Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
With the new federal incentives and impressive lab test results the heat pump washer dryer is poised to become a household staple. These all-in one machines are faster to wash and to dry, and they do not draw conditioned indoor air to vent.
They also use a lower temperature that is gentler on clothing. Continue reading to learn more about this innovative technology for washing.
1. Energy Savings
The use of heat pumps isn’t just for heating and cooling homes, but they’re also being used to dry clothes. An energy STAR certified heat pump dryer consumes 28 percent less energy than a traditional dryer and can save cash on your electric bill. They operate at a lower temperature to reduce wear and tear and damage on your clothes.
During the drying process, heat pump dryers use the same air that’s recycled by the washing machine, however it is passed through a condenser coil within the evaporator unit to heat up and cool the air. The warm air is transferred to the drum to continue drying clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer will not have to exhaust the moisture-laden air like vented dryers.
It’s important to make your appliances as energy efficient as you can, because the process of washing clothes consumes a lot of energy. The best way to do this is by pairing an efficient washer with a high-efficiency heat pump dryer. This will ensure maximum efficiency and begin saving on energy costs right away.
To begin take a look at our selection of energy STAR certified washers and dryers. You can filter results by model and energy consumption, wash cycles, or spin speed. Be sure to examine the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance will cost to run every year.
Combination washer-dryers can be an excellent option for households who cannot afford two separate machines or don’t have the space. They are plugged into a 120-volt standard outlet and don’t require a venting system or Heat Pump Washer Dryer a special 240-volt hookup. They’re perfect for condos and apartments as they’ll fit inside a closet or beneath a counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional dryers for clothes are heated by gas or electric coil. This helps evaporate the moisture from your clothes. This air is then vented out of your home, bringing along the conditioned air that you pay to cool in summer and heat in winter. Your home will have to work overtime in order to replace the lost conditioned heat by pulling replacement air through gaps and cracks around doors and walls.
Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, instead of heating it and venting it. This is ideal for homeowners with homes that are too small to allow for an additional flow of air. It’s also possible for people to put washer and dryer combinations in areas which they wouldn’t normally be able to install venting dryers for instance, under the stairs without sacrificing energy efficiency and performance.
All-in-one units have a number of advantages, but they also have a few drawbacks. It’s crucial to give yourself enough time for each load since all-in-one machines take longer to finish their cycles than traditional washers/dryers. In addition the combination of two appliances in one can reduce 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 they would in separate machines.
Thankfully, many manufacturers are beginning to tackle these issues with simple solutions. LG’s top-rated washer-dryer combo, for example, has a feature where you can prop the door open slightly while it is running to avoid the water from pooling and drying out the drum. A lot of LG models like our top choice, have a drain hole at the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water escape instead of accumulating in the drum. You can also purchase sound blankets that are fitted around the heating system to reduce noise.
3. Reduces Wear and Tear
When a heat pump dryer works it doesn’t heat the air like a traditional dryer–it only removes moisture from the clothes, so it’s far more gentle on fabrics than a conventional model. It also conserves energy because it doesn’t have to waste the energy needed to heat the air up to dry the garments.
But, they do require a little more maintenance than standalone dryers because the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent blockages. This is not a lot different from cleaning a conventional machine.
Heat pump washer-dryer combinations do not vent. This means you can use them within your home without having to cut into the wall outside for ductwork. This is great for people who live in apartments or college students, as well as other people who don’t wish to spend more money or alter their living space.
These dryers dry clothes more slowly than traditional dryers because they don’t get as hot. This has been one reason that many people have been reluctant to embrace them, but manufacturers have improved the technology over time. A heat-pump dryer on our top dryer list–the LG Signature LUWM101HWA has typical drying times of 37 to 70 minutes.
It is essential to not overdo the detergent. This can lead to excessive suds that can prolong the cycle and leaves a slimy film on the clothes. (Readers constantly email us about this issue). Make sure you’re using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and clean the dispenser drawer on a routine basis. This will ensure the machine is operating as efficiently as possible and you’re not wasting time and money.
4. Reduces Lint
When you’re drying your clothes using a heat pump tumble dryer with heat pump, it makes use of less air than vented electric or vented gas dryers. This is because it doesn’t blast hot humid air into your clothes, but instead draws the vapor Heat Pump Washer Dryer of room temperature from the air around your clothes. This vapor is heated by your washer and used to evaporate moisture from your laundry.
A heat pump washer weighs 88 pounds. It’s not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This could be a significant difference if you intend 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 could be a problem for all dryers, but the lower temperatures of the heat pump dryer limit the amount of lint that can block the exhaust, preventing your clothes from reaching their maximum drying capacity. That also lowers the risk of a fire in the dryer or in its exhaust, which could occur when solvents and flammable oils from your laundry get into the vent or the dryer’s evaporator.
Clean your dryer ducts at minimum every month to prevent the accumulation of lint (more often if there are children or pets living in the house). A leaf blower or wire brush will help you remove any lint that’s built up between the ridges in your accordion hose. It’s safer to do this from outside rather than inside if possible.
To avoid drying out, make sure to use a detergent that is low in suds and follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to set your water’s level. Separate your laundry by different types of fabric and wash delicates such as silk using heavy linens or cottons. So you don’t overdye your delicates or shrink them too much, and the sensors for moisture have a better chance of notifying you when your laundry is completely dry to stop the cycle.
5. Space Saver Space
Because heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they consume less energy than vented dryers. This can help you save money on utility bills, but also on the energy cost to heat or cool your house.
This method is also more gentle on fabrics, and reduces shrinkage and wear, which is a major benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also eliminates the need to clean vents that are blocked by lint, and also reduces the energy wasted by conventional dryers to heat the room air before entering the dryer. This helps to keep your heating costs low.
In the end, heat pump dryer-washer combos are designed to fit into small spaces that wouldn’t have a separate laundry room, like in kitchens or closets. These all-in-one machines are just one inch more space than the best vented front-load washers. They’re ventless, which means you can put them anywhere you have the power of 110-volts and water.
The all-in-one appliances are simple to operate, too. All you need to do is choose the dry and wash cycle that’s appropriate for your needs and let them do the work. Then, simply take your clothes out when they’re ready.
With these energy-efficient multi-functional machines, it’s now easier than ever before to wash your clothes without costing you a fortune. Shop online or head to a gorgeous Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that is a perfect fit for your home. We have the best deals and promotions, rebates and financing options to upgrade your laundry room. And we’re here to help you select the ideal dryer that meets your lifestyle and needs!