Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
Heat pump dryers are set to become household staples with new federal incentives and awe-inspiring laboratory test results. These all-in-one units are quicker to dry and wash and are ventless, meaning they don't take the conditioned air from your home to vent outside.
They also use a lower temperature, which is gentler on clothes. Find out more about this exciting technology for washing.
1. Energy Savings
The use of heat pumps isn't limited to cooling and heating your home and are now being utilized in clothes dryers as well. A heat pump dryer that is ENERGY START-certified consumes less electricity than a conventional dryer, which will save you money on your electric bill. They operate at a lower temperature, which also reduces wear and tear on your clothes as well as the environment.
The heat pump washer-dryers reuse the air used during the washing cycle. However, it is cooled and warmed by a condenser unit located inside the evaporator. The warm air is pushed back into the drum to continue drying the clothes. A heat pump dryer does not need to exhaust the air that is laden with moisture, like vented dryers do.
Because the laundry process consumes substantial amounts of energy, it's worth trying to make your appliances as efficient as you can. The best method to accomplish this is to pair an efficient washer with a heat pump dryer. This will allow you to maximize efficiency and start saving money on energy immediately.
For a start take a look at our selection of ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers. You can filter your results by model, energy consumption, wash cycles, and spin speed. Be sure to read the yellow Energy Guide label to understand the amount each appliance will cost to run every year.
Combination washer-dryers can be an excellent option for households that cannot afford two separate units or don't have enough space. They plug directly into an outlet that is 120 volts, and do not require a separate 240-volt hookup or venting system. These units are ideal for condominiums and apartments since they can be placed in a cupboard or under a counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional clothes dryers utilize a hot gas or electric coil to heat the air that evaporates moisture from your laundry. This air is then vented out of your home, bringing along the conditioned air you pay for to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home has to be working overtime to compensate for the loss of conditioning air by pulling in replacement air from cracks and gaps in your walls and around doors.
Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another rather than venting it and heating it, which is good news for those who live in homes that can't accommodate more air flow. It's also possible for people to install dryer/washer combos in spaces where they wouldn't normally be able to place venting dryers for instance, under the stairs without sacrificing energy efficiency and performance.
While this is an important benefit of all-in-one washing and drying machines, they have their disadvantages. It is important to allow sufficient time for each load because all-in-one machines require more time to complete their cycles than traditional dryers or washers. Additionally, combining two appliances in one can reduce the amount of laundry you're able to do at one time, since it takes around an hour longer for colors and whites to dry than in separate machines.
Many manufacturers have begun to address these issues by offering easy solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer combination, for example, has the option to prop the door slightly open when it's running to prevent water pooling and drying the drum. A lot of LG models like our top pick, have a small drain hole in the bottom of the tub to let the water escape instead of pooling in the drum. Additionally, you can purchase sound blankets that are fitted snugly over your heat pump to reduce its sound.
3. Reduces Wear and Tear
Heat pump dryers don't heat the air, like traditional dryers. They just remove moisture from clothing. This is more gentle on the fabric. This saves energy, as it doesn't have to use energy to heat the air to speed up the drying process.
The dryers that use heat require more maintenance than standalone machines due to the fact that the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned regularly to prevent obstructions. But, this isn't too different than cleaning a regular dryer.
The main difference is that heat-pump washer-dryer combos do not vent, which means they can be used in your home without cutting through the wall outside to run ductwork. This is great for apartment dwellers, college students, and others who don't want to spend more money or alter their living space.
Heat-pump systems dry clothes slower than traditional dryers because they don't get as hot. This is one reason why many people have been reluctant to embrace them, but manufacturers have improved the technology over time, and a heat-pump dryer on our best dryer list -- the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, has typical drying times of 37 to 70 minutes.
It is crucial to avoid overdoing the detergent. This can result in excessive suds, which prolongs the cycle and leaves a slimy layer on your clothes. (Readers constantly email us about this problem). Use the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and keep the dispenser drawer clean. This will ensure the machine is running at its best and not wasting your time and money.
4. Reduces Lint
A heat pump dryer uses less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This is due to the fact that it doesn't blast hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead extracts vapor at room temperature from the air surrounding your clothes. That vapour is then heated by your washer to remove the moisture from your laundry which makes this kind of dryer much more energy-efficient.
A heat pump washer dryer weighs 88lbs. This isn't as heavy as a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. This can be a big difference if you're planning to put it on the wall or put it in a closet that may not be large enough to accommodate a vent.
Lint buildup is a problem in all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's reduced temperatures limit the amount lint that could block the exhaust and stop the clothes from drying to their full potential. This also reduces the possibility of fire in the dryer, or in its exhaust. This can occur when volatile solvents and oil from your laundry enter the vent or dryer's evaporator.
Clean your dryer ducts at least once a month to reduce lint accumulation (more often if there are children or pets living in the house). A wire brush or leaf blower can help you clear out any lint that's built up between the ridges of the accordion hose, and it's safer to do this outside instead of inside, if you can.
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 by the type of fabric and wash delicates like silk using heavy cottons and linens. So you don't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. The sensors for moisture will have better chances of being able to tell when your laundry is completely dry to stop the cycle.
5. Space Saver Space
The dryers that use heat pump make use of less energy since they recycle and reuse hot aer. This means they can help you save money in a variety of ways--not just on utility bills but also by cutting back on the amount of energy required to cool or heat your home.
This process is also gentler on fabrics, so it reduces shrinkage and wear, which is a major benefit when you're dealing with expensive clothes. It also removes the need for vents that are blocked by lint, and also reduces the energy wasted by conventional dryers to warm the air before it enters the machine. This helps to keep your heating costs low.
In the end, heat pump dryer-washer combinations are designed to fit into tiny spaces that would not allow for a separate laundry room, like in closets or kitchens. These units require only two inches more space than the most vented front-load washers. Additionally, they're ventless, which means they can be placed wherever you have water and a 120-volt outlet.
They're also simple to use. All you have to do is select the appropriate washing cycle and drying cycle for your load, and then let them do the work. When your clothes are ready, simply remove them.
With these energy efficient and versatile machines, it's easier than ever before to complete your laundry without breaking the bank. Go online or visit the a gorgeous Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the ideal washer-dryer combination that fits seamlessly into your home. We offer the best rates, discounts, rebates and financing specials to help make the process of upgrading your laundry space more affordable. heat pump tumble dryer to assist you select the right dryer that meets your lifestyle and needs!