Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
The heat pump washer dryers are poised to become household staples thanks to 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 draw the conditioned air from your home to vent it outside.
They also use a lower temperature which is gentler on clothes. Read on to find out more about this fascinating laundry technology.
1. Saves Energy
The use of heat pumps isn't limited to home heating and cooling, they're now being used in clothes dryers as well. A dryer with a heat pump that is ENERGY STAR-certified uses 28% less power than a conventional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They operate at a lower temperature, which also reduces wear and tear on your clothes and the environment.
During the drying process heat pump dryers use the same air that is recycled by the washing machine, however it goes through a condenser coil in the evaporator unit in order to warm up and cool the air. The warm air is then pushed back into the drum to continue drying the clothes. A heat pump dryer doesn't need to exhaust humid air, like vented dryers do.
Since the process of washing clothes consumes substantial amounts of energy It's worth attempting to make your current appliances as efficient as you can. The best method to accomplish this is by pairing an efficient washer with a high-efficiency heat pump dryer. This will lock in maximum efficiency and start saving on energy costs immediately.
Check out our selection of ENERGY SSTAR-certified dryers and washers to begin. You can sort results by model, energy consumption, wash cycles or spin speed. Be sure to look at the yellow Energy Guide label to understand the amount each appliance will cost to run every year.
Combined washer-dryers are another excellent alternative for households that are unable to afford to have two separate machines or do not have the space for them. heat pump tumble dryer into a standard 120-volt outlet and do not require a venting system or a special 240-volt hookup. They're ideal for apartments and condos, since they can be placed inside a closet or beneath the counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional clothes dryers are heated by a hot electric or gas coil. This helps evaporate the moisture from your clothes. This air is then vented out from your home, taking along the conditioned air you pay for to cool in summer and to heat in winter. Your house will have to work overtime to replace the conditioned heat by pulling the replacement air through cracks and gaps around walls and doors.
Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, rather than heating it and then venting it. This is a great option for homeowners with homes that aren't big enough to handle additional air flow. It's also possible to install washer/dryer combos in spaces that they would not normally be able to put a vented dryer, such as under 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 take longer to complete their cycles than traditional washers/dryers. Additionally the combination of two appliances together reduces the amount of laundry you're able do at one time, since it takes around an hour longer for colors and whites to dry than they would in separate machines.
The majority of manufacturers have begun to address these issues with simple solutions. LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo is one example. It has the option to prop the door open slightly while it is running to avoid water from pooling and drying the drum. Many LG models, including our top choice, have a drain hole at the bottom of the tub to let the water drain instead of pooling inside the drum. You can also buy sound blankets that fit around your heating system to reduce noise.
3. Reduces wear and tear
When a heat pump dryer functions, it doesn't warm up the air like a traditional dryer. It only extracts the moisture from the garments, so it's far more gentle on fabrics than a traditional model. This helps conserve energy since it does not have to waste energy to heat the air for the drying process.
But, they do require a little more maintenance than standalone dryers because the condensate drain tube needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent blockages. This is not much different from cleaning a conventional machine.
The combination of washer and dryer from heat pumps does not vent. This means you can use them inside your home without having to cut into the wall outside for ductwork. This is an important benefit for apartment dwellers, students, and others who don't want to change their living spaces or spend extra money on a new appliance.
The drying time of clothes dried by heat-pump dryers is slower than traditional dryers due to the fact that they don't get nearly as hot. This is a reason why that many people have been reluctant to adopt them, however manufacturers have improved their technology over time, and a heat pump dryer on our best dryer list--the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, has typical dry times of 37 to 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 to us every day about this problem). Make sure you use the recommended amount of high efficiency detergents, and make sure to clean the dispenser drawer frequently. This will ensure that the machine runs as efficiently as it can saving you money and energy.
4. Reduces Lint
When drying your clothes using a heat pump dryer, it uses less air than vented gas or electric dryers. This is because it does not blast hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead, it extracts vapor at a room temperature from the air around your clothes. The vapor is then heated by your washer, which causes it to remove the moisture from your laundry, making this type of dryer a lot more energy-efficient.
Due to this efficiency, a heat pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a conventional vented electric or gas dryer, but it still weighs in the vicinity of 88 lbs. This could be a significant difference if you're planning to mount it on the wall or put it in a space that may not be big enough to accommodate a vent.
Lint build-up is a concern with all dryers. However, the heat pump dryer's lower temperatures reduce the amount of lint that can clog up the exhaust, preventing the clothes from drying to their full potential. This also reduces the possibility of fire threatening your dryer or in its exhaust. This can happen when the flammable solvents and oils in your laundry enter the dryer's evaporator or vent.
To reduce lint build-up Be sure to clean your dryer drain at least once per year (more often if you have pets or kids). You can use a leaf blower or wire brush to remove any lint between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's safer to clean this outside rather than inside.
To prevent drying out, be sure to use a detergent that is low in suds and follow the manufacturer's directions on how to set your water level. Also, separate your laundry according to different types of fabric and wash delicates like silk with heavy linens or cottons. That way you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. Likewise, the sensors for moisture have greater chance of detecting the moment your laundry is dry to stop the cycle.
5. Space Savings
The dryers that use heat pump use less energy because they reuse and recycle hot air. This will help you save money on your costs for utilities, but also on energy costs 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 clean out dryer vents that have become clogged with lint and cuts down on the energy consumption that conventional dryers use to warm air before it is able to enter the dryer and helps to keep your heating and cooling costs lower.
In the end, heat pump dryer-washer combos are designed to fit into tiny spaces that would not permit an additional laundry area, such as in kitchens or closets. These all-in-one machines are just one inch more space than front-load washers that are vented. They're also ventless, so they can be placed wherever you have water and an outlet with 120-volts.
These appliances are also easy to use. All you have to do is select the dry and wash cycle that's best for your load--and let them work their magic. Then, you can take your clothes out when they're ready.
These energy-efficient, multi-functional machines make it easier than ever to do laundry 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 is perfect for your home. We offer the most competitive prices, promotions, rebates and special financing to make upgrading your laundry room more affordable. We're here to assist you in choosing the best dryer that is heat pump!
