- The UK government plans to phase out traditional condenser tumble dryers, promoting energy-efficient heat pump models through new sales regulations.
- New rules will mandate higher energy efficiency standards for new appliances, though existing dryers will not be banned.
- Heat pump dryers are expected to save households approximately £1,000 over their 20-year lifespan due to lower running costs.
- The initiative aims to avoid increased import costs stemming from new EU regulations.
- Critics, including Tory shadow minister Claire Coutinho, argue that heat pump dryers are more expensive upfront and take longer to dry clothes, likening the policy to 'Soviet levels of control'.
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