Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

With new federal incentives and impressive lab test results the heat pump washer dryer is set to become a household staple. These all-in-one machines take less time to dry and wash and are also ventless, which means they don't draw conditioned air out of your home to vent outdoors.

They also use the lower temperature, which is gentler on clothing. Continue reading to learn more about this cutting-edge laundry technology.

1. Energy Savings

Heat pumps aren't only used for heating and cooling homes however, they're also employed to dry clothes. A dryer with a heat pump that is ENERGY STAR certified uses 28% less power than a traditional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They run at a lower temperature which also reduces wear and tear on your clothes as well as the environment.

During the drying process heat pump dryers use the same air that is recycled by the washing machine, but it passes through a condenser coil in the evaporator unit in order to warm up and cool the air. The warm air is then moved into the drum to continue drying clothes. This means that a heat pump dryer will not have to exhaust the moist air like vented dryers.

Because the laundry process consumes large amounts of energy, it's worth trying to make your existing appliances as efficient as possible. This can be accomplished by pairing a washer with dryers that use heat. This will ensure maximum efficiency and save on energy costs as soon as you can.

Check out our selection of ENERGY STAR certified dryers and Heat Pump Washer Dryer washers to start. You can filter results by model or model, energy consumption, wash cycles or spin speed. Be sure to read the yellow Energy Guide label to understand the amount each appliance will cost to run every year.

Combination washer-dryers are an ideal option for households that cannot afford two separate machines, or do not have the space. They plug directly into an outlet that is 120 volts, and do not require a special 240 volt hookup or venting system. These units are perfect for Heat Pump Washer Dryer condominiums and apartments as they can be placed in cabinets or under counters.

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. This air is then vented out of your home, bringing the conditioned air you pay to cool in summer and to heat in winter. Your house will have to work overtime to replace the conditioned heat by pulling the replacement air through gaps and cracks around walls and doors.

The heat pump washer dryers move humidity from one place to another instead of venting and heating it, which is fantastic news for those who live in homes that aren't able to handle the extra airflow. It is also possible to install washer/dryer combination units in places that they would not normally be able to place venting dryers for instance, under the stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency or performance.

While this is a major benefit of all-in-one drying and washing machines, they do have their disadvantages. It is important to allow sufficient time for each load since all-in-one machines take longer to complete their cycles than traditional washers/dryers. Combining two appliances can reduce the amount of laundry you can wash in one go because it takes longer to dry colors and whites than be if they were separate units.

Thankfully, many manufacturers are beginning to address these issues by offering simple solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer combination includes a feature where you can prop the door slightly open while it is running to prevent water pooling and drying the drum. Many LG models like our top pick, also come with a small drain hole in the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water escape instead of accumulating in the drum. Finally, you can purchase a sound blanket that fit comfortably over your heat pump to lessen the noise it makes.

3. Reduces wear and tear

When a heat pump tumble dryer reviews pump dryer functions, it doesn't warm up the air like a conventional dryer. Instead, it only removes moisture from the clothing which means it's much more gentle on clothing than a traditional model. This also saves energy because it doesn't have to waste the energy that it takes to heat the air for the drying process.

That said, heat-pump dryers do require a little more maintenance than standalone machines because the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent obstructions. However, this isn't that much different from cleaning a standard dryer.

The combination of washer and dryer from heat pumps does not vent. This means that you can use them inside your home without having to cut into the exterior wall for ductwork. This is ideal for those who live in apartments or college students, as well as other people who don't wish to spend more money or change their living space.

Because heat-pump systems don't get as hot and take longer to dry clothes than conventional dryers. Many people were hesitant use them because they didn't get as hot. However manufacturers have upgraded their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA heat pump dryer that's on our list of top dryers, has a typical drying time of 37 to 70 minutes.

The key to reducing drying time is to not overdo the amount of detergent, which could result in excessive suds that can prolong cycles and leaves an oily residue on clothing (readers write us every day about this problem). Use the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents, and make sure to clean the dispenser drawer frequently. This will ensure that the machine is running as efficiently as possible and not wasting your money and energy.

4. Reduces Lint

When drying your clothes with a heat-pump dryer, it uses less air than vented gas or electric dryers. 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 surrounding your clothes. The vapor is then heated by your washer, and then used to evaporate moisture from your laundry.

A heat pump washer dryer weighs 88 lbs. It's not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This can be a big difference if you intend to put it on the wall or use it in a space that may not be large enough to accommodate a vent.

Lint buildup is a major issue with all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's low temperatures limit the amount of lint that could block the exhaust, preventing the clothes from drying to their full potential. This also reduces the possibility of fire in your dryer or in its exhaust. This can occur when the flammable solvents and oils in your laundry are able to enter the vent or dryer's evaporator.

Clean your tumble dryer with heat pump ducts at least once a month to reduce the accumulation of lint (more often if you have children or pets in the home). A wire brush or leaf blower can help you clear out any lint that has accumulated between ridges in the accordion hose. It's safer to do this outside your home rather than inside if it's possible.

Use a low-sudsing detergent and follow the guidelines of the manufacturer on how to set up your water level to prevent overdrying. Separate your laundry according to kind of fabric and wash delicates like silk using heavy cottons and linens. That way you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. Likewise, the sensors for moisture have a better chance of being able to tell when your laundry is fully dry to stop the cycle.

5. Space Savings

Since heat pump dryers reuse and reuse hot air, they require 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 process is gentler on fabrics and reduces shrinkage which is a major benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also eliminates the need to clean out dryer vents that have become clogged with lint and cuts down on the energy use that conventional dryers expend to warm up room air before it enters the machine and helps to keep your cooling and heating costs lower.

The heat pump washer-dryer combos are designed to tuck into small spaces that wouldn't have a separate laundry center--like in kitchens or closets. These units are just a few inches more space than front-load washers that are vented. They're ventless, which means they can be placed wherever you want to with electricity and water.

They are also simple to use. All you have to do is select the dry and wash cycle that's right for your needs and let them work their magic. Then, simply pull your clothes out when they're done.

With these energy efficient, versatile machines, it's easier than ever before to do your laundry without costing you a fortune. You can shop online or go to an Aztec Appliance showroom to find a washer-dryer combination that is perfect for your home. We offer the best prices and promotions, rebates, and special financing to upgrade your laundry room. We're here to assist you select the ideal heat pump dryer for your requirements and lifestyle!