The tumble dryers of a heat pump make use of hot air to dry your clothes instead of letting it out into the outdoors. This is a low-cost option for your family, since it saves energy.
John Lewis has a range of tumble dryers that include condenser and vented models, as well as heat pump tumble dryers. Find out more about tumble dryers in our article.
Cost
Tumble dryers are excellent for eliminating the need to hang laundry in the sun and to save space when it comes to storage, but they tend to use quite lots of energy. When looking to reduce your energy bills it might be worth looking into a heat pump tumble dryer. These machines are more expensive initially, but they will save you money over time because of their lower energy consumption.
The heat pump tumble dryers function by reheating the air that has already warmed up during the drying process and results in lower energy costs than condenser models vented or vented. This type of tumble dryer typically uses approximately half the energy as a vented or condenser model, and could save you up to PS173 per year on your utility bills.
When comparing heat pump tumble dryers to other models, there is usually a negligible price difference. But, it's important to consider the amount of energy that is being used and the frequency you'll use your tumble dryer. It is important to consider the wattage and your electricity bill when calculating how much each tumble dryer will cost you.
Vented tumble dryers use gas to dry laundry and are powered by gas mains, so they can be an expensive option if you're on a tight budget. The installation options are also restricted because they have to be placed in a room with enough ventilation to the humid air.
Condenser dryers eliminate the moisture from your laundry by transferring hot, humid air into an additional unit which is then converted into water. This water is then drained away either into a removable container that must be manually empty or be plumbed into your drainage system for continuous removal. This will allow for greater flexibility in the installation places, but you'll need to prepare for extra maintenance by ensuring that the drain pipe is in good condition.
Energy efficiency
If you're concerned about your energy bills, a tumbler heat pump can offer significant savings. tumble dryers heat uses less electricity to heat the air inside the tumble dryer. This enables it to dry clothes more efficiently and at lower temperatures than vented models.
The dryers also utilize a coolant to liquefy the humidity in the air, which is then ejected through the condenser. This means they use less electricity than the traditional vented models. They might take a bit longer to complete your laundry cycle than vented dryers, however your clothes will remain looking and feeling better for longer due to the lower temperatures for drying.
They'll cost you an additional $500 to $700 up front, but the energy savings could easily make up for this. They're also a heavier investment and must be installed in rooms with adequate ventilation.
Gas Safe engineers are required to install tumble dryers, like any other electrical appliance. A vented dryer requires an elongated, flexible vent hose permanently connected to the appliance at one end and a drainage point at the other - a drain or window. The hose should be secured in place and cannot be shared with other appliance or used in any manner that could cause it to degrade.
Condenser dryers work similarly similar to heat pump dryers. They use an electrical element to warm the air, and then release the moisture via a condensation tray. They are usually heavy-duty dryers, with greater wet load capacities, ranging from 6kg to 10kg. They also operate more quietly. However, they're more costly than heat pump tumble dryers and aren't suitable for installations without a permanent connection to the wall. The cost of running them is also higher than heat pump dryers, since they generate more heat to evaporate the moisture in your laundry. They're also less efficient than vented models. However, they do still make use of a considerable amount of electricity when they spin the motor that spins your laundry.
Noise
Tumble dryers make plenty of noise however the volume they emit is contingent on a variety of factors. The decibel rating can only be one factor. The frequency of the sound also affects the volume at which it sounds. The sound can be amplified in the event that there are resonant objects nearby like cabinets, work surfaces or furniture. It may also be affected by the room's acoustics. The sound from the tumble dryer could be slowed by acoustic absorbent fabrics like carpets, or be drowned out by other appliances in your home.
Condenser and heat pumps are quieter than vented dryers however they're still loud. They're gentler on fabrics, drying your laundry more slowly with lower temperatures of air and a much longer cycle than traditional models. This means that they're less damaging to your clothes and are less likely to cause loss of colour often caused by high temperatures old-fashioned tumble dryers.
It is crucial to keep in mind if you plan to use your tumbler dryer in conjunction with a washer machine, the two appliances should be placed close to each other in order to minimize noises or vibrations when operating. A stacking washer and dryer kit is available to help solve this issue. It can be purchased for both types of appliances.
A heat pump tumble dryer requires an uninterrupted flow of air to function, therefore it's best placed in a ventilated area of your home. The vent hose needs to be connected permanently to the appliance, and then routed safely outside your home.
The condenser dryer doesn't need to be permanently connected to vents, and can be put anywhere in your house. It collects the leftover vapour and water into a condensation container that can either be manually empty, or connected to a drain via an drainage tube, which will automatically empty it.
It's possible to turn a vented tumble dryer into a condenser model by using the conversion kit, but it will void the manufacturer's warranty and must be performed by a trained professional. The kits come with parts to install a vent, as well with a small pump to remove condensation.
Maintenance
A tumbler with a heat pump differs from condenser or vented models because it doesn't require venting externally to draw out the hot air. The warm air that passes through your clothes is captured and then run through a condenser that is used to separate the water from the heated air. Then, it is recirculated in a water reservoir (sometimes called a tank) inside the appliance. This means you'll have to empty the water tank at some point, but it also allows you to store the dryer in smaller spaces than if you had to install a vent for the dryer.
The heat pump model is approximately 50 percent more energy efficient than vented models. This makes it 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. That said, it's not an inexpensive tumble dryer to purchase and you must make sure you can afford the upfront costs.
In general the tumble dryer with a heat pump requires minimal maintenance, other than cleaning the lint filter and checking for any fluff around the heating unit each time. However, you do have to clean the condensation drain frequently and it will take longer than a vented tumble dryer to dry your clothes.
Think about a sensor-controlled tumbler If you're looking for an affordable model. This will stop the machine when the laundry is done, preventing over-drying and damaging your clothes. However, you'll need to program the drying cycle, and this could be a pain when you have a lot of different clothes in your wardrobe.
Brands like Beko and John Lewis provide tumble dryers that use condenser, heat pump or vented technology. John Lewis offers a free home delivery and a two-year warranty. Always check the warranty information carefully prior to purchasing an appliance, especially one that is electrical like a tumble dryer, to ensure you're covered in the event of breakdowns or faults.
