Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

Heat pump washer dryers are set to become household staples due to new federal incentives and awe-inspiring laboratory test results. These all-in-one machines take less time to wash and dry and are also ventless, which means they don't take the conditioned air from your home to vent it outside.

They also have the lower temperature, which is gentler on clothing. Continue reading to learn more about this innovative laundry technology.

1. Saves Energy

The use of heat pumps isn't limited to home heating and cooling They're now being used in dryers for clothes as well. An energy STAR certified heat pump dryer uses 28 percent less energy than a traditional dryer and can save you cash on your electric bill. They use less heat to minimize wear and tear, and damage to your clothes.

During the drying cycle, heat pump washer-dryers utilize the same air that is recycled through the washing machine, but it goes through a condenser coil in the evaporator unit to warm up and cool the air. The warm air is then pushed back into the drum to continue drying the clothes. A heat pump dryer doesn't require exhausting the air that is laden with moisture, like vented dryers do.

It's worth making your appliances as energy efficient as possible, as laundry processes consume an enormous amount of energy. The best method to accomplish this is to combine an efficient washer with a heat pump dryer. This will lock in maximum efficiency and start saving on energy costs right away.

To begin take a look at our selection of energy STAR certified washers and dryers. You can sort results by model and energy consumption, wash cycles or spin speed. Be sure to check the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance costs to run for the year.

Combination washer-dryers are an ideal option for households that cannot afford two separate machines or do not have enough space. They plug directly into a 120-volt outlet and don't require a separate 240-volt hookup or venting system. These units are ideal for condominiums and apartments since they can be placed in cabinets or under counters.

2. Reduces Noise

The majority of traditional dryers for clothes heat the air by using gas or electric coil. This helps to evaporate moisture from your clothing. The air is then vented out from your home, taking along the conditioned air you pay for to cool in summer and heat in winter. Your home will need to work extra hours to replace the conditioned heat by pulling the replacement air through gaps and cracks around walls and doors.

The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, instead of heating it and then venting it. This is a great option for homeowners who have houses that aren't big enough to accommodate the additional air flow. It's also possible to put washer and dryer combos in spaces where they wouldn't normally be able to place a vented dryer like under the stairs without sacrificing energy efficiency and performance.

While this is an important benefit of all-in-one washing and drying machines, they do have their disadvantages. They take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers, so it's important to set aside enough time for Heat Pump Washer Dryer each load. Combining two appliances will also reduce the amount of laundry you can do in one go since it takes a longer time to dry colors and whites than they would if they were separate machines.

Thankfully, most manufacturers are beginning to address these issues by offering simple solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer set-up is one example. It has a feature where you can prop the door slightly open while it's running to prevent water pooling and drying the drum. A number of LG models, like our top pick, come with an insignificant drainage hole at the bottom of the laundry tub, which allows water to drain rather than pooling. You can also purchase sound blankets that are fitted around the heating system to minimize noise.

3. Reduces wear and tear

The heat pump dryers don't warm the air, unlike traditional dryers. They just remove the moisture from clothes. This is kinder on the fabric. It also conserves energy because it doesn't need to use the energy required to heat the air up for the drying process.

That said, heat-pump dryers do require a bit more maintenance than standalone machines because the condensate drain tube needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent blockages. But, this isn't too different from cleaning a standard dryer.

The biggest difference is that heat pump washer-dryer combos don't vent, which means they can be used in a home without cutting through the wall outside to run ductwork. This is ideal for those 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 one reason why many people have been reluctant to accept them, but manufacturers have made improvements to the technology over time, and a heat pump dryer on our top dryer list--the LG Signature LUWM101HWA--has typical dry times of 37 to 70 minutes.

The most important thing to reduce drying time is to avoid overdoing the detergent, which can create excessive suds, which can delay drying cycles and leaves an oily residue on clothing (readers write us frequently about this problem). Use the recommended amount high-efficiency detergents, and clean the dispenser drawer regularly. This will ensure that the machine is running as efficiently as possible and will not waste your time and money.

4. Reduces Lint

A heat pump dryer makes use of less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or electric heatpump dryer. This is because it doesn't blow hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead, it extracts vapor at room temperature from the air that surrounds your clothes. This vapor is heated by your washer, and then used to remove moisture from your laundry.

Because of this efficiency that a heat pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a traditional vented electric or gas dryer, but it weighs around 88 pounds. This can be a big deal if you are planning to install it on a wall or use it inside a closet which may not have enough space to accommodate vents.

Lint buildup is a problem for all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's lower temperatures reduce the amount of dust that can block the exhaust and stop the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. This reduces the possibility of a fire developing in your dryer or its exhaust, which could occur when flammable oils and solvents from your laundry enter the vent or the dryer's evaporator.

Clean your dryer ducts at least every month to avoid lint accumulation (more often if you have children or pets in the house). A leaf blower or wire brush will help you remove any lint build-up between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's safer to do this from outside your home rather than inside if possible.

To prevent drying out, be sure to use a detergent with low suds and follow the manufacturer's directions on how to set your water level. Separate your laundry by kinds of fabrics and wash delicates like silk with heavy linens or cottons. This way, you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. Likewise, the sensors for moisture have better chances of detecting when your laundry is completely dry and ready to be disposed of.

5. Space Savings

The dryers that use heat pump consume less energy as they recycle and reuse hot aer. This means they can save you money in many ways, not just in terms of energy bills, but also on the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home.

This method is gentler on fabrics and helps reduce shrinkage which is a major benefit when dealing with expensive clothes. It also eliminates the need for vents blocked by lint and reduces the energy used by conventional dryers to warm the air before it enters the dryer. This helps to keep your heating costs low.

Finally, heat pump washer-dryer combinations are designed to fit into tiny spaces that would not permit a separate laundry center--like in kitchens or closets. These units take up only two inches more space than front-load washers that are vented. They're ventless, which means you can put them anywhere 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 load and let them work their magic. When your clothes are dry you can simply take them off.

With these energy-efficient and versatile machines, it's easier than ever to complete your laundry without spending a dime. Shop online or head to a stunning Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that is a perfect fit for your home. We offer the best heat pump tumble dryer prices, promotions, rebates and special financing to make your laundry space more affordable. We're here to assist you choose the perfect dryer with a heat pump that fits your lifestyle and needs!