New energy labels for tumble dryers came into effect in Northern Ireland on 1 July 2025, the Energy Saving Trust has reported. The change affects both heat pump tumble dryers and condensing dryers1.
The new labels carry a rescaled A-G energy rating, removing the old A+++/A++/A+ ratings, and sit alongside higher minimum energy efficiency standards1. The Trust states that the higher standards mean some older tumble dryers can no longer be sold because they are considered too energy inefficient, and that shops are no longer able to sell new condenser dryers, so buyers may only see new heat pump tumble dryers for sale1.
The change follows EU regulations on energy efficient products, which continue to apply in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework after Brexit, including energy efficiency labelling1. The Trust says the update is designed to push the tumble dryer market to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, lowering the energy consumption of appliances, making it easier to recycle or repair them, and introducing new standards to reduce condensation issues that can cause damp and mould1.
On running costs, the Trust gives one figure: replacing a top-rated condenser tumble dryer with a heat pump tumble dryer can save around £85 a year on energy bills, based on around 160 cycles a year on an average Northern Ireland electricity tariff of 30.8p/kWh, with figures correct as of November 20251. It notes that heat pump tumble dryers are generally more expensive to buy but much cheaper to run1. The requirements also mean manufacturers must make spare parts available for longer and improve access to information about how to repair them1.
| Item | Position reported |
|---|---|
| Label scale in Northern Ireland | A to G, replacing A+++/A++/A+1 |
| Label scale in Great Britain | A+++ to D1 |
| New condenser dryers | No longer able to be sold in Northern Ireland1 |
| Second-hand condenser dryers | May still be available1 |
| Typical saving, condenser to heat pump | Around £85 a year1 |
The Trust also reports that most manufacturers advise against using heat pump dryers in spaces below 5-7°C, and that garages and outbuildings in Northern Ireland can fall below this temperature regularly. Using them below that range may dry clothes slowly, use more energy, cause faults or automatic shutdowns, and may invalidate warranties1.
Why it matters for households
A tumble dryer is one of the more energy-hungry appliances in a home, so the rating on the label bears directly on running costs and on how much of a household's electricity bill is spent drying clothes rather than on heating, hot water or lighting. A rescaled A-G label makes models easier to compare on a single scale, and the removal of the least efficient models from new sales narrows what is on offer in Northern Ireland shops1. The trade-off reported is a higher purchase price for heat pump models against lower running costs1. Longer spare-parts availability and better repair information affect how long an appliance can be kept in service, which bears on the lifetime cost of drying clothes at home1. The cold-space caveat matters for homes without a heated utility room: a heat pump dryer used in a cold garage or outbuilding may perform worse and cost more to run than its label suggests1.
What happens next
Tumble dryers in Great Britain currently use a different energy scale of A+++ to D. The UK Government ran a consultation in 2025 about raising product standards for tumble dryers, covering phasing out the least efficient types and aligning to the new EU regulations1. The Trust states there is no guarantee that England, Scotland and Wales will follow Northern Ireland, and that it will look out for updates1. No commencement date for any change in Great Britain has been reported.
Households wanting the wider context on energy labels and ecodesign rules for household appliances can find it in the site's guide, and the regulation-policy hub covers related standards work.
Sources1 cited
- New tumble dryer energy labels in Northern Ireland - Energy Saving Trust, energysavingtrust.org.uk