With new federal incentives and impressive laboratory test results the heat pump washer dryer is poised to become a household staple. These all-in-one units take less time to wash and dry and are also ventless, which means they don't take conditioned air out of your home to vent outside.
The clothes are also treated with a lower temperature. Find out more about this amazing technology for washing.
1. Energy Savings
They're not just used for heating and cooling homes however, they're also employed to dry clothes. A heat pump dryer that is ENERGY STAR certified uses 28% less electricity than a traditional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They operate at less heat to minimize wear and tear and damage on your clothes.
During the drying cycle, heat pump washer-dryers utilize the same air that is recycled by the washing machine, however it goes through a condenser coil within the evaporator unit to warm up and cool the air. The warm air is pushed into the drum to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer doesn't require exhausting humid air, like vented dryers do.
It's important to make your appliances as energy efficient as you can, since the process of washing clothes consumes an enormous amount of energy. The most efficient way to do this is to combine an efficient washer with a dryer that uses a heat pump. This will help you lock in maximum efficiency and start saving on energy costs right away.
To begin take a look at our selection of energy STAR certified washers and dryers. You can sort results by model and energy consumption, wash cycles, or spin speed. Be sure to examine the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance will cost to run for the year.
Combining washer-dryers is another excellent option for households that can't afford two separate machines or don't have the space for them. Get the facts connect directly to an outlet that is 120 volts and don't require a separate 240-volt venting or hookup system. They're ideal for condos and apartments because they can be tucked away inside a closet or beneath the counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional clothes dryers heat the air by using gas or electric coil. This allows you to evaporate moisture from your clothing. The air then escapes out of your home, taking along the conditioned air you pay to cool in summer and heat in winter. Your house has to be working overtime to compensate for the lack of condition by bringing in replacement air from gaps and cracks in your walls and around doors.
Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one place to another rather than venting it and heating it, which is good news for those who live in homes that aren't able to handle the extra air flow. It's also possible for people to install washer/dryer combination units in places that they would not normally be able to place venting dryers, such as under stairs without sacrificing energy efficiency and performance.
All-in-one units have a number of advantages, but they also have some drawbacks. All-in-one units take longer to complete their cycles than traditional washers and dryers which is why it's crucial to set aside enough time for each load. Combining two appliances into one will also reduce the amount of laundry that you can complete in one load, as it takes longer to dry colors and whites than if they were separate machines.
The majority of manufacturers have started to address these issues with simple solutions. For example LG's top-rated washer-dryer combination features the ability to prop the door open a bit while the machine is running to stop water from pooling and drying out the drum. Many LG models, including our top pick, also have a small drain hole at the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water flow out instead of accumulating in the drum. You can also buy sound blankets that are fitted around your heating system to reduce the noise.
3. Reduces wear and tear
Heat pump dryers don't heat the air unlike traditional dryers. They simply remove moisture from clothing. This is more gentle on the fabric. This saves energy, as it does not have to waste energy to heat the air to speed up the drying process.
That said, heat-pump dryers do require a bit more maintenance than standalone dryers because the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned regularly to avoid blockages. But, this isn't too different from cleaning a conventional dryer.
The biggest difference is that heat-pump washer-dryer combos don't vent, meaning you can put them in a home without cutting through the exterior wall to run ductwork. This is a major plus for apartment dwellers, students, and others who don't wish to change their living spaces or spend more money for an expensive new appliance.
Heat-pump systems dry clothes slower than traditional dryers due to the fact that they don't get as hot. Many people were hesitant use them because they didn't get as hot. However manufacturers have stepped up their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer which is on our list of top dryers, has a typical drying time of 37 to 70 minutes.
The key to reducing drying time is not overdoing the detergent, which can cause excessive suds that prolongs cycles and leaves a slimy residue on clothes (readers send us emails every day about this problem). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and wash the dispenser drawer on a regular basis. This will ensure the machine is operating as efficiently as possible and not wasting your money and energy.
4. Reduces Lint
When drying your clothes using a heat pump dryer, it makes use of less air than vented electric or vented gas dryers. This is due to the fact that it doesn't blow hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead, it extracts vapor at room temperature from the air that surrounds your clothes. This vapor is then heated by your dryer to remove the moisture from your laundry, making this type of dryer more energy efficient.
Due to this efficiency it is true that a heat-pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a conventional vented electric or gas dryer, but it still weighs about 88 lbs. This can be a big deal if you plan to mount it on a wall or in a closet which may not have enough space for vents.
Lint buildup is a problem for all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's low temperatures limit the amount lint that can clog up the exhaust and stop the clothes from drying to their full potential. This also reduces the risk of fire in the dryer, or in its exhaust. This can occur when the flammable solvents and oils in your laundry get into the dryer's evaporator or vent.
To avoid lint build-up Make sure you clean your dryer vent at least once a year (more often if you have pets or kids). A wire brush or leaf blower can help you clear out any lint that has accumulated between ridges in the accordion hose. It's safer to do this from outside your home instead of inside, if you can.
To avoid drying out, make sure to use a low-suds detergent and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to set the water level. Separate your laundry by fabric types and wash delicates such as silk with heavy cottons or linens. You won't overdye, shrink or over-dry your delicates and the moisture sensor will be able detect when your laundry is dry enough to end the cycle.
5. Space Savings
Because heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they consume less energy than vented dryers. This could help you save money on costs for utilities, but also on energy costs to cool or heat your home.
This method is also more gentle on fabrics, which reduces shrinkage and wear--a important benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also means that you don't have to replace dryer vents that are clogged with lint and cuts down on the energy use that conventional dryers expend to warm air before it is able to enter the dryer which helps keep your heating and cooling costs lower.
Heat pump washer-dryer combinations are designed to fit in small spaces, such as closets and kitchens. These machines are all-in-one and require only one inch more space than vented front-load washers. They're also ventless, so they can be placed anywhere with water and a 120-volt outlet.
They're also simple to use. You only need to choose the right washing cycle and drying process for your load, and let them do their work. When your clothes are dry you can simply take them off.
With these energy-efficient and versatile machines, it's now easier than ever before to do your laundry without breaking the bank. Shop online or visit a stunning Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the ideal washer-dryer combination that fits seamlessly into your home. We offer the best discounts, prices, rebates and special financing to help make the process of upgrading your laundry room more affordable. We're here to help you choose the best heat pump dryer for you!
