With colder months ahead, our tumble dryers become an essential part of our laundry routines. Towels, clothes, blankets, bed linen still need to be dried, and without the sun doing a lot of the heavy lifting, you might be worrying about those rising energy bills. But there’s been a noticeable change recently in the type of tumble dryers that people are buying that could help solve the problem – and it’s all about heat pumps.
As England heads towards new energy efficiency legislation coming into force in January 2027 looking to phase out less energy efficient vented and conventional condenser dryers, we’re all trying to find ways to cut carbon emissions and save some money. Fortunately, that’s where heat pump tumble dryers are looking to lighten the load.
How it works
By recycling warm air in a closed-loop system, heat pump tumble dryers use a lot less energy than the traditional models we’re used to. This warm air is also a great benefit for clothes, with the lower temperatures being much gentler on your much-loved garments.
Creating products that fit seamlessly with family life is where Hotpoint, trusted by UK families for over a century and with more 5-star Trustpilot reviews than any other domestic appliance brand, excel. And with installation provided by AO, the UK’s most trusted electrical retailer, you can enjoy a stress-free experience that includes flexible delivery slots and an old appliance recycling service.
Time to switch?
So, you might be considering whether the higher initial cost of a heat pump dryer is worth it for the payback over time, or whether it gives the same drying flexibility as a condenser dryer. Sure, with the Hotpoint Fabric Care 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, programmes will take a little longer than what you’re used to. But Hotpoint has thought about this, too. The FastDry programme is focused on getting your laundry dry if you’re in a hurry. How quick? Well, it can turn around a 5kg wash in just one hour. And the benefits of this alongside other innovative programmes also run far beyond saving energy.
For a lot of people, it’s hard to fit a tumble dryer into your kitchen space (or you want to avoid the noise). Ironically, Hotpoint does have a SilentDry programme specifically to address this issue. Instead, you might be installing that tumble dryer in your garage or utility room with no heating. Thankfully, Hotpoint’s ColdGuard technology ensures the tumble dryer works perfectly even if the temperatures drop to 0°C to deliver a perfectly dry load.
As mentioned, heat pump dryers are much kinder to your clothes because drying temperatures are lower. But there will always be delicate items or your favourite jumper you’re reluctant to pop in the dryer. Hotpoint Heat Pumps have this covered too with a DelicateDry and Wool cycle for fabrics that need a little extra care, providing additional protection to prevent shrinking, ensuring your wardrobe favourites stay looking great for years to come.
Plus, if you’ve got pets at home, the clever PetHairCare cycle uses a gentle burst of steam to loosen fibres and reduce static – helping hair lift away, catching in the filter, not on your clothes.
Competitively priced, you can pick up the Hotpoint heat pump tumble dryer at AO for just £399 (plus £20 delivery). Join as a member and that price drops further with free delivery included. And if you’re planning an out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new switch as you make the change to a heat pump tumble dryer, AO will unpack, remove and recycle your old machine for you. A sustainable switch out for a sustainable tumble dryer.
