UK households are rushing to buy traditional tumble dryers before new energy efficiency regulations ban less efficient models from sale. The government plans to phase out these appliances, which will only allow those with an Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) of less than 85 on the market.
Retailers report a spike in demand as consumers hurry to purchase the older models. This rush comes ahead of the implementation date for the new rules, which has not been disclosed yet.
Meanwhile, an urgent safety check is underway for Haier-manufactured tumble dryers due to a fire risk affecting 85,000 units. The Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned residents to stop using affected appliances immediately.
Safety warnings:
- The Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service stated, “Stop using the appliance immediately and unplug it if possible.”
- The fire risk poses serious concerns for consumer product safety.
- Haier’s tumble dryers are among those being scrutinized for safety issues.
Switching to heat pump dryers could save consumers approximately £250 over a standard 12-year lifespan compared to traditional models. In contrast, an average condenser dryer costs around £129.56 annually to operate under the April 2026 energy price cap.
This policy does not prohibit the use of existing tumble dryers, only the sale of new inefficient models. As demand surges, many consumers may face difficult choices regarding appliance safety and efficiency.