The tumble dryers that use heat pumps recycle hot air used to dry your clothing, instead of venting it outdoors. This saves you energy, making it a cost-efficient option for your household.
John Lewis has a range of tumble dryers, including both vented and condenser models, as well as heat pump tumble dryers. Find out more about them in our guide to tumble dryers.
Cost
Tumble dryers are great for saving space and reducing the need to dry laundry in the sun, but they tend to consume a lot of energy. If you want to reduce your energy bills and save money, consider changing to a high-temperature tumble dryer. They're 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 uses less electricity than condenser or vented models, allowing you to save up to PS173 on your energy bills every year.
When it comes to comparing the cost of a heat pump tumble dryer against other models, the difference is usually minimal. It is important to consider the amount of energy consumed and how frequently you will use your tumble dryer. It is important to take into account the wattage of the dryer and also your electricity tariff which will affect the amount you pay for each tumble dry.
Vented tumble dryers make use of gas to dry the laundry and are powered by gas from the mains, so they can be more expensive when you're on a strict budget. The installation options are limited as they must be installed in a space that has adequate ventilation for the humid air.
Condenser dryers take the moisture from your laundry by moving hot, humid air into separate units which is then converted into water. The water is then drained away, either into a removable container that needs to be manually emptied or can be plumbed into your drainage system for continuous removal. This allows you to install the system in various locations. However, you'll have to perform extra maintenance on the drain pipe.
Energy efficiency
A tumble dryer's heat-pump can help you save money on your energy bills. The technology requires less electrical power to warm the air in the tumble dryer, allowing it to dry your clothes more effectively and at lower temperatures than vented models.
They also use a coolant that disperses the humidity in the air and then releases it through the condenser. This means they require less power to operate than traditional vented models. They might take a bit longer to complete your cycle of laundry than vented dryers but your clothes will stay looking and more comfortable longer because of the lower temperatures of drying.
They cost an extra $500 to $700 up front however the energy savings could easily compensate for this. They're also a heavier investment and must be installed in rooms that have adequate ventilation.
Like all electrical appliances, it's vital that any tumble dryer installation is done by an experienced Gas Safe engineer. Ventilated dryers require an extended, flexible vent hose that's permanently connected to your appliance at one end, and the drainage point - which could be a drain or a door - at the other. This hose cannot be shared or used in a manner that could cause damage to it.
Condenser dryers work similarly to heat pump dryers. They use an electrical element to heat the air before releasing the moisture via the condensation tray. They tend to be heavy-duty dryers with greater capacities for wet loads that range between 6 and 10kg. They also are quieter to operate. They're more expensive to purchase than tumble dryers that use heat pumps and cannot be set up without an permanent wall connection. The cost of running them is higher than heat pump dryers as they have to generate more heat to evaporate the moisture in your laundry. They are also less efficient than vented models. However, they use a fair amount of electricity as they spin the motor that rotates your laundry.
Noise
The sound produced by tumble dryers is quite loud, but the volume is influenced by a variety of factors. The decibel rating can only be one of the many variables. The frequency of the sound will also influence the volume at which it sounds. The sound may be amplified by resonant objects in the vicinity, such as work surfaces, cabinets or furniture, and it may be affected by the acoustics of the room. The sound of the tumble dryer may be slowed by acoustic absorbent material such as carpets, or be drowned out by other appliances operating in your home.
Heat pump and condenser models are quieter than vented dryers, however they're still loud. They are more gentle on fabrics and dry your laundry faster because of lower temperatures. They also have a longer cycle. This means that they're less damaging to your clothes and are less likely to cause the loss of color that is often associated with high temperatures, old fashioned tumble dryers.
If you plan to utilize your tumble dryer in conjunction with washing machines it is important to remember that both appliances should be located close each other to prevent noise and vibrations when they are in use. A stacking kit is available to prevent this problem, and can be purchased for all types of appliances.
A tumble dryer that is a heat pump needs to have an uninterrupted flow of air in order to function, therefore it's best placed in a well-ventilated space in your home. It is essential to ensure that the vent hose is connected to the appliance and that it's securely positioned outside of your house, rather than redirecting it through a window or door.
The condenser dryer doesn't require permanent connections to a vent, and can be placed anywhere in your house. It stores the vapour and water into a condensation container that can be manually emptied or connected to a drain with the drainage tube that will automatically empty it.
Converting a vented tumble-dryer to a condenser dryer is possible by using an conversion kit. However, it will invalidate the manufacturer's warranty and should only be done by a qualified professional. The kits come with the components required to set up an air vent as well as a small water pump to eliminate the condensation, therefore they're not inexpensive.
Maintenance
A tumble dryer with a heat pump works differently to vented or condenser models as it doesn't require venting outside to draw out the hot air. The warm air that flows over your clothes is absorbed and then run through a condenser, which is able to separate the water from the heated air. It is then disposed in a reservoir of water (sometimes called a tank) inside the appliance. This means you'll have to empty the tank at some point however it also allows you to store the dryer in smaller spaces than if you were to install a vent for the machine.
In comparison to vented models the heat pump model consumes about 50 percent less energy. This makes it much cheaper to run, allowing you to save an average of PS42-PS51 each year according to Which?, and is also more sustainable for the environment. That said, it's not a cheap tumble dryer to buy and you need to be sure to budget the initial costs.
In Read the Full Document , a heat pump tumble dryer needs minimal maintenance, other than cleaning the lint filter and looking for any fluff around the heating unit now and again. However, you do have to clean the drain for condensation frequently and it will take longer than a vented tumbler to dry your clothes.
Consider a sensor-controlled tumble dryer if you're looking for an affordable model. It will shut down the machine after your laundry is done, preventing over-drying and damaging your clothes. You will need to manually programme your dryer's drying process if you have a lot of different clothes.
Brands like Beko and John Lewis provide tumble dryers that make use of condenser, heat pump, or vented technology. They all come with a two-year warranty, and John Lewis has excellent customer reviews as well as free home delivery. Make sure you read the warranty information prior to buying an appliance, especially one that is electrical like a tumble dryer. This will ensure that you are protected in the event of a fault or breakdown.
