Heat pump tumble dryers make use of hot air to dry your clothes, instead of letting it out into the outdoors. This conserves energy, which makes it a cost-effective choice for your household.
John Lewis has a range of tumble dryers that include both vented and condenser models and heat pump tumble dryer s. Learn more about the options in our guide to tumble dryers.
Cost
Tumble dryers are great for saving space and decreasing the need to dry laundry in the sun however they can use a lot of electricity. If you're looking to lower your energy bills, it might be worth switching to a heat-pump tumble dryer. Although these dryers do have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money over the long term due to their lower energy consumption.
They work by heating the air that has already been warmed up during the drying process and results in lower energy costs than condenser or vented models. This type of tumble-dryer uses half the electricity as condenser or vented models, allowing you to save up to PS173 on your utility bills each year.
When comparing heat pump tumble dryers to other types, there is usually a negligible cost difference. It is essential to think about the amount of energy consumed and how often you use your tumble dryer. You'll need to factor in the wattage of the dryer and also your electricity rate which will affect the price you pay for each tumble dryer.
Vented tumble dryers make use of gas to dry laundry and are powered by gas from the mains which means they are a more expensive option if you're on a tight budget. The installation options 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 is then converted into water. The water is then drained away either into a container that must be emptied manually or be plumbed into your drainage system for continuous removal. This gives you more flexibility when it comes to installation areas, however you will need to be prepared for any additional maintenance by ensuring that the drain pipe is in good condition.
Energy efficiency
A tumble dryer's heat-pump can help you save money on energy bills. The technology uses less power to heat the air inside the tumble dryer, which enables it to dry your clothes more efficiently and at a lower temperature than vented models.
The dryers also make use of cooling fluid to reduce the humidity in the air which is then released through the condenser. This means they use less energy than traditional vented models. They might take a bit longer to finish your cycle of laundry than vented dryers but your clothes will be looking and feeling better longer due to the lower drying temperatures.
Typically they'll cost between $500 and $700 more up front than condenser dryers. However, the extra cost is offset by the savings you'll earn on your energy costs over the long term. They also cost more and require adequate ventilation.
As with all electrical appliances, it's vital that any installation of a tumbler is done by a Gas Safe engineer. A vented dryer requires an extended flexible vent hose that's permanently connected to your appliance at one end, and the drainage point - which could be the drain or a door or window - at the other. The hose should be secured in place and cannot be shared with another appliance or used in any way that could cause it to deteriorate.
Similar to heat pump dryers, a condenser is a type of dryer that heats the air by using an electrical element, and then expelling the moisture through a condensation tray. They are usually heavy-duty dryers that have higher capacity for wet loads, which range between 6 and 10 kg. They also run more quietly. They are more expensive to purchase than tumble dryers with heat pumps and cannot be set up without an ongoing wall connection. They're also more expensive to operate than heat pump dryers since they need to generate plenty of heat to evaporate the water from your laundry. Additionally, they aren't as efficient as vented models. However, they do still use a fair amount of electricity when they spin the motor that rotates your laundry.
Noise
Tumble dryers produce plenty of noise however, the level of loudness is contingent on a variety of factors. The decibel rating is only one of them, but the frequency of the noise will also influence the volume at which it sounds. The sound can also be amplified by nearby resonant objects like work surfaces, cupboards or furniture, and could be affected by the acoustics of the room. The sound of your tumble dryer may be muffled by carpets or any other acoustic absorbent material.
Condenser and heat pump models are quieter than vented dryers, however they're still loud. They are less harsh on your clothes and dry your laundry slower because of lower temperatures. They also have longer cycles. 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 temperature old-fashioned tumble dryers.
It is crucial to keep in mind if you plan to use your tumbler dryer in conjunction alongside a washer, the two appliances should be placed close to each other to prevent vibrations or noises during operation. A stacking kit is available to avoid this issue, which is available for all types of appliances.
A tumbler with a heat pump needs to have an ongoing flow of air in order to function, therefore it is best to place it in a well-ventilated area in your home. The vent hose should be connected permanently to the appliance, and then routed safely outside your home.
The condenser dryer does not require a permanent connection to vents, and can be placed anywhere in your house. It stores the vapour and water leftover in a container that is manually empty, or connected to a drain via a drainage pipe which will automatically empty it.
Converting a vented tumble-dryer to a condenser dryer is possible by using the conversion kit. However, it will affect the manufacturer's warranty and should only be done by a certified professional. The kits come with the components required to install the vent and a tiny water pump to remove the condensation, so they're not inexpensive.
Maintenance
A tumbler with a heat pump is different from condenser or vented models because it doesn't require venting outside to remove the hot air. Instead, the warm air that flows through your clothes is gathered and stored inside the appliance itself, which then runs it through a condenser that separates the hot water from the cool air and store it in a tank (sometimes called a reservoir) inside the machine. You will have empty the tank eventually, but you can keep the dryer in the same location as if you have a vent.
In comparison to vented models the heat pump model consumes approximately 50 percent less energy. This makes it much cheaper to run, which means you'll save an average of PS42-PS51 each year according to Which?, and it's also more sustainable for the environment. However, it's not an inexpensive tumble dryer to purchase and you must be sure to budget the upfront costs.
In general the tumble dryer with a heat pump requires minimal maintenance, other than cleaning the lint filter and checking for fluff around the heater unit every now and then. However, you do have to clean the drain for condensation often and it can take longer than a vented tumbler to dry your clothes.
Consider a sensor-controlled tumble dryer If you're looking for a low-cost model. The sensor will stop the machine automatically when the laundry is done, preventing over-drying and damaging your clothes. You will need to program your dryer's drying cycle in case you have a lot of different clothes.
You can choose from a variety of tumble dryers from brands such as Beko and John Lewis which use heat pumps, condenser or vented technologies. They all come with a two-year warranty, and John Lewis has excellent customer reviews and free delivery to homes. Be sure to read the warranty terms prior to purchasing an appliance, and especially one that is electrical like a tumble dryer. This will ensure that you are protected in the event of a problem or breakdown.
