Tumble Dryer On Last Legs

[SIRandyraven]

Our tumble dryer is now 17 years old and seems to be taking longer to dry cloths.
The laundry is always piping hot and almost too hot to touch when removing from machine.
Yet it seems to take longer than it did a few months ago.
The current tumble dryer is a vented one and energy rated C.

Looking at the latest models available and the shops seem to be punching the heat pump versions that are twice price of a vented version.
They use less power being A rated but people say they are slower to dry cloths.
I’m not bothered about power efficiency too much because we have solar panels (with battery storage) and thus run the dryer when the sun is out and power if free from panels.

I noticed that the vented are all still energy rating C , yet the current one is a C.
I was thinking things haven’t moved on much in 17 years , but then someone said the ratings are now on a new scale.
So what is a C equiv. now on the old scale and and old C on the new scale?

Why does everything get so complicated :-)

[bednobs]

if you live in a flat, or have lots of washing (because, for example you are caring for an elderly relative, or have a teenager) TDs make life so much simpler

[davebro]

And some of the energy used is saved in not having to iron most of the clothes. I haven't ironed a thing for years!

[barry1010]

diddlydo, I have two incontinent elderly relatives living with me. The washing machine seems to be in constant use. The first set of soiled bedding went on at 4am. Hanging wet washing indoors is not an option when people have emphysema.
So, do you want to come and organise my laundry without a tumble dryer? I'd love you to take that job on for a couple of days.

[bednobs]

also, there might be some washing i modestly dont want to put out for all to see. Although in andy's case as he is only drying cloths, it probably wouldnt apply