Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
The heat pump washer dryers are set to become household staples due to new federal incentives and impressive laboratory test results. These units are quicker to wash and to dry, and they do not pull conditioned indoor air outside to vent.
They also have lower temperatures, which is gentler on clothes. Continue reading to learn more about this innovative laundry technology.
1. Saves Energy
The use of heat pumps isn't just for heating and cooling homes, but they're also being used to dry clothes. A ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryer uses 28% less energy than a conventional dryer, and could save you money on electric bills. They operate at less heat to minimize wear and tear and damage on your clothes.
During the drying process heat pump dryers use the same air recycled through the washing machine, but it goes through a condenser unit in the evaporator unit to heat up and cool the air. The warm air is returned to the drum to continue drying the clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer won't never have to exhaust the moisture-laden air as vented dryers do.
Because the laundry process consumes large amounts of energy, it's worth trying to make your current appliances as efficient as they can be. This can be achieved by combining a washer and dryers that use heat. This will ensure maximum efficiency and begin saving on energy costs as soon as you can.
Check out our selection of ENERGY SSTAR-certified washers and dryers to start. You can sort results by model and energy consumption, wash cycles, or spin speed. Make sure to look over the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance will cost to run each year.
Combined washer-dryers are another great option for households that cannot afford to have two separate machines or don't have the space to house them. These units are plugged into a 120-volt standard outlet and do not require a venting system or special 240-volt hookup. These units are ideal for condominiums and apartments as they can be tucked away in a cupboard or under a counter.
2. Reduces Noise
Most traditional clothes dryers use the hot gas or electric coil to heat the air that evaporates the moisture from your laundry. The air is then vented out of your home, bringing with it your conditioned air that you're paying to cool in the summer and warm in winter. Your home has to perform overtime to make up for the loss of conditioned air by pulling in replacement air from cracks and gaps in your walls and around doors.
The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, rather than heating it and venting it. This is a great option for homeowners with homes that are too small to accommodate additional air flow. It's also possible for people to install dryer/washer combination units in places that they would not normally be able to put venting dryers, such as under stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency and performance.
While this is an important benefit of all-in one drying and washing machines, they aren't without their flaws. It's important to allow enough time for each load since all-in-one appliances take longer to finish their cycles than traditional dryers and washers. Additionally mixing two appliances in one can reduce the amount of laundry you're able do in one go, since it takes approximately an hour longer for colors and whites to dry than in separate machines.
Thankfully, most manufacturers have begun to tackle these issues with simple solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer combination is one example. It has the option to prop the door slightly open when it is running to prevent water pooling and drying the drum. A lot of LG models, including our top pick, feature a tiny drainage hole in the bottom laundry tub that lets water drain rather than pooling. Additionally, you can purchase a sound blanket that fit comfortably over your heat pump to reduce its sound.
3. Reduces wear and tear
The heat pump dryers don't warm the air like traditional dryers. They simply remove the moisture from clothes. This is much gentler on fabrics. This saves energy, as it doesn't have to waste energy to heat the air for the drying process.
But, they do require some maintenance than standalone dryers because the condensate drain pipe has to be cleaned regularly to avoid obstructions. This is not a lot different from cleaning a regular machine.
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 apartment dwellers as well as students and other who don't wish to change their living spaces or spend more money for 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. Many people were hesitant to use them due to the fact that they didn't become as hot. However manufacturers have upgraded their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer that is among our top dryers, has a typical drying time between 37 and 70 minutes.
The key to reducing drying time is to avoid overdoing the detergent, which can cause excessive suds that prolongs cycles and leaves a slimy residue on clothes (readers send us emails every day about this problem). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and clean the dispenser drawer on a routine basis. This will ensure that the machine operates as efficiently as it can which will save you money and energy.
4. Reduces Lint
A heat pump dryer makes use of less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. It's because it doesn't push hot, humid air into your clothes, but instead draws the vapor of room temperature from the air around your clothes. That steam is then heated by your washer to remove the moisture from your laundry, making this type of dryer more energy efficient.
A heat pump washer dryer weighs 88lbs., which is not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This could be a significant difference if you plan to put it on the wall or put it in a closet that may not be big enough to accommodate a vent.
Lint buildup is a problem for all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's reduced temperatures reduce the amount of lint that could block the exhaust and prevent the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. That also lowers the risk of a fire in your dryer or its exhaust, which can happen when solvents and flammable oils from your laundry get into the vent or the dryer's evaporator.
Clean your dryer ducts at least once a month to reduce the accumulation of lint (more often if there are children or pets living in the house). You can use a leaf blower or wire brush to remove any lint that has accumulated between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's safer to clean this outside than inside.
To avoid overdrying, be sure to use a detergent that is low in suds and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to set your water level. Separate your laundry by kind of fabric and wash delicates such as silk with heavy cottons and linens. That way you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much, and the sensors for moisture have better chances of being able to tell the moment your laundry is dry and ready to be disposed of.
5. Space Saver Space
Since heat pump dryers reuse and reuse hot air, they use less energy than vented dryers. tumble dryer with heat pump can help you save money on your energy bills, and also on the energy cost to cool or heat your home.
This method is more gentle on fabrics and helps reduce shrinkage which is a major benefit when dealing with expensive clothes. It also eliminates the need for lint-clogged vents, and reduces the energy used by conventional dryers in order to warm the air before it enters the dryer. This helps keep your heating costs low.
Combinations of heat pump washers and dryers are designed to fit in small areas, like kitchens and closets. These machines are all-in-one and take up only a few inches more space than vented front-load washers. They're ventless, which means you can place them anywhere you have water and a 110-volt outlet.
These appliances are also easy to use. All you need to do is choose the wash and dry cycle that's best for your load--and let them do their job. When your clothes are dry, simply remove them.
These energy-efficient, versatile machines make it easier than ever to wash your clothes without breaking the budget. Go online or visit the an exquisite Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the ideal washer-dryer combination that will seamlessly fit into your home. We have the best discounts, prices, rebates, and special financing to make upgrading your laundry space more affordable. We're here to assist you select the ideal heat pump dryer for your lifestyle and needs!