How we work it out
A dryer's job is turning electricity into heat, and heat is the expensive way to use power. Our figures come from the energyrating.gov.au registration database, August 2026 snapshot, using each machine's labelled energy figure converted to a per-load cost. The registry medians tell the story: a vented dryer uses about 5.6 kWh per full load and a heat pump dryer about 2.6, because heat pumps recycle their own warmth instead of blowing it out a hose. That's why they cost more upfront and less forever after. These are full-load test figures, so your everyday half loads will come in under them.
Worked example: four full vented loads a week in Queensland: 5.6 kWh × 31.2¢ × 4 = about $7.00 a week, or $365 a year. The same washing through a heat pump dryer costs around $170. At the same 8kg capacity, typical market prices as at 24 July 2026 (checked against a large national retailer, re-check before you buy) run about $385 for the cheapest vented dryer and $699 for the cheapest heat pump, rising to about $1549 for a premium model. Enter your own loads and rate above and the docket works out exactly how long that gap takes to pay back. See is a heat pump dryer worth the extra money? for the full sourced breakdown.
Cheaper ways to dry
The Hills Hoist remains undefeated. Sunshine is free and Australia has plenty. When the weather won't play along, spin clothes at the washer's top speed first, because a faster spin is far cheaper than dryer time. Don't fill the drum past three quarters, and clean the lint filter every single load. A clogged filter makes every load longer and dearer.
Common questions
Is a heat pump dryer worth it in Australia?
If you run three or more loads a week, usually yes. It uses about 54% less power per full load than a vented dryer on the registry medians, so heavy users claw back the higher purchase price within a few years, then keep saving for the machine's life.
Why does my dryer take so long and cost so much?
The usual culprits are overloading, a lint filter that needs cleaning, or clothes going in too wet. Fix those and most dryers speed up noticeably.
Does the dryer cost more on cold days?
A little, if it lives in a cold garage or laundry, because it has to heat colder air. Heat pump models are the least affected.
Do condenser and heat pump dryers need external venting?
No, and that's the whole reason to pick one over a vented dryer. Neither needs a vent hole through an outside wall, so both suit an internal laundry or an apartment. A vented dryer needs a fixed vent or hose to the outside, which a condenser or heat pump dryer simply doesn't. See our vented vs condenser vs heat pump breakdown for the full comparison.
What this costs, state by state
Four full vented loads a week, at the registry-median 5.6 kWh per load.
| State | Rate | Per week | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 32.4¢ | $7.26 | $378 |
| Victoria | 29.8¢ | $6.68 | $348 |
| Queensland | 31.2¢ | $6.99 | $364 |
| South Australia | 38.1¢ | $8.53 | $445 |
| Western Australia | 33.6¢ | $7.53 | $392 |
| Tasmania | 28.9¢ | $6.47 | $338 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 27.4¢ | $6.14 | $320 |
| Northern Territory | 31.7¢ | $7.10 | $370 |
Reference rates for 2026–27. Your row is highlighted once you set your location.
Sources
Electricity rates: AER Default Market Offer (NSW, SA, south-east QLD), Victorian Default Offer, and each remaining state's regulated tariff, current for 2026–27. Appliance figures: the energyrating.gov.au registration database (July 2026 snapshot). Methods and assumptions are described on each page.