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 helps conserve energy.
John Lewis has a range of tumble dryers, which include both vented and condenser models, as well as heat pump tumble dryers. Learn more about the options in our guide to tumble dryers.
Cost
Tumble dryers are great for saving space and making it less necessary to dry laundry in the sun however they can consume a lot of electricity. If you're looking to lower your energy consumption and save money, consider changing to a high-temperature tumble dryer. These machines are more expensive at first, but they can save you money over time because of their lower energy consumption.
The heat pump tumble dryers function by reheating the air that was already heated during the drying process which results in lower energy bills than condenser or vented models. This type of tumble dryer typically uses approximately half the electricity as a vented condenser model, and can save you up to PS173 per year on your utility bills.
When comparing the performance of heat pump tumble dryers to other types, there is typically a minimal price difference. It is important to consider the amount of energy used and how often you use your tumble dryer. You'll have to consider the wattage of the dryer and also your electricity tariff which will affect the price you pay for each tumble dry.
Vented tumble dryers make use of gas to dry the laundry and are powered by gas mains, so they can be a more expensive option if you're on a tight budget. The options for installation are restricted because they have to be placed in a room with adequate ventilation for the humid air.
Condenser dryers remove moisture from the laundry by moving hot air into a separate condensing unit, which converts it into water. This water can be taken out of a container which must be manually emptied or pumped into the drainage system to remove it constantly. This permits you to place the system in a variety of places. However, you will need to conduct additional maintenance on the drain pipe.
Energy efficiency
A tumble dryer heat-pump can help you save money on your energy costs. The technology uses less power to heat the air inside the tumble dryer. This lets it dry clothes more efficiently and at lower temperatures than vented models.
The dryers also use an aerator to liquefy the air's humidity which is then released through the condenser. This means they consume less energy than traditional vented models. They may take longer to finish your cycle of laundry than vented dryers however your clothes will remain looking and more comfortable longer due to the lower temperatures for drying.
Typically, they cost between $500 to $700 more upfront than condenser dryers, but this extra expense is easily offset by the savings you'll gain on your energy costs in the long haul. They're also more expensive and should be placed in rooms that have adequate ventilation.
Like all electrical appliances, it's vital that any installation of a tumbler is carried out by an Gas Safe engineer. A vented dryer requires an elongated, flexible vent hose that is permanently connected the appliance at one end and a drainage hole at the other - the drain or window. The hose is not shared or used in a manner that could cause damage to it.
Condenser dryers function similarly similar to heat pump dryers. They employ an electric element to heat the air and then expel the moisture through the condensation tray. They are usually heavy-duty dryers, with greater capacity for wet loads, which range between 6 and 10 kg. They also operate more quietly. However, they're more expensive than heat pump tumble dryers and aren't appropriate for installations that do not have an ongoing connection to the wall. They're also more expensive to run than heat pump dryers since they need to generate plenty of heat to remove the moisture from your laundry. Additionally, they aren't as efficient as vented models. However, they do still use a fair amount of power as they spin the motor that rotates your laundry.
Noise
The sound generated by tumble dryers is very loud, but the volume of the sound is dependent on a number of variables. The decibel rating will only be one factor. The frequency of the sound can also impact the volume at which it sounds. The sound could also be amplified if there are resonant objects nearby such as cabinets, work surfaces, or furniture. It could also be affected by the room's acoustics. The sound produced by your tumble dryer could be obstructed by carpets or any other absorbent materials for acoustics.
Condenser and heat pump dryers are quieter than vented models, but it's important to keep in mind that they're still noisy. They are less harsh on your clothes and dry your laundry faster with lower air temperatures. They also have a longer cycle. This means they're less damaging to your clothes and are less likely to cause the loss of colour that's often caused by high temperatures, old fashioned tumble dryers.
It is crucial to keep in mind if you plan to utilize your tumbler dryer mostly together with a washer machine, the two appliances should be placed near to each other to prevent vibrations or noises during operation. A stacking kit can help prevent this problem, and can be bought for both types of appliances.
A heat pump tumble dryer needs to have a continuous flow of air to function, therefore it is best to place it in a ventilated area of your home. You'll need to make sure that the vent hose is connected to the appliance and that it's safely positioned outside of your house instead of being directed through a window or door.
The condenser dryer doesn't need to be permanently connected to vents, and can be placed anywhere in your house. It stores the vapour and any water left in a container that can be manually emptied, or connected to a drain via an drainage pipe that will automatically empty it.
Converting a vented tumble-dryer into condenser dryer is feasible using a conversion kit. However, this could end the manufacturer's warranty and should be performed by a trained professional. The kits include components needed to put in vents, as well with a small pump to remove condensation.
Maintenance
Heat pump tumble dryers work differently from vented or condenser machines as they don't require venting outside in order to extract hot air. Instead the warm air that is passing through your clothes is extracted and collected inside the appliance itself and then it is pushed through a condenser in order to separate the hot water from the cool air and store it in a tank (sometimes called a reservoir) inside the machine. This means that you'll need to empty the tank at some time however it also allows you to keep the dryer in a smaller space than if you had to install a vent for the machine.
The heat pump model is about 50 percent more energy efficient than vented models. According to Which?, it is also less expensive to run. You can save between PS42 and PS51 per year. It's an inexpensive tumble dryer to purchase and you need to be sure to budget the upfront costs.
In general the tumble dryer that is powered by a heat pump needs little maintenance other than clearing the lint filter and looking for any dust particles around the heater unit every now and then. You will need to clean your drains of condensation more frequently and it takes longer to dry your clothes than vented dryers.
Consider a sensor-controlled tumble dryer when you're looking to buy a low-cost model. It will shut down the machine when your laundry is finished to prevent over-drying and damaging your clothes. You'll have to manually program your dryer's drying cycle when you have a large number of different fabrics.
There is a variety of tumble dryers from brands such as Beko and John Lewis which use condenser, heat pumps or vented technology. All come with a two-year warranty and John Lewis has excellent customer reviews and free home delivery. Check the warranty details before buying an appliance, especially one that is electrical like a tumble dryer. This will ensure that you are protected in the event of a malfunction or breakdown.
