How Much Does a Heated Airer Cost to Run

Many households across the UK are searching for more economical ways to dry laundry, especially as the cost of energy remains a concern. Tumble dryers are convenient but can be expensive to operate, while traditional drying methods indoors can lead to damp and condensation. Heated airers, sometimes known as electric clothes airers, have grown in popularity as an alternative. They promise lower running costs compared with tumble dryers and can be used throughout the year. A common question is how much does a heated airer cost to run. The answer depends on wattage, usage habits, and the tariff you pay for electricity.

How Heated Airers Work

A heated airer looks much like a standard clothes horse but has built in electric heating elements in its frame. When plugged in, these elements warm the bars, which in turn dry clothes more quickly than air drying alone. Some models come with covers or built in fans to retain heat and improve drying efficiency. While they do not dry clothes as fast as tumble dryers, they use significantly less electricity, making them appealing for those looking to cut back on bills.

Wattage and Energy Consumption

The power rating of a heated airer usually ranges between 200 and 300 watts, although some larger or premium models may use more. This is relatively low compared with a tumble dryer, which can use between 2,000 and 3,000 watts. To give an example, a 250 watt heated airer running for five hours consumes 1.25 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. By comparison, a typical tumble dryer cycle might use around 2.5 to 3 kWh in under two hours. This difference shows why heated airers are often marketed as the cheaper alternative.

Calculating Running Costs

The running cost of a heated airer can be calculated by multiplying the wattage by the number of hours used, then multiplying the total by the electricity tariff. With the current average UK electricity price around 28 pence per kWh, a 250 watt airer used for five hours would cost about 35 pence. Over a week, if used daily, this would add up to roughly £2.45. Across a month, the figure would be around £10. This is still lower than the potential cost of using a tumble dryer as the main method of drying laundry.

Efficiency and Drying Times

While heated airers are cheaper to run, they are generally slower than tumble dryers. Drying a full load of washing can take several hours, particularly if the room is not well ventilated or the airer is overloaded. Using a cover can help trap the warmth and reduce drying times. For larger households with frequent washing loads, the slower process may be less practical. However, for smaller households or those willing to wait longer for drying, the cost savings can outweigh the slower performance.

Comparing Heated Airers with Tumble Dryers

The main attraction of heated airers is cost efficiency. Even if a tumble dryer finishes the job faster, the higher electricity consumption makes it more expensive in most cases. A family that uses a tumble dryer several times a week could see monthly bills increase by £20 or more, whereas using a heated airer regularly might cost less than half that. Heated airers also tend to be gentler on clothes, as they do not rely on high heat or spinning cycles that can wear fabrics out.

On the other hand, tumble dryers are far more convenient in winter or in busy households where laundry turnaround times matter. Many households choose to use a combination, relying on heated airers most of the time and using a tumble dryer only when necessary.

Practical Considerations

When deciding whether a heated airer is the right choice, it is worth considering the space available. Heated airers take up floor space and need to be plugged in, so they are best suited to homes with spare utility or living space. Ventilation is also important. Drying clothes indoors can increase moisture in the air, leading to damp or mould if not managed properly. Pairing a heated airer with good ventilation or a dehumidifier can help address this issue.

Another factor is durability. A heated airer with a higher wattage may shorten drying times but could also cost more to run if used for long periods. Choosing a model with a timer or thermostat can help reduce unnecessary energy use and lower bills.

Long Term Costs and Benefits

Over time, the savings from using a heated airer compared with a tumble dryer can be significant. A heated airer running for 20 hours in a week might cost about £5.60 a month, while a tumble dryer used for the same number of drying hours could easily exceed £25. While these figures vary depending on tariffs and usage patterns, the principle remains the same: heated airers are more energy efficient.

In addition, they are usually cheaper to purchase upfront than tumble dryers. A basic heated airer can cost between £40 and £100, whereas a new tumble dryer typically costs several hundred pounds. This makes heated airers a more accessible investment for households looking to save money without a large outlay.

Conclusion

A heated airer is one of the most cost effective ways to dry clothes indoors, with typical running costs of around 30 to 40 pence for several hours of use. While slower than a tumble dryer, it consumes far less electricity and offers long term savings on energy bills. For smaller households or those able to plan laundry around longer drying times, a heated airer is a practical and affordable option. When paired with proper ventilation, it can help households reduce reliance on costly tumble drying while still keeping on top of the weekly wash.