Heat Pump vs Condenser Tumble Dryers: Helping Your Customers Make the Smart Choice


Expert insight from Hughes Business on guiding smarter, more cost-effective buying decisions.



As we await the implementation date of updated legislation around the energy efficiency of tumble dryers, many retailers and trade professionals are asking: How can we help customers understand the differences—and benefits—between heat pump and condenser tumble dryers?

Heat Pump vs Condenser Tumble Dryers: Helping Your Customers Make the Smart Choice


Expert insight from Hughes Business on guiding smarter, more cost-effective buying decisions.

As we await the implementation date of updated legislation around the energy efficiency of tumble dryers, many retailers and trade professionals are asking: How can we help customers understand the differences—and benefits—between heat pump and condenser tumble dryers?

Why Do Customers Often Choose Condenser Dryers?

It’s no surprise that many consumers opt for condenser tumble dryers. The upfront cost is typically lower—often around 25% less than a comparable heat pump dryer. For budget-conscious shoppers, that initial saving can be very appealing.

But is it really the most economical choice in the long run?


Understanding the Technology Behind the Dryers

One common concern with heat pump dryers is their longer drying time. For example, a cotton cycle can take up to 50% longer compared to a condenser dryer. This leads many consumers to assume that longer drying time equals higher energy costs.

However, this assumption overlooks the key difference: the technology.

Heat pump dryers use a more energy-efficient process to dry clothes. Instead of generating high heat and venting it out, they recycle warm air within the drum, significantly reducing energy consumption per cycle.


Real-World Comparison with Altimo

To help illustrate the long-term value, we’ve compared two popular models:

We modelled the total lifetime cost of each machine, assuming:

  • An 8-year lifespan
  • Two drying cycles per week

Why Do Customers Often Choose Condenser Dryers?

It’s no surprise that many consumers opt for condenser tumble dryers. The upfront cost is typically lower—often around 25% less than a comparable heat pump dryer. For budget-conscious shoppers, that initial saving can be very appealing.

But is it really the most economical choice in the long run?


Understanding the Technology Behind the Dryers

One common concern with heat pump dryers is their longer drying time. For example, a cotton cycle can take up to 50% longer compared to a condenser dryer. This leads many consumers to assume that longer drying time equals higher energy costs.

However, this assumption overlooks the key difference: the technology.

Heat pump dryers use a more energy-efficient process to dry clothes. Instead of generating high heat and venting it out, they recycle warm air within the drum, significantly reducing energy consumption per cycle.


Real-World Comparison with Altimo

To help illustrate the long-term value, we’ve compared two popular models:

We modelled the total lifetime cost of each machine, assuming:

  • An 8-year lifespan
  • Two drying cycles per week

The Results: Long-Term Savings with Heat Pump Dryers

Despite the higher upfront cost, the heat pump dryer delivers significant savings over time. In fact, our model shows that:

  • The total cost (purchase + running costs) of the heat pump dryer is around 40% lower than the condenser dryer over its lifetime.

And for households that do laundry more frequently—say, four cycles per week—the savings increase to around 45%.


What This Means for Your Customers

Helping customers understand the total cost of ownership is key. While heat pump dryers may seem more expensive at first glance, they offer:

  • Lower energy bills
  • Reduced environmental impact
  • Better long-term value

By explaining the technology and showing real-world comparisons, you can empower your customers to make informed, sustainable choices.

The Results: Long-Term Savings with Heat Pump Dryers

Despite the higher upfront cost, the heat pump dryer delivers significant savings over time. In fact, our model shows that:

  • The total cost (purchase + running costs) of the heat pump dryer is around 40% lower than the condenser dryer over its lifetime.

And for households that do laundry more frequently—say, four cycles per week—the savings increase to around 45%.


What This Means for Your Customers

Helping customers understand the total cost of ownership is key. While heat pump dryers may seem more expensive at first glance, they offer:

  • Lower energy bills
  • Reduced environmental impact
  • Better long-term value

By explaining the technology and showing real-world comparisons, you can empower your customers to make informed, sustainable choices.

Get expert advice, products, and support from Hughes Business.

Get expert advice, products, and support from Hughes Business.