Heat pump dryers are set to become household staples due to new federal incentives as well as impressive laboratory test results. These all-in-one machines are quicker to wash and dry and they don't bring conditioned indoor air outside to vent.
The clothes are also treated at the use of a lower temperature. Read on to learn more about this exciting laundry technology.
1. Energy Savings
Heat pumps aren't just for cooling and heating your home They're now being used in clothes dryers as well. A dryer with a heat pump that is ENERGY STAR-certified uses 28% less electricity than a conventional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They run at a lower temperature which reduces wear and tear on your clothes as well as the environment.
Heat pump washer-dryers recycle air used during the washing cycle. However it is cooled, then warmed by a condenser coil located inside the evaporator. The warm air is pushed into the drum in order to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer does not require exhausting moisture-laden air, as vented dryers do.
Since the process of washing clothes consumes substantial amounts of energy It's worthwhile to make your existing appliances as efficient as you can. This can be accomplished by combining a washer and dryers that use heat. This will enable you to ensure maximum efficiency, and begin saving energy costs right away.
For a start, check out our selection of energy STAR certified dryers and washers. You can filter results by model or model, energy consumption, wash cycles, or spin speed. Be sure to check the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance costs to run every year.
Combination washer-dryers are a great option for those households that cannot afford two separate machines, or do not have the space. They plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and do not require a venting device or special hookups of 240-volts. These units are great for apartments and condominiums as they can be tucked away in cabinets or under counters.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional clothes dryers utilize the hot gas or electric coil to heat the air which evaporates moisture from your laundry. That air is then vented outside your home, taking with it the conditioned air that you're paying to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home will have to work overtime to replace the lost conditioned heat by pulling the replacement air through gaps and cracks around doors and walls.
The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one place to another, instead of heating the air and venting it. This is ideal for homeowners who have houses that are too small to allow for an additional flow of air. It is also possible to install washer/dryer combos in spaces that they would not normally be able to put venting dryers, such as under stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency and performance.
While this is a major benefit of all-in one drying and washing machines, they do have their flaws. It's important to allow enough time for each load since all-in-one machines take longer to finish their cycles than traditional washers/dryers. Combining two appliances into one can also limit the amount of laundry that you can complete in one load because it takes an hour longer to dry your whites and colors than be if they were separate units.
The majority of manufacturers have begun to address these issues by offering simple solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer combination, for example, has the option to prop the door slightly open while it's running to prevent water from pooling and drying the drum. Many LG models such as our top pick, also have a small drain hole at the bottom of the tub to let the water drain instead of pooling inside the drum. tumble dryers with heat pump can also purchase sound blankets that are fitted around your heating system to reduce the noise.
3. Reduces wear and tear
When a heat pump dryer works it doesn't heat the air like a conventional dryer. Instead, it only removes moisture from the clothing and is therefore much more gentle on clothing than a regular model. This helps conserve energy since it doesn't need to use energy to heat the air to speed up the drying process.
The dryers that use heat require more maintenance than standalone dryers since the condensate drainage tube has to be cleaned regularly to avoid obstructions. But, this isn't too different from cleaning a conventional dryer.
Heat pump washer-dryer combinations do not vent. This means that you can use them inside your home without having to cut into the exterior wall to install ductwork. This is a major plus for apartment dwellers as well as students and other who don't wish to change their living spaces or spend extra money on an expensive new appliance.
Heat-pump systems dry clothes slower than traditional dryers because they don't get as hot. Many people were hesitant to 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, a heat pump dryer which is among our top dryers, comes with a typical drying time of 37 to 70 minutes.
The key to reducing drying time is to avoid overdoing the amount of detergent, which could create excessive suds, which can delay drying cycles and leaves a slimy residue on your clothes (readers write to us all the time about this problem). Use the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents, and clean the dispenser drawer regularly. This will ensure the machine is operating as efficiently as possible and you're not wasting energy and money.
4. Reduces Lint
When drying your clothes, a heat pump dryer makes use of less air than vented electric or vented gas dryers. This is due to the fact that it doesn't blast hot, humid air into your laundry but instead, it extracts vapor at a room temperature from the air that surrounds your clothes. This vapor is heated by your washer, and then used to evaporate moisture from your laundry.
A heat pump washer weighs 88 pounds. It's not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This could be a significant difference if you're planning to mount it on the wall or use it in a space that may not be big enough to accommodate a vent.
Lint build-up is a concern in all dryers. However, the heat pump dryer's lower temperatures limit the amount lint that could block the exhaust, preventing the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. This also reduces the possibility of fire in the dryer, or in its exhaust. This can happen when flammable solvents and oils from your laundry get into the vent or dryer's evaporator.
To avoid lint build-up Be sure to clean your dryer drain at least once per year (more often when you have children or pets). You can use a leaf blower or wire brush to clean any lint between the ridges of the hose that connects to the accordion. It's safer to clean this outside rather than inside.
Use a low-sudsing detergent and follow the directions of the manufacturer on how to set your water level so that you avoid overdrying. Separate your laundry by the type of fabric and wash delicates such as silk with heavy cottons as well as linens. So you don't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. The sensors for moisture have better chances of being able to tell when your laundry is fully dry to stop the cycle.
5. Saves Space
Because heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they use less energy than vented dryers. This means that they can save money in a variety ways--not just on utility bills but also by cutting down on the amount of energy required to warm or cool your home.
This process is gentler on fabrics and lessens shrinkage which is a major benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also eliminates the need to clean vents blocked by lint and reduces the energy consumed by conventional dryers to warm the room air before entering the machine. This helps reduce your heating bills.
In the end, heat pump dryer-washer combinations are designed to fit into tiny spaces that would not permit a separate laundry center--like in kitchens or closets. These all-in-one machines only take up some inches greater than the most efficient vented washers. Additionally, they're ventless, which means you can put them anywhere with water and 120-volt outlets.
These all-in-one appliances are easy to use, too. All you need to do is choose the wash cycle and dry cycle that's best for your load and let them do their job. Then, just take your clothes off when they're clean.
These energy-efficient, multi-functional machines make it easier than ever to wash your clothes without breaking the budget. You can shop online or go to an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the right combination of washer and dryer that will fit seamlessly into your home. We offer the most competitive prices, promotions, rebates and special financing to make upgrading your laundry space more affordable. We're here to help you select the right dryer that meets your requirements and lifestyle!
