With new federal incentives and impressive lab test results, the heat pump washer dryer is poised to become a household staple. These all-in one machines are more efficient in washing and dry, and they do not bring conditioned indoor air outside to vent.
They also use a lower temperature that is gentler on clothes. Read on to find out more about this fascinating technology for washing.
1. Saves Energy
They're not just for home heating and cooling and are now being utilized in clothes dryers too. An energy STAR certified heat pump dryer uses 28 percent less energy than a conventional dryer and can save you money on electricity bills. They run at a lower temperature, which reduces wear and wear on your clothes and the environment.
During the drying process heat pump washer-dryers utilize the same air that's recycled by the washing machine, however it passes through a condenser coil in the evaporator unit to heat up and cool the air. The warm air is then pushed into the drum in order to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer doesn't need to exhaust humid air, like vented dryers do.
Because laundry processes consume substantial amounts of energy, it's worth trying to make your current appliances as efficient as you can. This can be accomplished by pairing a washer with a heat-pump dryer. This will enable you to ensure maximum efficiency, and begin saving energy costs right away.
For a start take a look at our selection of energy STAR certified washers and dryers. You can filter results by model and energy consumption, wash cycles or spin speed. Be sure to read the yellow Energy Guide label to understand how much each appliance will cost to run every year.
Combination washer-dryers are an ideal option for households who cannot afford two separate machines or do not have the space. They are plugged directly into 120-volt outlets and don't require a separate 240-volt venting or hookup system. These units are perfect for apartments and condominiums as they can be tucked away in cabinets or under a counter.
2. Reduces Noise
Most traditional clothes dryers are heated by a hot electric or gas coil. This helps remove moisture from your clothes. The air then escapes out from your home, taking along the conditioned air that you pay for to cool in summer and heat in winter. Your home has to perform overtime to make up for the lack of conditioning air by pulling in replacement air from cracks and gaps in your walls and around doors.
Heat pump washer dryers move humidity from one location to another instead of venting and heating it, which is great news for homeowners with tight homes that can't accommodate more airflow. It is also possible to install washer/dryer combination units in places where they wouldn't normally be able to put a vented dryer for instance, under the stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency or performance.
While this is an important benefit of all-in one drying and washing machines, they aren't without their flaws. It is important to allow sufficient time for each load as all-in-one appliances take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers or washers. Additionally, combining two appliances together reduces the amount of laundry you can do at one time, since it takes around an hour longer for whites and colors to dry than in separate machines.
Thankfully, many manufacturers have begun to tackle these issues with simple solutions. LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo, for example, has a feature where you can prop the door open slightly while it is running to prevent water from pooling and drying the drum. Many LG models like our top pick, also come with a small drain hole at the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water drain instead of accumulating in the drum. You can also buy sound blankets that fit around your heat pump to block out the sound.
3. Reduces Wear and Tear
When a heat pump dryer functions, it doesn't warm up the air like a traditional dryer. It only removes moisture from the garments which means it's much more gentle on fabrics than a regular model. It also saves energy since it doesn't waste the energy required to heat the air up for the drying process.
However, they do require a little more maintenance than standalone machines because the condensate drain pipe has to be cleaned regularly to prevent obstructions. This isn't much different from cleaning a regular machine.
Combinations of heat pump washer and dryer do not vent. This means you can use them inside your home without cutting into the wall outside for ductwork. why not try these out is great for those who live in apartments or college students, as well as other people who don't wish to spend more money or alter their living space.
Since they do not get as hot and take longer to dry clothes than conventional models. Many people were hesitant utilize them due to the fact that they don't attain the same temperature. However manufacturers have stepped up their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA heat pump dryer that's on our list of top dryers, comes with an average drying time of 37 to 70 minutes.
The most important thing to reduce drying time is to avoid overdoing the detergent, which can cause excessive suds that prolongs cycles and leaves a slimy residue on your clothes (readers send us emails frequently about this problem). Use the recommended amount high efficiency detergents, and clean the dispenser drawer regularly. This will ensure that your machine runs efficiently, saving you money and energy.
4. Reduces Lint
When you're drying your clothes, a heat pump dryer makes use of less air than vented electric or vented gas dryers. It's because it doesn't push hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead extracts room-temperature vapor from the air around your clothes. That steam is then heated by your washer, which causes it to evaporate the moisture out of your laundry which makes this kind of dryer much more energy-efficient.
Due to this efficiency it is true that a heat-pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a conventional vented gas or electric dryer, but it weighs around 88 pounds. This can be a huge deal if you plan to put it on a wall or use it inside a closet which may not have enough space for vents.
Lint build-up is a concern in all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's lower temperatures reduce the amount of lint that could block the exhaust, preventing the clothes from drying to their full potential. This also reduces the possibility of fire threatening the dryer, or in its exhaust. This can happen when the flammable solvents and oils in your laundry are able to enter the dryer's evaporator or vent.
To avoid lint build-up Be sure to clean your dryer drain at least once per year (more often if you have pets or kids). A leaf blower or wire brush can help you get rid of any lint build-up between ridges in the accordion hose, and it's safer to do this outside rather than inside if it's possible.
Use a low-sudsing detergent and follow the guidelines of the manufacturer on how to set your water level to avoid drying out too much. Separate your laundry according to kind of fabric and wash delicates like silk with heavy cottons and linens. So you don't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. The sensors for moisture will have greater chance of being able to tell when your laundry is fully dry to stop the cycle.
5. Space Savings
Because heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they consume less energy than vented dryers. This will help you save money on costs for utilities, but also on energy costs to heat or cool your home.
This method is also more gentle on fabrics, which reduces wear and shrinkage--a major benefit when dealing with expensive clothes. It also means that you don't have to clean out dryer vents that have become clogged with lint and cuts down on the energy use that conventional dryers use to warm air before it can enter the dryer and helps to keep your cooling and heating costs lower.
In the end, heat pump dryer-washer combos are designed to tuck into tiny spaces that would not permit an additional laundry area, such as in closets or kitchens. These all-in-one machines take up only a few inches more space than the best front-load washers that are vented. They're also ventless, so you can place them wherever you have water and 120-volt outlets.
These appliances are simple to use, too. All you need to do is choose the dry and wash cycle that's appropriate for your needs and let them do their job. Then, you can pull your clothes out when they're done.
These efficient, energy-efficient machines allow you to clean your laundry without breaking the budget. You can shop online or visit an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that will fit seamlessly into your home. We have the best rates, discounts, rebates, and special financing to make upgrading your laundry space more affordable. We're here to help choose the right dryer with a heat pump for you!
