Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
Heat pump dryers are poised to become household staples thanks to new federal incentives as well as impressive laboratory test results. These units are faster to wash and dry and they don't bring conditioned indoor air outside to vent.
They also use lower temperatures which is gentler on clothing. Read on to find out more about this exciting technology for laundry.
1. Energy Savings
They're not just used for cooling and heating homes however, they're also used to dry clothes. A heat pump dryer that is ENERGY STAR certified uses 28% less electricity than a traditional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They operate at a lower temperature, which reduces wear and tear on your clothes and the environment.
During the drying process, heat pump washer-dryers use the same air recycled by the washing machine, but it passes through a condenser coil within the evaporator unit to warm up and cool the air. The warm air is then pushed into the drum to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer does not have to expel moisture-laden air, as vented dryers do.
Because the laundry process consumes large amounts of energy It's worth attempting to make your existing appliances as efficient as they can be. This can be accomplished by pairing a washer with a heat-pump dryer. This will enable you to maximize efficiency, and begin saving money on energy immediately.
To begin, check out our selection of ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers. You can filter the results by model, energy consumption washing cycles, wash cycles, and spin speed. Be sure to look at the yellow Energy Guide label to understand the amount each appliance will cost to run every year.
Combination washer-dryers can be a great option for those households who are unable to afford two separate machines or don't have enough space. These units plug directly into a 120-volt outlet and don't require a special 240 volt venting or hookup. These units are great for condominiums and apartments as they can be tucked away in the cupboard or under the counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional dryers for clothes use heat to dry the clothes using an electric or gas coil. This helps remove moisture from your clothes. That air is then vented out of your home, bringing with it your conditioned air that you're paying to cool in summer and warm in the winter. Your house will have to work overtime to replace the lost conditioned heat by pulling the replacement air through cracks and gaps around doors and walls.
The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, rather than heating the air and venting it. This is ideal for homeowners who have houses that aren't big enough to handle additional air flow. It's also possible to put washer and dryer combos in spaces which they wouldn't normally be able to put a vented dryer for instance, under the stairs without sacrificing energy efficiency or performance.
All-in-one machines have many advantages however, they also have a few drawbacks. It is important to allow sufficient time for each load as all-in-one appliances take longer to complete their cycles than traditional washers/dryers. Additionally the combination of two appliances in one can reduce the amount of laundry you're able do at one time, since it takes about an hour longer for whites and colors to dry than they would in separate machines.
Thankfully, most manufacturers are beginning to solve these issues by offering simple solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer set-up, for example, has the option to prop the door slightly open when it is running to prevent the water from pooling and drying out the drum. A lot of LG models, including our top choice, have a drain hole in the bottom of the tub to let the water escape instead of pooling in the drum. You can also buy sound blankets that are fitted around the heat pump to reduce noise.
3. Reduces wear and tear
When a heat pump dryer is working it doesn't heat up the air like a traditional dryer--it only extracts the moisture from the garments, so it's far more gentle on clothing than a regular model. This also saves energy because it doesn't waste the energy that it takes to heat up the air to dry the garments.
Heat-pump dryers require more maintenance than standalone dryers due to the fact that the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned regularly to avoid obstructions. However, this isn't much different from cleaning a conventional dryer.
The biggest difference is that heat pump washer and dryer combos don't vent, which means they can be used in a house without cutting into the wall exterior to run ductwork. Washers And Dryers is a major plus for apartment dwellers, students, and others who don't want to alter their living spaces or spend additional money for a new appliance.
Heat-pump systems dry clothes slower than traditional dryers because they don't get as hot. Many people were hesitant to use them because they didn't become as hot. However, manufacturers have improved their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer which is on our list of best dryers, comes with typical drying times between 37 and 70 minutes.
The key to reducing drying time is to not overdo the detergent, which can cause excessive suds that prolongs cycles and leaves a slimy residue on your clothes (readers write to us every day about this issue). Use the recommended amount high-efficiency detergents and keep the dispenser drawer clean. This will ensure that your machine runs as efficiently as possible 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 electric dryer. This is because it does not blast hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead, it extracts vapor at room temperature from the air that surrounds your clothes. That vapor is then heated by your washer to evaporate the moisture out of your clothes and make this kind of dryer a lot more energy-efficient.
Because of this efficiency, a heat pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a conventional vented gas or electric dryer, but it weighs about 88 lbs. This can be a big difference if you plan to place it on a wall or in a space that may not be big enough to accommodate vents.
Lint buildup is a problem in all dryers. However, the heat pump dryer's lower temperatures limit the amount of lint that can clog up the exhaust and stop the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. This also reduces the chance of a fire developing in your dryer or its exhaust, which could occur when flammable oils and solvents from your laundry get into the vent or into the dryer's evaporator.
To prevent the build-up of lint Make sure you clean your dryer drain at least once per year (more often if you have children or pets). You can make use of a leaf blower or wire brush to get rid of any lint in between the ridges of the hose that connects to the accordion. It is 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's level. Separate your laundry according to kind of fabric and wash delicates such as silk with heavy cottons and linens. You won't shrink or overdye your delicates and the moisture sensor will detect when your laundry is dry enough to close the cycle.
5. Space Saver Space
Because heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they use less energy than vented dryers. This can save you money on utility bills, but also on the energy cost to cool or heat your house.
This method is also gentler on fabrics, which reduces shrinkage and wear--a major benefit when you're dealing with expensive clothes. It also eliminates the need for lint-clogged vents, and reduces the energy wasted by conventional dryers to heat the air in the room prior to entering the machine. This helps to reduce your heating bills.
In the end, heat pump dryer-washer combos are designed to fit into tiny spaces that would not allow for a separate laundry room, like in kitchens or closets. These all-in-one machines take up only a few inches more space than vented front-load washers. They're not vented, so you can place them anywhere with electricity and water.
These all-in-one appliances are easy to operate, too. All you need to do is select the dry and wash cycle that's right for your needs and let them work their magic. When your clothes are dry you can simply take them off.
These efficient, energy-efficient machines make it easier than ever 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 on rebates, promotions and financing specials to upgrade your laundry room. And we're here to help you select the right dryer that meets your requirements and lifestyle!