Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

Conventional dryers make use of electric resistance or gas combustion to heat the air, then blow it over the clothes. The moist, warm air is then vented outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents, which save energy and eliminate potential fire hazards resulting from lint accumulation in the ducts.

They also have lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothes, so they can take longer to dry than conventional machines. Learn more about these ventless washing machines from Aztec Appliance.

Efficiency

A heat pump dryer can save you a significant amount of money every year on your electric bill. It consumes up to 28 percent less energy than a traditional clothes dryer according to Energy Star. It may not sound like much, but when your family is doing 20 loads of laundry a week in Massachusetts, where electricity rates are some of the highest in the United States and you'll save hundreds over the course of a 12 year lifespan by using a heat pump dryer.

A heat pump dryer is similar to a dehumidifier. It begins with air that is heated by a compressor, and is then passed through a different set of coils to warm it more. In this process, the hot air draws moisture from the clothing and into the heat exchanger, which turns it into condensed liquid. It drips into an empty pan or tube that can be connected to drain it. The moist, cool air then flows through the condenser coils until it is heated again and the cycle starts again.

Heat pump dryers do not require an exhaust vent, and so they can be installed in areas that would not be able to fit a traditional dryer. They are also more silent and versatile and are ideal for apartments or other areas that have a small space. They are also more secure than dryers with vents. Vents can cause fires when they aren't cleaned regularly.

Heat pump dryers take longer to dry your laundry since they operate at lower temperatures. Additionally, because they work similar to a dehumidifier, and release lots of water during drying it is essential to clean your heat pump dryer regularly. This is especially important when your clothes are damp or you reside in an area that is humid. It is possible to do this by regularly checking and cleaning the lint screens as well as the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube regularly. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator in good working order.

Condensation

The traditional way to dry clothes is by using an air conditioner blowing hot air over the tumbling laundry and then venting the warm, moist air outside. This approach uses a lot of energy and requires an outdoor space that is vented to vent the venting. Heat pump dryers, also referred to as ventless drying machines, recycle air. They heat the incoming air by reusing some of the energy required to run the machine. They then condense the resulting moisture into water that drains out the bottom of the dryer drum. They are also smaller than vented models, and can be placed in a laundry room or attic.

Though popular in Europe and Japan the heat pump dryers are relatively new to the American market. They're now available in sizes that can fit in most laundry rooms and provide significant energy savings as well as other benefits to the climate. Because they don't draw the indoor air to the outside, you don't have to clean your venting system periodically or deal with possible issues that could arise when you have a dirty venting system.

Heat pump dryers work like a refrigerator's refrigeration system using an air compressor that presses a refrigerant in one set of coils to release heat, and an evaporator set of coils that absorb warmth from the air passing through them. The heated refrigerant circulates in a second set coils to condense humid air. The refrigerant that is cooled is then pumped back into the first coils, where it's reheated.

heat pump tumble dryers pump dryers require maintenance like other electric dryers to keep their efficiency at a high level. Lint accumulates on the filters, as well as on the evaporator and condenser coils, and it is essential to clean them often to avoid excessive wear. Additionally, they utilize refrigerants with high GWP (Global Warming Potential) which means that they need to be recycled properly as well.

Another drawback to consider is the fact that heat pump dryers usually take longer than vented dryers to complete a load. This is due to the fact that the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower at 120degF. This means they need to tumble a longer before they're completely dry.

Lint Screens

Heat pump dryers have an air vent and lint filter system that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. A blocked vent can drastically extend drying times, and poses a fire risk. The exhaust from a vented dryer can reach temperatures that can ignite volatile oils and chemicals.

The vent system of a heat pump requires a dehumidifier in order to remove moisture from the air prior to it exits the dryer. A dehumidifier also helps you save energy by lowering the temperature at which the hot water is heated to warm the air.

The lint filter inside the heat-pump dryer is more fine and must be cleaned more often than the one in the conventional dryer. The lint trap that is located in the door opening is also a good place for lint accumulation and must be checked and removed regularly.

Models with heat pumps come with a heated drum, which means the interior of the machine has to be kept free of lint and residue from dryer or fabric softener sheets. The heated drum walls also require periodic cleaning and inspection, as they could require to be replaced, as indicated in the user's manual.

Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hoses isn't just a nuisance; it's a serious fire hazard and causes an average of 2,900 home fires per year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean the dryer's lint exhaust pipe every year with a wire brush or make use of an air blower from outside to remove lint from the inside of the hose as this How-to video will explain. It's safer to do this from the outside since you won't be able to see lint on your face. If you're not sure of your ability to clean the duct, hire an expert to handle it for you.

If you can't sense air flowing through the vent of your dryer outside, or the dryer is taking longer to dry than normal it could be due to a lint blockage deeper in the vent. Pick a day in the year to clean your vents--Labor Day, the first of spring or the beginning or the end of daylight saving time--and stick to it.

Installation

Modern dryers that are electric are among the best conveniences for homeowners. However, choosing the right dryer is essential for those who wish to lower their utility bills and also have a positive effect on the environment. For many people, heat pump dryers are the best choice. Unlike traditional vented dryers that make use of gas or electricity to heat air and blow hot, dry air into the drum to eliminate moisture, heat pump dryers reuse the same air repeatedly, pulling the moist air from the clothes and cooling it down, allowing it to return to the laundry room where it can be used again.

Because heat pump dryers don't have to vent outside they don't require chimneys or ducting, and can be placed in small spaces, such as laundry closets. They are heat pump tumble dryers any good ideal for tiny houses, additional dwelling units (such a laundry room or apartment above the garage) or even additions. Additionally, since the Energy STAR label is a trusted mark of energy efficiency, heat pump dryers are often more efficient than vented models that are more traditional.

Contrary to the majority of clothes dryers, which need a dedicated circuit, the majority of heat pump dryers are made to operate on the standard 120-volt, 15 amp electrical circuits. This is a major benefit for older homes with older wiring, and could save money on installation.

However, the fact that heat pump dryers are less powerful than other dryers means they take longer to finish the cycle. They also don't have the back-and-forth movement of conventional dryers, large items such as sheets and towels can become a laundry sausage that's hard to unwind. Some manufacturers try to solve this issue by reversing tumble cycles for short periods during the cycle.

Additionally, heat pump dryers require more frequent maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, requiring regular vacuuming or professional cleaning to keep them operating efficiently. And since heat pump dryers don't vent, they may also accumulate moisture inside the dryer, which can cause mold.