Originally published: AAP, 30 June 2026
New consumer insights from Samsung Australia reveals 62% of Australians avoid using dryers in winter due to energy cost concerns with 22% skipping social gatherings as a result[1].
SYDNEY, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In the midst of the coldest season, new consumer insights from Samsung Australia have revealed that winter weather paired with a belief that dryer usage will add to cost-of-living pressures is adding a new layer of stress to everyday life for many Australians. The insights show almost two in three Australians (62%) prefer to dry their clothes on an indoor drying rack rather than use their dryer to reduce household energy costs[2]. However, one in five Australian respondents (22%) – increasing to one in three (33%) amongst 25-29 year olds – admit they avoid hosting friends and family at their homes in the winter because they are embarrassed about the amount of clothes they have drying indoors on clothes racks[3] and draped over furniture.
According to the insights, two in five (41%) Australians say they feel more pressure now than the same time last year to avoid using their dryer to reduce household costs[4]. In fact, 47% of Australians aged 25-34 years old – increasing to 54% aged 35-39 years old – feel stressed when it rains because they can’t dry their clothes outside[5]. This is consistent with the revelation that half of Australian respondents (51%) feel concerned about energy every time they use their dryer[6].
According to Phil Gaut, Director – Consumer Electronics at Samsung Australia, new heat pump technology has improved energy efficiency in dryers, granting many up to 10 star energy ratings[7] over the past few years, yet outdated beliefs that dryers are energy hungry are hurting Australians beyond their purse pockets.
[1] Pureprofile Research, commissioned by Samsung, March 2026. N=1,001.
