Your support helps us to tell the story Read more Support Now From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more
Traditional tumble dryers are set to be “phased out” in favour for green alternatives as the Labour government continues to push to reach net-zero.
The government is said to be introducing new rules that could mean traditional condenser tumble dryers are phased out and replaced by more energy-efficient heat pump models.
Unlike condenser dryers, which use a heating element to remove moisture from clothes before draining water away, heat pump dryers use a system that recycles warm air and run at a lower temperature of around 50C.
According to The Times, the government believes the move will save UK households £1,000 over their 20-year lifespan due to lower running costs.
It is understood the plans do not mean using existing dryers will be banned, but that the sale of new tumble dryers will need to meet higher energy efficiency standards.
It’s also understood that the government is seeking to implement the rules to avoid an increase in the cost of imported tumble dryers due to new EU rules, rather than a net-zero drive.
open image in gallery Tory shadow minister Claire Coutinho has criticised the energy secretary Ed Miliband over the plan ( PA )
But critics of the plan have pointed out the heat pump dryers cost more to purchase on average than traditional alternatives, and also take longer to dry clothes.
Tory shadow minister Claire Coutinho accused the energy secretary Ed Miliband of “Soviet levels of control” over a number of his net-zero policies.
Mr Miliband has served as Labour’s most vocal advocate for green energy and net-zero targets since the government came to power in July 2024.
“Heat pump dryers cost more up front and take longer to dry clothes, they can also use less energy,” the shadow energy secretary said.
“Why not let consumers choose whether or not that works for them?
open image in gallery Traditional tumble dryers are reportedly set to be ‘phased out’ in favour for green alternatives as part of the Labour government’s push for to reach net-zero ( Getty/iStock )
“This is the problem with our net zero legislation it means Ed Miliband dictating what car people drive, how they should heat their homes and even what machine they can tumble their pyjamas in. This is Soviet levels of control.
“That’s why we would repeal net zero legislation and focus on cheaper energy, our plan is better for the environment and for people’s pockets.”
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said: “Energy efficient tumble dryers will save households up to £910 over their machine’s 20-year lifetime - putting money back into the pockets of hard-working people.
"Every tumble dryer model on the British market must comply with stringent safety regulations. There are no current specific safety concerns with heat pump tumble dryers."