The UK government has announced plans to phase out traditional vented and condenser tumble dryers, replacing them with more energy-efficient heat-pump models. The move, supported by Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, aims to reduce household energy consumption and help meet net-zero targets.
Under new regulations, only tumble dryers with an Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) of less than 85 will be allowed on the market. This effectively bans the sale of less efficient gas-fired, air-vented, and condenser models. The government estimates that heat-pump dryers could save households up to £910 over a 20-year lifespan.
The policy was confirmed in a government document titled 'Raising standards for household tumble dryers', which outlines the introduction of a statutory instrument (SI 2026/318). The regulation sets a minimum condensation efficiency of 80% for condenser dryers, a standard that most conventional models cannot meet.
Speaking at the National Growth Debate on April 21, 2026, Miliband emphasised the importance of energy efficiency for economic and environmental security. He stated: 'Warmer homes, lower bills, cleaner air, better technologies... We owe it to the British people to deliver.'
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) confirmed that the measure would 'effectively phase out the sale of more inefficient' dryers. A spokesperson added: '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.'
Existing tumble dryers are not affected by the ban, which only targets new sales. The regulations align with EU ecodesign rules that already require heat-pump technology, which uses about 50% less energy per cycle than conventional models.
