Tumble dryers with heat pumps utilize a sophisticated technology that is energy efficient, gentle on fabric and economical over the long haul. They don't require a vent like vented and condenser models, which means that they can be installed anywhere in your home.
While they might take longer to dry clothes than other models, the benefits of tumble dryers with a heat pump far outweigh any minor disadvantages.
Energy efficiency
The heat pump dryers are a new generation of devices that work by recycling energy instead of using it to generate it. The technology is similar to that of a refrigerator, but the insides are reversed. Rather than producing heat using heating elements, refrigerants absorb warmth from the outside air and then pumps it into a drum, which is filled with wet clothes. The refrigerant, once it is at a low enough temperature, extracts moisture from the warm air. It then expels the moisture into a storage tank or drain. Then, it expands the warm air and then carries the moisture back into the tumbling process which consumes less energy as it goes.
The lower maximum temperatures of heat pump clothes dryers mean they're more gentle on garments, too, and prevent excessive wear and shrinkage. They consume less power and can save families with high electric bills hundreds of pounds each year.
In a typical week, a family in the US has to do 20 loads of laundry and the savings add up. A dryer that uses a heat source can cut those costs by up to one-third according to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, which is among the most prominent energy efficiency advocates.
You can also cut down on energy bills by not overloading your tumble dryer. The machine will be more efficient when you keep your laundry load small. It will also permit it to finish the process as fast as it can, without sacrificing quality.
Tumble dryers that use heat pump technology use 3 times less energy when compared to conventional air-vented dryers. They also meet the new EU Ecodesign requirements as well as energy labelling regulations that will be in force from July 2025. These requirements are intended to help European households to save up to 15 TWh in energy by 2040.
Other easy ways to save energy include ensuring that the dryer is in a well-insulated room and ensuring that the ducts for ventilation aren't blocked, and making sure that it is regularly cleaned of lint, which could cause the tumble dryer to run up your electric bill and create health and safety risks. Manufacturers may have different guidelines on how often you should clean the lint trap and fine mesh filter, but keeping up with this maintenance is essential to ensure maximum efficiency.
Moisture extraction
Heat pump tumble dryers work in a very similar way like traditional vented models except that they do not require vents to extract the moisture. Instead the hot air that is used to dry your clothes is used again, with the moisture collected in the water tank. This can reduce the energy use and help you save money on your energy bill.
There are a few points to keep in mind when using heat pump tumble dryers. These models take a little longer to dry because of the lower temperatures. The tank must be regularly emptied, at least every time you complete the work. You can drain it into a sink or washbasin, or manually empty the water into an integrated tank. The humidity in your home can also affect the frequency you must empty the tank.
These dryers also generate some condensation on the outside of the dryer. This is normal and can be lowered by wiping the coils regularly. There may be a slight smell in the room when your laundry is drying. This can be removed by opening a windows.
When a vented drying device is used, it uses resistance heating elements in order to warm the air. The hot, moist air is then released into the air through a duct. This air is then returned to the home, where it is heated by the central heating system. In contrast the heat pump technology, it reuses this hot air. The water that is collected by the machine is later stored in a separate water tank.
The air inside your home that is being blown out is replaced with colder air from the outside, and this helps the dryer run at less temperature, without causing any damage to your clothing. This is the reason why these dryers are more efficient than vented or condenser models.
This technology can also help reduce the dependence on external power sources because it does not rely on gas for its energy. This is a great option if you live in an isolated region or don't want depend on electricity.
Versatility
Unlike vented and condenser tumble dryers that release heat into the atmosphere the heat pump tumble dryers can reuse the energy. This means they're not just more eco-friendly, but they also come with a lower cost label.
While some models are more expensive upfront than condenser models vented or vented but the amount you'll save on your utility bills will soon pay for this investment. Heat pump tumble dryers are a great long-term investment particularly for households that are dedicated to saving money and the environment.
The AEG Heat Pump H-DRY 500 Hoover Direct is an excellent example of a heat pump tumble dryer with high-end features. It boasts the capacity of a 9kg drum that will easily accommodate larger families, while the Aenergy efficiency rating of ++ will keep your energy usage in control. It can even detect and automatically adjust the washing cycle duration based on mineral content of your water, thereby reducing the energy use.
Other important features include a children's lock and sensor drying, which means that the appliance will stop working once your clothes are ready for wearing. Its efficient tumble action uses much less air than a traditional tumble dryer to ensure that your laundry gets completed faster. The dryer is easy to clean and maintain because it comes with a purse filter.
The Indesit NIS41VUK is yet another cheap tumble dryer that prioritises the affordability without sacrificing function or eco credentials. It can hold 4kg and 13 programs that can be used on any type of fabric. It can also be used with an external vent which is a great option for smaller or apartment homes. It might not have all the advanced features that are found in more expensive models such as a drying sensor or an end-to-end cool tumble, but it comes with everything you require.
Noise
When compared with vented tumble dryers models, heat pump models tend to be much quieter. This is because of an inbuilt system to minimize vibrations, insulation and an inverter.
They also operate at lower temperatures, so they are less likely to over dry your laundry and leave it feeling rough or damaged. It might take some time to complete their cycle, but the energy savings and the low operating costs are more than worth it.
A noisy tumble dryer can be an indication that something is wrong. An appliance repair technician should investigate this. The most frequent sounds tumble dryers make are banging, creaking and scraping.
A squeaking noise from your dryer will likely suggest that the pivot bearing for the drum has worn out and must be replaced. A rumbling sound emanating from the machine could be the result of a poorly-shaped support wheel, whereas constant scraping will most likely indicate a damaged jockey wheel that is causing tension on the drive belt.
If your tumble dryer is new or hasn't used for a long time, it could make a rumbling noise within the first few minutes of operation. This is normal and occurs when the machine's wheels self lubricate, however if it continues to occur for longer than this, please contact us for assistance.
Tumble dryers are a complex machine that are designed to be reliable but they can still experience problems occasionally. If you notice that your dryer is making a an annoying and loud squeaking noise then it is important to act quickly to avoid more damage or expensive repair bills. This could be caused by one of the primary reasons mentioned above, or it could be an electrical problem that requires the attention of a professional appliance electrician. The longer you leave it to get worse could lead to higher repair costs and may damage your clothing too.
