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, July 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. The $500 price gap between the machines pays itself back inside three years, quicker if you've got teenagers.
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 roughly 60% less power per load, 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.
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.