Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
Heat pump washer dryers are set to become household staples due to new federal incentives and awe-inspiring laboratory test results. These all-in-one units are quicker to dry and wash and are not ventless, which means they don't draw the conditioned air from your home to vent outdoors.
They also utilize lower temperatures that is gentler on clothing. Continue reading to learn more about this innovative laundry technology.
1. Saves Energy
They're not just used to cool and heat homes, but they're also being employed to dry clothes. A energy STAR certified heat pump dryer consumes 28 percent less energy than a traditional dryer and can save you cash on your electric bill. They utilize the lower temperature to lessen wear and tear, and damage to your clothes.
Heat pump washer-dryers recycle air used during the washing process. However it is cooled, then warmed by a condenser unit located within the evaporator. Then the warm air is then pushed back into the drum to continue drying the clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer won't never need to exhaust the moisture-laden air like vented dryers.
It's worth making your appliances as energy-efficient as you can, because the laundry process consumes a lot of energy. This can be accomplished by combining a washer and a dryer that uses a heat pump. This will help you to maximize efficiency and begin saving on energy costs immediately.
Check out our selection of ENERGY STAR certified dryers and washers to start. You can filter the results by model, energy consumption wash cycles, as well as spin speed. Make sure to look over the yellow Energy Guide Label to see the cost of each appliance to run every year.
Combined washer-dryers are another ideal option for households that cannot afford two separate machines or do not have the space to house them. They are plugged directly into a 120-volt outlet and don't require a separate 240-volt venting or hookup system. These units are perfect for condominiums and apartments as they can be tucked away in the cupboard or under counters.
2. Reduces Noise
Most traditional clothes dryers heat the air by using gas or electric coil. This allows you to evaporate moisture from your clothing. The air then escapes out of your home, bringing along the conditioned air you pay to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home will need to work extra hours to replenish the lost heat by pulling the replacement air through gaps and cracks between walls and doors.
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 aren't big enough to accommodate an additional flow of air. It is also possible to put in washer/dryer combos in areas where venting dryers would not be suitable for instance, under stairs. This will not affect the efficiency or energy efficiency.
All-in-one machines have many advantages however, they also have some disadvantages. They take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers which is why it's crucial to allot plenty of time for each load. Additionally, combining two appliances together reduces the amount of laundry you can do at one time, since it takes about an hour longer for colors and whites to dry than in separate machines.
Thankfully, most manufacturers have begun to address these issues by offering simple solutions. For instance LG's top-rated washer-dryer combination has a feature that lets you prop the door open a bit while the machine is running to stop the water from accumulating and drying out of the drum. Many LG models such as our top choice, have a drain hole at the bottom of the tub to let the water drain instead of pooling in the drum. Finally, heat-pump tumble dryer can purchase compressor sound blanket wraps that are fitted snugly over your heat pump to minimize its noise.
3. Reduces wear and tear
The heat pump dryers don't warm the air, unlike traditional dryers. They simply remove the moisture from clothes. This is much gentler on the fabric. This helps conserve energy since it doesn't need to use energy to heat the air for the drying process.
That said, heat-pump dryers do require some maintenance than standalone dryers since the condensate drain tube needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent blockages. This isn't much different from cleaning a conventional machine.
Combinations of heat pump washer and dryer do not vent. This means that you can use them within your home without cutting into the exterior wall for ductwork. This is an important benefit for those who live in apartments or students who don't want to change their living space or spend more money for a new appliance.
Because heat-pump systems don't get as hot, they take longer to dry clothes than traditional dryers. Many people were hesitant use them due to the fact that they didn't attain the same temperature. However manufacturers have upgraded their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA heat pump dryer that is on our list of best dryers, comes with an average drying time of 37 to 70 minutes.
The key to reducing drying time is to not overdo the detergent, which can create excessive suds, which can delay drying cycles and leaves a slimy residue on your clothes (readers write to us all the time about this issue). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and clean the dispenser drawer on a regular basis. This will ensure that the machine is running at its best and not wasting your time and money.
4. Reduces Lint
When you're drying your clothes, a heat pump dryer uses less air than vented electric or vented gas dryers. This is due to the fact that it doesn't blast hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead, it extracts vapor at a room temperature from the air that surrounds your clothes. This vapor is then heated by your dryer to remove the moisture from your laundry, making this type of dryer much more energy-efficient.
A heat pump washer weighs 88 pounds. It's not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. This can be a big issue if you intend to put it on the wall or use it inside the closet, which might not have enough space 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. That also lowers the risk of a fire threatening your dryer or in its exhaust, which can occur when solvents and oils that are flammable from your laundry get into the vent or the dryer's evaporator.
Clean your dryer ducts at least every month to avoid lint accumulation (more often if there are children or pets in the house). You can make use of a leaf blower, or a wire brush to clean any lint that has accumulated between the ridges of the accordion hose. It is safer to clean it outside than inside.
To avoid drying out, make sure to use a low-suds detergent and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to set your water level. Separate your laundry by fabric type and wash delicates like silk with heavy cottons as well as linens. This way, you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. The sensors for moisture have better chances of being able to tell when your laundry is fully dry to stop the cycle.
5. Space Savings
They make use of less energy since they recycle and reuse hot air. This will help you save money on your utility bills, but also on energy costs to cool or heat your house.
This method is also gentler on fabrics, and reduces wear and shrinkage--a important benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also eliminates the need to clean vents blocked by lint and reduces the energy used by conventional dryers to heat the air before it enters the dryer. 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 center--like in kitchens or closets. These all-in-one machines only take up some inches more than the best vented washers. They are ventless, so you can place them wherever you want to with water and a 110-volt outlet.
These all-in-one appliances are easy to use, too. All you need to do is select the dry and wash cycle that's best for your load and let them do the work. Then, simply pull your clothes out when they're done.
With these energy efficient, versatile machines, it's easier than ever before to wash your clothes without costing you a fortune. Shop online or visit a stunning Aztec Appliance showroom today to find your new washer-dryer combo that is a perfect fit for your home. We offer the best prices and promotions, rebates, and special financing for enhancing your laundry space. We're here to assist you in choosing the best dryer that is heat pump!