One-in-two leave dryer on when leaving the house

Media release Embargoed until 1am 9 July 2013

Clothes Dryers: One-in-two leave dryer on when leaving the house

Auckland, 9 July 2013 – A new survey examining customer satisfaction with clothes dryers shows that while many consider their dryer too expensive to use often, nearly 1 in 4 say they could easily hang their washing on the line and choose the dryer instead.

Across the age groups, Gen Ys were far more likely to avoid using the washing line than either Gen Xs or Baby Boomers.  The younger generation were also more likely to use a clothes dryer instead of an iron to get rid of wrinkles, and significantly more likely to have ruined clothes in the dryer than older generations.

Derek Bonnar, Canstar New Zealand General Manager says that clothes dryers rank highly in the electricity consumption stakes, with the average load costing around one dollar to dry.

“A large percentage (82%) of consumers say that energy efficiency is very important when selecting a dryer.  Even though nearly half will only use their dryer in an emergency, energy efficiency is still an important factor in the purchasing decision.”

Tips to reduce the running cost of clothes dryers*:
·         Choose a dryer with an auto sensor – prevents over drying and saves wear and tear on clothing
·         Reduce drying time by choosing the fastest spin cycle when washing clothes
·         De fluff the dryer often as it will dry more efficiently
·         Dry only those items that need it
·         Select the right temperature – low for delicate items and medium heat for most other items
One site advocates throwing a tennis ball in with the drying load, says Bonnar.

“It separates the clothes and helps them dry quicker. I can’t say I’ve tried that myself.”

While more than two thirds of respondents were diligent about removing lint from their dryer after every use, recommended by appliance manufacturers and NZ Fire Service alike, nearly 60%, said they were comfortable leaving the dryer on when heading out of the house.

Bonnar urged caution: “Clothes dryers, like any appliance, can be a source of fire, yet many in the survey, and particularly Wellingtonians were comfortable leaving the dryer on.”

The NZ Fire Service offers the following safety tips for the laundry:
• Removing lint from the clothes dryer filter after each use
• Ensuring the dryer goes through the full cycle including cool down
• Checking that the dryer and washing machine are off and unplugged before leaving the house
• Regularly dusting the grill at the back of the clothes dryer to prevent dust build up and overheating
• Ensuring there is proper ventilation and air space around the clothes dryer

German brand Bosch topped the survey, taking the Canstar Blue award for overall satisfaction, as well as scoring five stars in six categories.

Bonnar says that Bosch is highly rated by its customers and its win in the clothes dryer category completes a treble for the brand.

“Bosch now holds Canstar Blue Overall Satisfaction Awards for dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers.”

The survey measured consumer satisfaction in eight categories:
1.      Value for money
2.      Performance and reliability
3.      Time taken to dry clothes
4.      Noise while operating
5.      Warranty
6.      Feel of clothes after drying
7.      Energy efficiency
8.      Overall satisfaction

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About the survey
Canstar Blue commissions Your Source to regularly survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers to measure their satisfaction across a range of products and services.

The outcomes reported here are the results from a survey of 472 consumers within the survey group who had purchased a clothes dryer in the last three years

Age Groups:
Gen Y: 18-29
Gen X: 30-44
Baby Boomers: 45+

To view the full results of the Canstar Blue survey go to: www.canstarblue.co.nz

ENDS

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