Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
The heat pump washer dryers are poised to become household staples with new federal incentives as well as impressive laboratory test results. These all-in-one machines are more efficient in washing and to dry and do not pull conditioned indoor air outside to vent.
The clothes are also treated with less heat. Continue reading to find out more about this revolutionary laundry technology.
1. Saves Energy
They're not just used for heating and cooling homes and offices, but they're also employed to dry clothes. A dryer with a heat pump that is ENERGY STAR-certified uses 28% less electricity than a traditional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They operate at the lower temperature to lessen wear and tear and damage to your clothes.
During the drying process heat pump washer-dryers utilize the same air that is recycled by the washing machine, but it goes through a condenser coil within the evaporator unit to heat up and cool the air. The warm air is then transferred to the drum in order to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer doesn't need to exhaust moisture-laden air, as vented dryers do.
It's worth making your appliances as energy efficient as possible, as the laundry process consumes lots of energy. The most efficient way to do this is to combine an efficient washer with a heat pump dryer. This will allow you to ensure maximum efficiency and start saving energy costs right away.
Explore our selection of ENERGY SSTAR-certified washers and dryers to get started. You can filter the results by model, energy consumption washing cycles, wash cycles, and spin speed. Be sure to read the yellow Energy Guide label to understand how much 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 units or don't have the space. They are plugged into a 120-volt standard outlet and don't require a venting system or special hookups of 240-volts. They're perfect for condos and apartments, because they can be tucked away inside a closet or beneath the counter.
2. Reduces Noise
Most traditional clothes dryers heat the air by using a hot electric or gas coil. This helps to evaporate moisture from your clothing. The air is then vented out of your home, bringing the conditioned air you pay for to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home must be working overtime to compensate for the lost 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 place to another, instead of heating it and venting it. This is great for homeowners with homes that are too small to handle the additional air flow. It is also possible to put in washer/dryer combinations in places where a vented dryer would not be suitable, such as under stairs. This will not affect the efficiency of the energy or performance.
All-in-one machines have many advantages however, they also have a few drawbacks. All-in-one units take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers, so it's important to set aside enough time for each load. Additionally mixing two appliances into one reduces the amount of laundry you're able to do at one time, since it takes approximately an hour longer for whites and colors to dry than in separate machines.
The majority of manufacturers have started to address these issues by offering simple solutions. For example LG's top-rated washer-dryer combination has an option that lets you prop the door slightly open while the machine is running to stop the water from accumulating and drying out of the drum. A lot of LG models, such as our top pick, feature an insignificant drainage hole in the bottom of the laundry tub that lets water drain rather than pooling. Finally, you can purchase sound blankets that fit comfortably over your heat pump to reduce its noise.
3. Reduces Wear and Tear
When a heat pump dryer works, it doesn't warm up the air like a traditional dryer. It just removes the moisture from the garments which means it's much more gentle on fabrics than a regular model. This saves energy, as it does not have to waste energy to heat up 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 avoid obstructions. This isn't much different than cleaning a standard machine.
The combination of washer and dryer from heat pumps does not vent. This means you can use them within your home without cutting into the exterior wall to install ductwork. This is an important benefit for apartment dwellers or students who don't want to change their living space or pay more money for the purchase of a new appliance.
Because heat-pump systems do not get as hot and take longer to dry clothes than traditional models. This is one reason why many people have been reluctant to adopt them, however manufacturers have made improvements to the technology over time, and a heat pump dryer on our best dryer list--the LG Signature LUWM101HWA has typical dry times of 37 to 70 minutes.
It is important to not overdo the washing. This could result in excessive suds, which can prolong the cycle and leaves a slimy layer on the clothing. (Readers often email us about this issue). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and wash the dispenser drawer on a routine basis. This will ensure the machine is operating as efficiently as possible and not wasting your energy and money.
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. That vapor is then heated by your washer to evaporate the moisture out of your clothes and make this kind of dryer much more energy-efficient.
A heat pump washer weighs 88 pounds. It's not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This can be a big deal if you are planning to put it on the wall or in a closet that doesn't have enough space to accommodate a vent.
Lint build-up can be an issue for all dryers. However, the reduced temperatures in a heat pump dryer restrict how much it can clog the exhaust and stop your clothes from reaching their full drying capacity. This also reduces the possibility of fire threatening your dryer, or its exhaust. This can happen when volatile solvents and oil from your laundry enter the dryer's vent or evaporator.
To reduce lint build-up, be sure to clean your dryer duct at least once a year (more often if you have children or pets). A leaf blower or wire brush will help you remove any lint that's built up between ridges in the accordion hose, and it's safer to do this from outside your home rather than inside if possible.
Use a low-sudsing detergent and follow the guidelines of the manufacturer on how to set your water level so that you avoid drying out too much. Also, separate laundry by different types of fabric and wash delicates like silk with heavy cottons or linens. You won't overdye or shrink your delicates, and the moisture sensor will be able to determine when your laundry is dry enough to close the cycle.
5. Saves Space
Since heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they require less energy than vented dryers. This could save you money on energy bills, and also on energy costs 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 clothing. It also removes the need for lint-clogged vents, and reduces the energy consumed by conventional dryers to warm the room air before entering the dryer. tumble dryer with heat pump helps keep your heating costs down.
In the end, heat pump dryer-washer combos are designed to fit into small spaces that wouldn't permit an additional laundry area, such as in closets or kitchens. These all-in-one machines just take just some inches greater than the most efficient vented washers. Additionally, they're ventless, which means you can place them anywhere with water and an outlet with 120-volts.
They're also simple to use. You only need to choose the appropriate wash cycle and drying cycle for your load, and let them work. Once your clothes are clean you can simply take them off.
With these energy efficient, versatile machines, it's easier than ever to do your laundry without spending a dime. You can shop online or visit an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that will fit seamlessly into your home. We offer the most competitive prices, promotions, rebates and financing specials to make upgrading your laundry room more affordable. And we're here to help you select the ideal dryer with a heat pump that fits your requirements and lifestyle!