The UK government has put forward proposals to effectively ban the sale of traditional vented and condenser tumble dryers, which rely on high-energy heating elements, in favour of more energy-efficient heat-pump dryers that recycle warm air at lower temperatures. This move is part of the government's broader push for an 'era of clean energy' as outlined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
New Efficiency Standards for Tumble Dryers
According to plans released last week, tumble dryers will be rated for efficiency, and only models meeting a specific grade will be allowed to remain on the market. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) says this would effectively phase out the sale of the most inefficient dryers. Heat-pump dryers could help families save almost £1,000 in energy expenses over the machine's 20-year lifespan.
The policy is not a ban on owning or using existing tumble dryers but focuses on new sales. The government's document, titled 'Raising standards for household tumble dryers', confirms the intention to introduce a statutory instrument that will raise minimum energy performance standards and reform energy labelling requirements for household tumble dryers sold in Great Britain.
Technical Requirements
The new regulations introduce a minimum performance standard that phases out inefficient gas-fired, air-vented, and condenser models. Only tumble dryers with an Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) less than 85 will remain on the market. Additionally, the condensation efficiency of a condenser tumble dryer must not be lower than 80%, a threshold that excludes most traditional non-heat-pump models.
Ed Miliband's Vision for Clean Energy
Speaking at the National Growth Debate on April 21, 2026, Ed Miliband elaborated on the government's commitment to net-zero targets and higher energy efficiency standards. He stated: 'I believe the agenda I have outlined offers an exciting, optimistic and hopeful future for the country... Energy and economic security that can withstand this new age of geopolitical instability. Warmer homes, lower bills, cleaner air, better technologies.'
Miliband also issued a written statement to Parliament titled 'Further and Faster on Clean Power', outlining actions to separate gas and electricity prices to help consumers accelerate the shift to clean energy. He emphasised that clean energy is the only route to financial, energy, and national security.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics, including shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho, have labelled the proposals as 'Soviet levels of control'. Coutinho argued that consumers should have the choice to decide what works for them, and criticised the net zero legislation for dictating car choices, heating methods, and even tumble dryers. She advocated for repealing net zero legislation to focus on cheaper energy.
Some opponents also note that heat-pump dryers have higher upfront costs and longer drying times compared to traditional models. However, DESNZ maintains that energy-efficient tumble dryers will save households up to £910 over their lifetime and that all models must comply with stringent safety regulations.
