How much does a heated airer cost to run?
A winged or tiered heated airer typically costs about 5.8p to 7.9p an hour to run, or 23p to 32p for a 4-hour drying session, on the Ofgem price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026.
Typical running costs
Typical power from real UK listings, costed at 26.32p per kWh.
| Type | Typical power | Per hour | For a 4-hour drying session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winged or tiered airer | 220 to 300W | 5.8p to 7.9p | 23p to 32p |
| Covered drying pod | 1000 to 1800W | 26p to 47p | £1.05 to £1.90 |
Heated airers put the moisture from your washing into the room, so they work best alongside a dehumidifier. Covered drying pods dry faster but draw several times the power.
Work out your own
- Per day
- 32p
- Per week
- £2.21
- Per year
- £114.97
Watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × pence per kWh.
How these figures are worked out
Cost per hour is the power in watts, divided by 1,000, times the unit rate. The rate is the Ofgem price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026 (direct debit, average, VAT removed). Your own tariff may differ, so check the unit rate on your bill.
Typical power comes from these UK listings: