How to Maximise Energy Efficiency with Your Heat Pump Dryer

You've already made a smart choice by purchasing a heat pump dryer—the most energy-efficient drying technology available. But are you getting the most out of your investment? Even the best appliances can be used inefficiently. This guide reveals proven strategies to maximise your heat pump dryer's efficiency, potentially saving you an additional $50-100 per year on top of the savings you're already enjoying.

Understanding Energy Consumption

Before diving into efficiency tips, it's helpful to understand what affects your dryer's energy use. Heat pump dryers typically consume between 1.5 and 2.5 kWh per cycle, depending on the load size, fabric type, and settings used. The primary factors that influence energy consumption are:

• Initial moisture content: Wetter clothes require more energy to dry
• Load size: Full loads are more efficient than partial loads
• Ambient temperature: Dryers work harder in cold conditions
• Machine maintenance: Dirty filters increase energy use
• Selected program: Higher heat and longer cycles use more power

Start with Your Washing Machine

Believe it or not, one of the best ways to save energy on drying starts before clothes even enter the dryer. The spin cycle of your washing machine removes far more water per unit of energy than your dryer ever could.

Optimise Your Spin Cycle

Most modern washing machines offer variable spin speeds, typically ranging from 800 to 1600 RPM. Higher spin speeds extract more water, meaning less work for your dryer:

• 800 RPM: Clothes retain approximately 60% moisture
• 1200 RPM: Clothes retain approximately 50% moisture
• 1400-1600 RPM: Clothes retain approximately 40-45% moisture

That 15-20% difference in moisture content can reduce drying time by 30-40 minutes and cut energy use significantly. Of course, delicate items shouldn't be spun at high speeds, but for towels, sheets, and everyday cotton items, maximising spin speed pays dividends.

Load Management Strategies

Aim for Full Loads

Heat pump dryers operate most efficiently with full loads. Running the dryer at 80-100% capacity uses nearly the same energy as a half load, but you get twice the drying done. However, avoid overloading—clothes need room to tumble freely for even drying and sensor accuracy.

Sort by Fabric Type

Drying similar fabrics together significantly improves efficiency. When you mix heavy towels with lightweight synthetics, the dryer's sensors struggle to determine when items are dry. The result is either over-drying of quick-dry items or under-drying of heavier pieces, often prompting a second cycle.

Group your laundry into these categories:

• Heavy cotton: Towels, jeans, sweatshirts
• Light cotton: T-shirts, underwear, light sheets
• Synthetics: Polyester, nylon, athletic wear
• Delicates: Items requiring low heat

Choose the Right Program

Modern heat pump dryers offer numerous programs, but not all are created equal in terms of efficiency. Understanding your options helps you make smarter choices.

Sensor Drying vs Timed Drying

Always prefer sensor-based programs over timed cycles when available. Sensor drying stops automatically when clothes reach the desired dryness level, preventing energy waste from over-drying. Timed programs run for the full duration regardless of whether clothes are already dry.

Eco Mode

Most heat pump dryers include an eco or energy-saving mode. These programs use lower temperatures and optimised timing to minimise energy consumption. While cycles take longer, they can reduce energy use by 15-25% compared to standard programs.

Iron Dry vs Cupboard Dry

If you're planning to iron clothes, use the "Iron Dry" setting which leaves items slightly damp. This saves energy and makes ironing easier. Reserve "Cupboard Dry" or "Extra Dry" settings for items going straight into storage.

Environmental Factors

Location Matters

Where you place your dryer affects its efficiency. Heat pump dryers extract warmth from the surrounding air, so operating in a cold garage or unheated laundry means the compressor works harder. Ideally, keep your dryer in a space that maintains a temperature of at least 15°C.

Ensure Adequate Ventilation

While heat pump dryers don't need external venting, they do release some heat into the room. Without adequate ventilation, this can raise ambient humidity, making the dryer less efficient over time. Ensure your laundry has good airflow, especially if running multiple cycles in succession.

Maintenance for Efficiency

A clean dryer is an efficient dryer. Neglecting basic maintenance can increase energy consumption by up to 30%.

Critical Maintenance Tasks

• Clean the lint filter after every load: A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces longer cycles
• Clean the condenser monthly: Dust buildup on the heat exchanger dramatically reduces efficiency
• Empty the water tank: A full tank can trigger automatic shutoffs mid-cycle
• Check the door seal: A worn seal allows warm air to escape

For detailed maintenance instructions, see our complete maintenance guide.

Smart Timing

Off-Peak Electricity

If you're on a time-of-use electricity tariff, running your dryer during off-peak hours can reduce costs by 30-50%. Off-peak periods typically include late evening, overnight, and weekends, though this varies by provider.

Delay Start Feature

Use your dryer's delay start function to schedule cycles for off-peak hours. Load the dryer in the evening and set it to run at midnight or early morning when rates are lowest.

Putting It All Together

Here's an example of how these strategies combine. A typical household might run 5 dryer loads per week:

That's a saving of over $60 per year from the same appliance, simply by using it more intelligently. Combined with off-peak electricity pricing, annual savings can exceed $100.

Energy efficiency isn't just about the appliance—it's about how you use it. By implementing these strategies, you'll maximise the value of your heat pump dryer investment while minimising your environmental impact.