The tumble dryers of a heat pump recycle the hot air they use to dry your clothes, instead of venting it to the outside. This is a low-cost option for your household, as it conserves energy.
John Lewis has a range of tumble dryers, including both vented and condenser models and heat pump tumble dryer s. Find out more in our guide to tumble dryers.
Cost
Tumble dryers are fantastic for making it less necessary to hang laundry in the sun and to save space when it comes to storage, but they are prone to using much energy. If you're looking to reduce your energy bills it might be worth trying an energy-efficient tumble dryer. While these machines do have a higher upfront cost, they will save you money over the long term because of their lower energy consumption.
Heat pump tumble dryers work by reheating air that was already warmed up during the drying process. This results in lower energy bills than models that are vented or condenser. This type of tumble dryer consumes only half the energy as condenser or vented models, which can save you up to PS173 on your energy bills every year.
When you compare the price of a heat pump tumble dryer against other types, the difference is usually not significant. It is important to consider the amount of energy used and the frequency you use your tumble dryer. It is important to take into account the wattage of your machine as well as your electricity bill which will affect how much you have to pay for each tumble dry.
Vented tumble dryers are more expensive when you're on a tight budget. They use gas to dry your laundry, and they're powered by mains-gas. The options for installation are restricted because they have to be installed in a space with enough ventilation to the humid air.
Condenser dryers take moisture out of the laundry by moving hot air into a separate condensing unit, which converts it into water. This water is then drained away, in a container that is removable that needs to be emptied manually or be plugged into your drainage system for continuous removal. This will allow for greater flexibility in the installation areas, however you will have to be prepared for additional maintenance by making sure that the drain pipe is in good shape.
Energy efficiency
If you're worried about your energy costs, a tumbler heat pump can offer significant savings. The technology requires less electrical power to warm the air in the tumble dryer, which enables it to dry your clothes more efficiently and at a lower temperature than vented models.
The dryers also use an aerator to liquefy the humidity in the air and then discharge it through the condenser. This means that they use less power than traditional vented dryers. Dryers may take a bit longer to finish your laundry cycle compared to vented models, but your clothes will appear and feel better for longer due to the lower temperatures.
Typically they'll cost you between $500 and $700 more upfront than condenser dryers. However, the extra cost is offset by the savings you'll earn on your energy bills over the long term. They're also a larger investment and must be put in rooms that have adequate ventilation.
Gas Safe engineers are required to install tumble dryers, similar to any other electrical appliance. Ventilated dryers require an extended, flexible vent hose that's permanently connected to your appliance at one end and a drainage point - either an outlet or a window or door - at the other. The hose can't be shared or used in a way that could damage it.
Condenser dryers operate in a similar way as heat pump dryers. They utilize an electrical element to heat the air and then expel the moisture via a condensation tray. They're usually heavy-duty dryers with higher capacity for wet loads, which range from 6kg - 10kg. They also operate more quietly. However, they're more costly than heat pump tumble dryers to buy and aren't suitable for installations without a permanent connection to the wall. The cost of running them is also higher than heat pump dryers because they require more heat to evaporate the moisture in your laundry. They're also less efficient than vented models. They still rely on electricity to turn the motor which rotates your clothes.
Noise
Tumble dryers make lots of noise however the level of loudness is dependent on a variety of variables. The decibel rating is only one of them, but the frequency of the noise will also influence the volume at which it is. The sound could be amplified in the event that there are resonant items nearby such as cabinets, work surfaces, or furniture. It may also be affected by a room's acoustics. The sound of the tumble dryer could be dampened by acoustic absorbent materials like carpets, or it can be drowned out by other appliances that are operating within your home.
Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers are quieter than vented models, however it's important to keep in mind that they're still loud. They're more gentle on your fabrics, and dry your laundry more slowly with lower temperatures and a longer time than traditional models. This means they're less damaging to your clothes and are less likely to cause the loss of colour that's often associated with high temperature, old fashioned tumble dryers.
If you're planning to use your tumble dryer mostly together with washing machines, it's important to keep in mind that both appliances need to be placed close to each other in order to avoid noise and vibrations when they are in use. To avoid this problem there is a washer and dryer stacking set is available for both types of appliances.
A tumble dryer that is a heat pump requires a continuous flow of air to function, which is why it's best to put it in a well-ventilated area in your home. The vent hose must be permanently connected to the appliance and routed securely to the outside of your home.
Condenser tumble dryer on the other hand, does not require an ongoing connection to a vent and can be placed anywhere in your home. It collects the vapour and water leftover in a container that can be manually empty, or connected to a drain through the drainage pipe, which will automatically empty it.
It is possible to transform a vented tumbler into a condenser model using an conversion kit, however this could void the manufacturer's warranty and must be performed by a certified professional. These kits come with the parts to install a vent, as well an in-built pump to remove condensation.
Maintenance
A tumble dryer with a heat pump is different from condenser or vented models since it doesn't require venting outside to extract the hot air. The warm air that passes over your clothes is absorbed and then run through a condenser that is used to separate the water from the heated air. Then, it is recirculated in a water reservoir (sometimes called a tank) within the appliance. You'll need empty the tank eventually however, you can store the dryer in the same location like if you had a vent.
In comparison to vented models the heat pump model consumes around 50 percent less energy. This makes it cheaper to run, which means you'll save PS42-PS51 a year on average according to Which? and is also more sustainable for the environment. It's an inexpensive tumbler to purchase and you must make sure you can afford the initial cost.
In general, a tumble dryer with a heat pump requires only minimal maintenance, besides clearing the lint filter, and checking for fluff around the heater unit each time. You'll need to clean your drains of condensation more frequently and it takes longer to dry your clothes than dryers with vented vents.
Look into a sensor-controlled tumbler if you're looking for an affordable model. It will shut down the machine after your laundry is done to prevent over-drying and damaging your clothes. You'll need to program your dryer's drying cycle when you have a large number of different types of fabrics.
You can find a range of tumble dryers from brands like Beko and John Lewis that utilize condenser, heat pumps or vented technologies. John Lewis offers a free home delivery and a 2-year warranty. You should always check the warranty information carefully before you purchase any appliance, particularly an electrical appliance like a tumble dryer, to ensure that you're covered in case of breakdowns or malfunctions.
