Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
With the new federal incentives and awe-inspiring lab test results, the heat pump washer dryer is poised to become a commonplace. These all-in-one machines take less time to dry and wash, and are also ventless, which means they don't draw conditioned air out of your home to vent outdoors.
The clothes are also treated at less heat. Continue reading to find out more about this cutting-edge laundry technology.
1. Saves Energy
The use of heat pumps isn't just to cool and heat homes however, they're also used to dry clothes. A dryer with a heat pump that is ENERGY STAR certified uses 28% less power 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 and the environment.
During the drying process heat pump washer-dryers utilize the same air that is recycled through the washing machine, however it passes through a condenser coil within the evaporator unit to heat up and cool the air. The warm air is pushed into the drum to continue drying clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer will never have to exhaust the moist air as vented dryers do.
It's important to make your appliances as energy efficient as possible, as laundry processes consume an enormous amount of energy. The best method to accomplish this is by pairing an efficient washer with a dryer that uses a heat pump. This will enable you to lock in maximum efficiency and start saving energy costs right away.
To get started to get started, take a look at our collection 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 examine the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance costs to run for the year.
Combining washer-dryers is another great alternative for households that are unable to afford to have two separate units or don't have the space for them. These units plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and don't require a venting system or special hookups for 240-volts. These units are perfect for condominiums and apartments as they can be placed in cabinets or under a counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional dryers employ an electric or hot gas coil to heat the air that evaporates the moisture in your laundry. The air is then vented out of your home, taking along the conditioned air that you pay for to cool in summer and heat in winter. Your home will have to work extra hours to replenish the lost heat by pulling the replacement air through gaps and cracks between walls and doors.
The heat pump washer dryers move humidity from one location to another instead of venting it and heating it, which is good news for homeowners with tight houses that can't handle extra airflow. It's also possible to install dryer/washer combinations in areas that they would not normally be able to install venting dryers like under the stairs without sacrificing energy efficiency and performance.
All-in-one units have a number of advantages however, they also have some disadvantages. They take longer to complete their cycles than traditional washers and dryers and therefore it is important to allocate enough time for each load. Combining two appliances can also limit the amount of laundry you can do in one go, as it takes longer to dry your whites and colors than they would be if they were separate units.
Thankfully, most manufacturers have started to solve these issues by offering simple solutions. For instance LG's top-rated washer-dryer combination comes with an option that lets you prop the door slightly open while it's running to prevent the water from accumulating and drying out the drum. Many LG models like our top choice, come with a small drain hole in the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water drain instead of pooling in the drum. You can also buy sound blankets that fit snugly around the heat pump in order to minimize noise.
3. Reduces wear and tear
When a heat pump dryer works, it doesn't warm up the air like a traditional dryer. tumble dryer with heat pump extracts the moisture from the clothing which means it's much more gentle on fabrics than a traditional model. It also saves energy since it doesn't have to waste the energy required to heat the air for the drying process.
Heat-pump dryers require more maintenance than standalone machines since the condensate drainage tube has to be cleaned regularly to prevent obstructions. However, this isn't much different from cleaning a standard dryer.
Heat pump washer-dryer combinations do not vent. This means that you can use them in your home without having to cut into the exterior wall to install ductwork. This is a huge benefit for those who live in apartments as well as students and other who don't want to alter their living space or pay extra money on an expensive new appliance.
Heat-pump systems dry clothes slower than traditional dryers due to the fact that they don't get nearly as hot. This has been one reason that 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.
The most important thing to reduce drying time is to avoid overdoing the amount of detergent, which could create excessive suds, which can delay drying cycles and leaves an oily residue on clothing (readers send us emails frequently about this problem). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and wash the dispenser drawer on a regular basis. This will ensure that the machine runs as efficiently as it can, saving you money and energy.
4. Reduces Lint
A heat pump dryer requires less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This is because it does not blow hot, humid air into your laundry but instead, it extracts vapor at a room temperature from the air that surrounds your clothes. The vapor is then heated by your washer and used to remove the moisture from your laundry.
A heat pump washer weighs 88 pounds. This isn't as heavy as a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This can be a big deal if you are planning to install it on the wall or put it in the closet, which might not have enough space to accommodate vents.
Lint build-up is a problem for all dryers, but the reduced temperatures in a heat pump dryer limit how much it can clog the exhaust and prevent your clothes from reaching their full drying capacity. This also reduces the chance of a fire developing in your dryer or its exhaust, which could occur when solvents and flammable oils from your laundry get into the vent or the dryer's evaporator.
Clean your dryer's ducts at least once a month to reduce the accumulation of lint (more often if there are pets or children in the house). A leaf blower or wire brush can help you get rid of any lint that has accumulated between ridges in the accordion hose. It's safer to do this from outside instead of inside, if you can.
To prevent drying out, be sure to use a low-suds detergent and follow the manufacturer's directions on how to set your water level. Separate your laundry by kinds of fabrics and wash delicates like silk using heavy linens or cottons. So you don't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. The sensors for moisture have better chances of being able to tell the moment your laundry is dry to end the cycle.
5. Space Savings
Because heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they use less energy than vented dryers. This means they can help you save money in many ways, not just in terms of utility bills but also on the amount of energy needed to warm or cool your home.
This method is gentler on fabrics and reduces shrinkage which is a huge 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 dryer. This helps to keep your heating costs low.
The heat pump washer-dryer combos are designed to tuck into small spaces that wouldn't permit a separate laundry room, like in kitchens or closets. These units are just one inch more space than front-load washers that are vented. They are ventless, so you can place them anywhere with water and a 110-volt outlet.
They're also simple to use. All you have to do is choose the dry and wash cycle that's appropriate for your load and let them do the work. When your clothes are dry, simply remove them.
These energy-efficient, versatile machines allow you to clean your laundry without breaking the bank. 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 best prices and promotions, rebates and financing options for upgrading your laundry room. We're here to assist you in choosing the right dryer that is heat pump!