How much does a heated clothes airer cost to run?
A 300W heated airer costs about 7.9p an hour at the Ofgem cap rate of 26.32p/kWh. A load that takes six hours to dry costs around 47p. With a cover over the airer, drying is usually quicker and the cost falls. Without one, six hours can easily stretch to eight or more.
Prices last checked: 26 September 2026 · Source: Ofgem energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026 · Great Britain average, standard variable tariff, paid by Direct Debit
Heated airer cost per load
Airers are sold at a range of wattages, from small wing designs to large tiered models. The main uncertainty is drying time, which depends on the fabric, how wet the load is after spinning, and how warm and dry the room is.
| Airer | Power | Cost per hour | 4 h load | 8 h load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small wing airer | 200 W | 5.3p | 21p | 42p |
| Standard tiered airer | 300 W | 7.9p | 32p | 63p |
| Large three-tier airer | 400 W | 11p | 42p | 84p |
Heated airer vs tumble dryer vs dehumidifier
| Method | Example energy per load | Cost per load | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heated airer, 300W, 6 h | 1.8 kWh | 47p | Slow |
| Compressor dehumidifier, 250W, 4 h, with an unheated airer | 1 kWh | 26p | Medium |
| Heat-pump tumble dryer | 2 kWh | 53p | Fast |
| Vented or condenser tumble dryer | 4.5 kWh | £1.18 | Fastest |
A heated airer is cheaper per load than a conventional tumble dryer in most homes. Against a heat-pump dryer it is often close, and it can cost more if drying takes a long time. It also puts moisture into the room, which the dryer doesn't. In a home prone to condensation, that matters.
Getting loads dry faster (and cheaper)
- Use a cover. A fitted cover traps warm air around the clothes, like a mini drying cabinet. Many owners find it cuts drying time noticeably.
- Spin hard first. Every litre the washing machine removes is a litre the airer doesn't have to evaporate.
- Space items out. Thick folds and overlapping towels dry last and keep the airer on longer.
- Put it in a small room with the door closed and a window slightly open or a dehumidifier running. The moisture has to go somewhere.
- Switch off when it's done. With no thermostat, the airer will keep running after the clothes are dry.
Mistakes to avoid
- Comparing only the hourly cost. 30p an hour sounds cheap until a load takes ten hours.
- Drying heavy towels and jeans on it. These take far longer than shirts and underwear. Many people find a mixed approach works best.
- Ignoring damp. Several loads a week drying indoors without ventilation can lead to condensation and mould, which is costly in other ways.
Limits of this estimate
Costs use the Ofgem cap average unit rate for Great Britain on Direct Debit. Drying time is the least predictable input. Time a few typical loads to get your own figure.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to use a heated airer or a tumble dryer?
Usually a heated airer, compared with a vented or condenser dryer. Against a heat-pump dryer it can be close, depending on how long your loads take.
Can I leave a heated airer on overnight?
Check the manufacturer's instructions. Cost-wise, eight hours at 300W is 2.4 kWh, about 63p. If the clothes are dry after four hours, you've paid for four hours of nothing.
Does a heated airer heat the room?
Slightly. A few hundred watts goes into the room, but much of it is used to evaporate water from the clothes.