The Labour government is set to introduce new regulations that could phase out traditional condenser tumble dryers in the United Kingdom, replacing them with more energy-efficient heat pump models as part of its push to achieve net-zero emissions.
Unlike conventional condenser dryers, which use a heating element to remove moisture from clothes and drain water away, heat pump dryers recycle warm air and operate at lower temperatures, typically around 50 degrees Celsius. According to The Times, the government believes this shift will save UK households approximately £1,000 over the 20-year lifespan of the appliance due to reduced running costs.
The plans do not ban the use of existing dryers but will require new tumble dryers sold to meet higher energy efficiency standards. The government is also seeking to implement these rules to avoid an increase in the cost of imported tumble dryers due to new European Union regulations, rather than solely as a net-zero drive.
Criticism from Conservatives
Critics of the plan have pointed out that heat pump dryers are more expensive to purchase upfront than traditional models and take longer to dry clothes. Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho accused Energy Secretary Ed Miliband of exhibiting “Soviet levels of control” over net-zero policies.
“Heat pump dryers cost more up front and take longer to dry clothes, they can also use less energy,” Coutinho 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.”
Government Response
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson responded: “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.”
The move aligns with Labour’s broader environmental agenda, which has seen Miliband champion green energy and net-zero targets since the government took office in July 2024.
