How is the running cost calculated?

Watts ÷ 1,000 × the electricity rate gives cost per hour; the yearly figure uses 3 loads a week at 2 kWh per load.

Does a higher star rating cut the cost?

Yes — efficiency ratings reduce the draw or energy per use, which scales the cost directly; the low–high wattage band spans efficient to inefficient models.

Why does the state matter?

Each state's usage rate differs, so the same hour costs $0.23–$0.36 depending on the state.

How much does it cost to run a clothes dryer (heat pump)? (2026–27)

Name: Clothes dryer (heat pump) running costs Australia 2026–27
Creator: EcoFlow AU — dryer power consumption (cross-checked Canstar Blue)
License: https://www.ecoflow.com/au/blog/dryer-power-consumption

At typical draw · official state tariffs

$0.23–$0.36 per hour at 850 W

Typical household use — 3 loads a week at 2 kWh per load — runs $86–$131 a year depending on your state's tariff.

Wattage basis: Compressor-based steady low draw ~850 W; energy per load 1.5–2.5 kWh (registered-model average ~2.45 kWh).

Heat-pump dryer running cost by state at typical draw (2026–27 reference tariffs)
State	Tariff c/kWh	Per hour	Typical year
New South Wales	33.1c	$0.28	$103
Victoria	27.5c	$0.23	$86
Queensland	28.0c	$0.24	$87
South Australia	41.9c	$0.36	$131
Western Australia	33.3c	$0.28	$104
Tasmania	28.0c	$0.24	$87
Australian Capital Territory	37.0c	$0.31	$115
Northern Territory	31.7c	$0.27	$99

Appliance running-cost calculator

NSW

State

Power draw (watts)

Heat-pump dryer: 600–1,000 W typical range.

Hours per day

Days per year

Longer cycles (~2–3 h) but far lower draw than a vented dryer.

$0.28 per hour · $411/year at your settings

Per day (4 h): $1.13
Per month: $34.25
Per year (365 days): $411.23

Tariff: 33.1c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Ausgrid network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: EcoFlow AU — dryer power consumption (cross-checked Canstar Blue). Full heat-pump dryer costs in NSW →

Cutting the cost

Heat-pump dryers use far less power than vented or condenser types, so they reward a full, well-spun load. Clean both the lint filter and the condenser as the manual directs, or their efficiency quietly slips. They dry at a gentler temperature, which is kinder to clothes but takes a little longer, so start a load when you're not waiting on it in a hurry.

Frequently asked questions

How is the running cost calculated?: Watts ÷ 1,000 × your electricity rate = cost per hour. A heat-pump dryer drawing 850 W on a 33.1c/kWh tariff costs $0.28 an hour — the calculator above lets you change every input. For this appliance the yearly figure uses its measured energy per use rather than a constant draw.
Does a higher star rating cut the cost?: Yes — the star rating compresses the power draw or energy per use, which scales this page's figures directly. The low–high band in the table (600–1,000 W) roughly spans efficient to inefficient models.
Why does the state matter?: The appliance draws the same power everywhere — but each state's reference usage rate differs, so the same hour of running costs $0.23 in the cheapest state and $0.36 in the dearest. Pick your state above for exact figures.

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

Costs use each state's representative-zone reference usage rate, effective 1 July 2026. Longer cycles (~2–3 h) but far lower draw than a vented dryer.

How much does it cost to run a clothes dryer (heat pump)? (2026–27)

Appliance running-cost calculator

Cutting the cost

Frequently asked questions

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