump is the only way of you want low energy use.

However, they cost a lot more to produce and are more complex as in, more components to allow them to work so, to get a good one, is massively more expensive.

Therefore, unless you are doing a lot and I mean, a LOT of drying in your dryer, then they’re probably not worth the extra cost as you’d never recoup it in terms or initial outlay over financial return.

Great in high use situations or if you just want to minimise energy use but, financially, the argument doesn’t stack up.

Energy input to production versus energy saving is also touch and go.

You need either the use or, a very long lifespan to make it worth it.

The A rated dryer that White Knight did was essentially a drying cycle with no heat at all. In essence, you’d be as well to hang the clothes on an airer and allow them to dry naturally.

If you look at the recent media scare about condensation/mould etc than, open a window, problem solved.

K.

[hmwatson]

Re: tumble dryers and energy ratings

Thanks. I won’t be using the dryer that much (previous one broke in May and I am only now missing it) but we have too much washing to dry it all naturally during in the winter.

[Author]

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