Clothes dryers

Electricity in New Zealand is largely generated by renewable sources like hydro or wind — around 80–85% in an average year. However, the remaining 15–20% is still powered using fossil fuels like coal, diesel, and natural gas.

Better, more efficient appliances are becoming more available in New Zealand. These better rated products use less electricity to get those jobs done — costing you less in energy bills.

On a national scale, they also help to smooth out electricity peaks that make us more likely to tap into fossil fuels to meet electricity demand. By buying a more efficient version of an appliance, you can save money and help reduce New Zealand’s overall emissions too.

You can use some simple tricks to get the most out of your dryer — and save on your energy bills:

• Dry clothes and bedding outside first — Clothes dryers are power hungry. Before heading straight for the dryer, use an outside washing line or rack under a covered area outside, like a veranda or carport. Then use a clothes dryer only to finish the drying process. But keep in mind — drying clothes inside your house can trap moisture in your home.
• Give clothes a good spin in the washing machine — This will wring out excess moisture before you put your clothes in the dryer. It takes a lot less energy to spin clothes in the washing machine than to heat them in the dryer.
• Don’t over-fill it — Clothes need to be able to tumble in the drum of your machine to dry properly.
• Dry clothes of similar weight together — T-shirts will take a lot less time to dry than a thick pair of jeans. It’s good to bundle them with other items that will take a similar amount of time.
• Clean the lint filter after each load — If the filter is blocked, clothes take longer to dry. Excess lint in a dryer filter can also pose a fire hazard.
• Make sure vented dryers are vented outside — Unlike condenser and heat pump dryers, the moisture from your clothes needs to be vented if you are using a vented model. Not doing this can cause your laundry space to become damp and mouldy.

In New Zealand, clothes dryers are one of many energy-using products that are regulated through labelling and energy efficiency performance requirements.

These regulations mean everyone has access to better products on the market — helping to save on energy bills.

In the year ended March 2025, regulation of appliances in New Zealand has saved businesses and consumers 1.48 PJ of energy. That’s equivalent to the yearly energy use of 35,000 homes and adds up to $36 million in national benefit. (Source: EECA, 2025)

There are 3 types of electric clothes dryer in New Zealand that may be suitable for different types of home.

Heat pump dryers are the most energy efficient type, using much less energy than condenser or vented dryers. Heat pump types can be more expensive but can make up for their higher purchase price through energy and cost savings over time.

Heat pump dryers don’t vent heated air or water vapour, so your laundry room will not be damp or humid like some other options.

Ultimately, your decision may boil down to what your budget allows — but there are other factors to consider like the capacity, special features, and your laundry space and design.

Check out this explainer, which delves into each of these considerations in more detail.

Different types explained(external link)

As a guide, you’ll need a capacity of:

• up to 5 kg for 1–2 people
• around 5–7 kg for 3–4 people
• at least 7 kg for 4 or more people.