Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
Heat pump dryers are set to become household staples with new federal incentives and awe-inspiring laboratory test results. These all-in-one machines are quicker to wash and dry and are not ventless, which means they don't pull conditioned air out of your home to vent outdoors.
They also utilize lower temperatures that is gentler on clothing. Continue reading to learn more about this revolutionary technology for washing.
1. Energy Savings
The use of heat pumps isn't just to cool and heat homes however, they're also employed to dry clothes. An energy STAR certified heat pump dryer uses 28 percent less energy than a traditional dryer and can save you money on electric bills. They operate at a lower temperature which also reduces wear and tear on your clothes and the environment.
During tumble dryers with heat pump drying process, heat pump washer-dryers use the same air that is recycled through the washing machine, however it goes through a condenser coil in the evaporator unit to heat up and cool the air. The warm air is transferred to the drum in order to continue drying clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer won't never need to exhaust the moist air as vented dryers do.
Since the process of washing clothes consumes significant amounts of energy It's worthwhile to make your current appliances as efficient as possible. The best method to accomplish this is to pair an efficient washer with a dryer that uses a heat pump. This will help you lock in maximum efficiency and begin saving on energy costs as soon as you can.
Check out our selection of ENERGY SSTAR-certified dryers and washers to get started. You can sort results by 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.
Combination washer-dryers are a great option for those households that cannot afford two separate units, or do not have the space. These units plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and don't require a venting system or a special hookups of 240-volts. They're great for apartments and condos, since they can be placed in a closet or underneath 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 vaporized air is then blown outside your home, taking with it the conditioned air, which you pay to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Your home will have to work overtime to replace the lost conditioned heat by pulling replacement air through cracks and gaps around doors and walls.
The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one place to another, instead of heating it and venting it. This is a great option for homeowners who have houses that aren't big enough to handle additional air flow. It is also possible to put in washer/dryer combos in areas that vented dryers might not be appropriate like under the stairs. This will not impact the efficiency or energy efficiency.
While this is a major benefit of all-in one drying and washing machines, they do have their drawbacks. It's crucial to give yourself enough time for each load because all-in-one machines require more time to complete their cycles than traditional washers/dryers. Combining two appliances will also reduce the amount of laundry that you can wash in a single load because it takes longer to dry colors and whites than if they were separate machines.
The majority of manufacturers have begun to address these issues by offering simple solutions. For instance LG's top-rated washer and dryer combo features the ability to prop the door open slightly while the machine is running to stop water from pooling and drying out of the drum. Many LG models like our top pick, also have a small drain hole in the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water flow out instead of pooling inside the drum. You can also purchase sound blankets that are fitted snugly over your heat pump to minimize its sound.
3. Reduces wear and tear
When a heat pump dryer works, it doesn't warm up the air like a traditional dryer--it only extracts the moisture from the clothes, so it's far more gentle on fabrics than a regular model. This is a great way to save energy, since it doesn't have to use 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 on a regular basis to prevent blockages. However, this isn't that much different than cleaning a regular dryer.
The biggest difference is that heat pump washer and dryer combos do not vent, which means they can be used in a house without cutting into the wall outside to run ductwork. This is ideal for people who live in apartments as well as college students and others who don't want to spend more money or alter their living space.
These dryers dry clothes more slowly 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 accept them, but manufacturers have improved their technology over time. A heat-pump dryer on our top dryer list -- the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, has typical dry times of 37 to 70 minutes.
It is essential to not overdo the washing. This could result in excessive suds, which prolongs the process and leaves a slimy film on the clothing. (Readers constantly write to us about this problem). Use the recommended amount of high efficiency detergents, and keep the dispenser drawer clean. This will ensure that the machine operates as efficiently as possible saving your energy and money.
4. Reduces Lint
When drying your clothes, a heat pump dryer uses less air than vented gas or electric dryers. This is because it doesn't blow hot, humid, air into your laundry but instead, it extracts vapor at a room temperature from the air surrounding your clothes. This vapor is heated by your washer, and then used to evaporate water from your laundry.
A heat pump washer dryer weighs 88lbs. This isn't as heavy as vented gas dryers or electric dryer. That can make a difference if you're planning to put it on the wall or put it in a space that may not be large enough to accommodate a vent.
Lint build-up can be a problem for all dryers. However, the lower temperatures of the heat pump dryer limit the amount of lint that can block the exhaust and prevent your clothes from reaching their maximum drying capacity. This also reduces the possibility of fire in the dryer, or in its exhaust. This can occur when flammable solvents and oils from your laundry enter the vent or dryer's evaporator.
Clean your dryer ducts at minimum every month to avoid the accumulation of lint (more often if you have pets or children living in the house). A leaf blower or wire brush can help you clear out any lint build-up between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's safer to do this outside rather than inside if it's possible.
Make sure you use a detergent with low sudsing and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to set your water level to avoid drying too much. Also, separate your laundry according to kinds of fabrics and wash delicates such as silk using heavy linens or cottons. You won't overdye, shrink or over-dry your delicates and the moisture sensor will detect when your laundry is dry enough to stop the cycle.
5. Space Saver Space
Heat pump dryers consume less energy as they recycle and reuse hot air. This could save you money on energy bills, and also on energy costs to cool or heat your house.
This method is also gentler on fabrics, which reduces shrinkage and wear, which is a major benefit when you're dealing with expensive clothes. It also means that you don't have to clean out dryer vents that have become clogged with lint and cuts down on the waste of energy that conventional dryers expend to warm air before it enters the machine, helping to keep your heating and cooling costs down.
Combinations of heat pump washers and dryers are designed to fit into small spaces, like kitchens and closets. These all-in-one machines just take only some inches more than the best vented washers. They are ventless, so you can put them wherever you want to with the power of 110-volts and water.
They're also simple to use. All you have to do is select the right washing cycle and drying cycle for your load, and then let them do their work. When your clothes are dry take them off.
These efficient, energy-efficient machines make it easier than ever to wash your clothes without breaking the budget. Go online or visit the a gorgeous Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that will seamlessly fit into your home. We offer the best deals and promotions, rebates and financing specials for upgrading your laundry room. We're here to help you choose the right dryer that is heat pump!