Tumble Dryers

Tumble Dryers:

Tumble dryers are one of the most energy hungry domestic appliances available despite the EU labelling systems introduction in 1995 and increases in efficiency in other appliances such as fridges and dishwashers.  An A rated tumble dryer used 3 times a week will still produce over 40kg of CO2 more than an A+ rated fridge used 24 hours a day (Source: www.guardian.co.uk). 

There are three types of tumble dryers on the market; electric condensing, electric venting and gas.  Electric condensing machines transfer the surplus water to a container that then has to be emptied.  In contrast electric venting machines automatically move the excess water as steam through pipes to the outside of the house so venting equipment may be required if not provided with the appliance.

Please click on the following link to view our range of Gas Tumble Dryers

Gas tumble dryers are even more efficient, only producing half the amount of CO2, and although relatively unknown in the UK are very popular in North American, Australasia and in many parts of Europe.  Manufacture in the UK is pioneered by the White Knight range, and gas tumble dryers must be installed by suitably qualified engineers (registered with www.gassaferegister.co.uk by current regulations at April 1st 2009).

The first A rated electric tumble dryer was launched in 2003 by White Knight and this was followed by an AEG manufactured A rated appliance. The former achieved the A rating with a longer, lower temperature drying cycle but has recently been downgraded to a B rating. The latter uses heat pump technology, a bit like a fridge in reverse, to achieve the energy efficiency. AEG claim their machine exceeds the requirements for an A rating by 30% and gives a much lower running cost.

Further information on tumble/dryer technologies can be found here and full details on the energy efficiency rating programme for tumble dryers can be found here.