With new federal incentives and impressive laboratory test results the heat pump washer dryer is poised to become a staple in the household. These all-in-one machines are quicker to wash and to dry and do not pull conditioned indoor air outside to vent.
They also use a lower temperature that is gentler on clothing. Read on to learn more about this fascinating technology for laundry.
1. Energy Savings
The use of heat pumps isn't just for heating and cooling homes however, they're also used to dry clothes. An energy STAR certified heat pump dryer consumes 28% less energy than a traditional dryer and can save you money on electric bills. They use less heat to minimize wear and tear and damage to your clothes.
During the drying process, heat pump washer-dryers utilize the same air recycled by the washing machine, but it goes through a condenser unit in the evaporator unit to warm up and cool the air. Then the warm air is pushed back into the drum to continue drying the clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer won't not have to exhaust the moist air like vented dryers.
It's worth making your appliances as energy efficient as you can, since laundry processes consume lots of energy. The best method to accomplish this is by pairing an efficient washer with a heat pump dryer. This will lock in maximum efficiency and save on energy costs right away.
To begin to get started, take a look at our collection of ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers. You can filter the results by model, energy consumption washing cycles, wash cycles, and spin speed. Also, be sure to look at the yellow Energy Guide label to understand how much each appliance will cost each year.
Combining washer-dryers are a great option for households that can't afford to have two separate machines or do not have the space for them. They are plugged into a 120-volt standard outlet and do not require a venting device or special 240-volt hookup. These units are great for condominiums and apartments as they can be tucked away in the cupboard or under the counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional clothes dryers utilize the hot gas or electric coil to heat the air which evaporates the moisture from your laundry. The vaporized air is then blown outside of your home, taking with it the conditioned air that you pay to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home must perform overtime to make up for the lost 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 heating it and venting it. This is great for homeowners who have houses which aren't large enough to allow for additional air flow. It's also possible to install dryer/washer combinations in areas where they wouldn't normally be able to put a vented dryer for instance, under the stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency and performance.
All-in-one appliances have many advantages, but they also have some disadvantages. It is important to allow sufficient time for each load as all-in-one appliances take longer to finish their cycles than traditional dryers or washers. Combining two appliances can reduce the amount of laundry you can do in a single load, as it takes a longer time to dry your whites and colors than they would be if they were separate units.
Thankfully, the majority of manufacturers have started to address these issues by offering simple solutions. For instance LG's top-rated washer-dryer combination has the ability to prop the door slightly open when it's running to prevent water from pooling and drying out of the drum. A lot of LG models, including our top pick, also come with a small drain hole in the bottom of the tub to let the water escape instead of pooling inside the drum. You can also purchase sound blankets that are fitted around the heating system to reduce the sound.
3. Reduces wear and tear
The heat pump dryers don't warm the air like traditional dryers. They simply remove moisture from clothing. This is kinder on fabrics. It also conserves energy because it doesn't waste the energy required to heat up the air to dry the garments.
That said, heat-pump dryers do require some maintenance than standalone machines because the condensate drain pipe has to be cleaned frequently to prevent blockages. However, this isn't that much different than cleaning a regular dryer.
The most notable difference is that heat pump washer and dryer combos do not vent, which means you can use them in your house without cutting into the wall exterior to run ductwork. This is great for apartment dwellers as well as college students and other people who don't wish to spend more money or change their living space.
Because heat-pump systems do not get as hot and take longer to dry clothes than conventional models. Many people were hesitant use them due to the fact that they didn't become as hot. However manufacturers have upgraded their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA heat pump dryer that's on our list of top dryers, has an average drying time between 37 and 70 minutes.
The most important thing to reduce drying time is not overdoing the amount of detergent, which could result in excessive suds that can prolong cycles and leaves an oily residue on clothing (readers write us every day about this problem). Use the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents, and clean the dispenser drawer regularly. This will ensure that the machine is running as efficiently as possible and will not waste your money and energy.
4. Reduces Lint
A heat pump dryer makes use of less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. That's because it doesn't blow hot humid air into your clothes, but instead draws the vapor of room temperature from the air around your clothes. This vapor is heated by your washer and used to evaporate moisture from your laundry.
Due to this efficiency it is true that a heat-pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a traditional vented electric or gas dryer, but it still weighs in the vicinity of 88 lbs. This can be a big deal if you are planning to put it on a wall or in a closet which may not have enough space for a vent.
Lint build-up is an issue for all dryers, however the reduced temperatures in a heat pump dryer limit the amount of lint that can block the exhaust and prevent your clothes from reaching their full drying potential. This also reduces the risk of fire threatening your dryer or in its exhaust. This can occur when flammable solvents and oils from your laundry enter the vent or dryer's evaporator.
Clean your dryer ducts at least every month to prevent lint accumulation (more often if you have children or pets in the house). You can make use of a leaf blower, or a wire brush to clean any lint in between the ridges of the hose of accordion. It's better to clean it outside than inside.
To avoid overdrying, be sure to use a detergent with low suds and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to set your water's level. Separate your laundry into fabric type and wash delicates like silk with heavy cottons as well as linens. So tumble dryer with heat pump don't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. Likewise, the moisture sensors will have better chances of notifying you when your laundry is completely dry to stop the cycle.
5. Space Saver Space
Heat pump dryers make use of less energy since they recycle and reuse hot air. This could save you money on utility bills, but also on the energy cost to heat or cool 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 reduces the need to replace lint-clogged dryer vents and cuts down on the waste of energy that conventional dryers use to warm up room air before it enters the machine and helps to keep your cooling and heating costs lower.
The combination of heat pump washer and dryer is designed to fit in small spaces, such as kitchens and closets. These all-in one machines just take only a few inches of space more than the best vented washers. Plus, they're ventless so they can be placed anywhere that has water and a 120-volt outlet.
The all-in-one appliances are simple to operate, too. All you have to do is select the wash cycle and dry cycle that's appropriate for your load--and let them do the work. When your clothes are ready you can simply take them off.
These energy-efficient, versatile machines make it easier than ever to clean your laundry without breaking the bank. Shop online or head to a stunning Aztec Appliance showroom today to find your new washer-dryer combo that fits seamlessly into your home. We offer the best prices on rebates, promotions and financing options to upgrade your laundry room. We're here to help you choose the right heat pump dryer for you!
