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 warm, moist air is then blown outside. They don't require vents, which can save energy and eliminate potential fire hazards from lint build-up in the vents.
They also use lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothing, which means they may take longer to dry than conventional machines. Aztec Appliance has more information about these ventless washing machines.
Efficiency
You can save a lot of money on your electricity bill by using the heat pump dryer. It consumes up to 28 percent less energy than a traditional dryer according to Energy Star. It may not sound like a lot but if your family does 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts, where electricity rates are among the highest in the country You'll save hundreds of dollars over the course of 12 years by using a heat pump dryer.
The way a heat-pump dryer works is similar to that of a dehumidifier. The heat pump dryer begins with heated air, which is then circulated through coils to heat it even more. In this process, the hot air draws moisture from the clothing into the heat exchanger where it is condensed. It then drips into a pan that can be manually emptied or connected to drain tubes. The cool, moist air is then circulated back over the coils of the condenser to be heated.
They don't require an exhaust vent, and so they can be installed in areas that would not be able to accommodate a conventional dryer. They also are more quiet and flexible, making them ideal for apartment spaces and other rooms with limited space. They are also safer than dryers with vents. Vents can ignite when they aren't cleaned regularly.
However, as they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it will take longer for your laundry to dry using a heat pump dryer. Additionally, because they work much like a dehumidifier and produce a lot of water during the drying process, it's important to clean your heat pump dryer regularly. This is especially important if you reside in an area that is humid or if your clothes are soaked with lots of moisture within them. tumble dryers with heat pump can accomplish this by 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 coil in good shape.
Condensation
The most common method of drying clothes is to use fans to blow hot air on the clothes. The air is then vented outside. This method uses lots of energy and requires access to an outdoor space vented to allow to vent the ducting. Heat pump dryers - also referred to as ventless dryers re-use the air instead. They make use of the heat to repurpose energy used to power the machine, and then condense it into water that drains from the bottom of the drum. They are also smaller than vented models and can be put in the attic or laundry room.
While they're popular in Europe and Japan, heat pump dryers are new to the American market. They are now available in sizes to fit most home laundry rooms and provide significant energy savings. Because they don't draw indoor air to the outdoors it isn't necessary to clean out your venting system periodically or deal with possible issues that could arise with a dirty one.
Heat pump dryers work like refrigeration systems in refrigerators using the compressor that presses a refrigerant in one set of coils to release heat, and a set of evaporator coils which absorb heat from air passing through them. The heated refrigerant circulates through a second set of coils to help condense the moist air, and that cooled refrigerant then flows back into the original set of coils and is heated to continue the process.
As with other electric dryers the heat pump dryer requires regular maintenance to ensure that it is operating at its highest level. Lint collects on the filters, and on the evaporator and condenser coils, and it is essential to clean them often to avoid wear and tear. Additionally, they utilize refrigerants with high GWP (Global Warming Potential) and therefore, they have to be properly recycled also.
Another disadvantage to be aware of is the fact that heat pump dryers usually take longer than vented dryers to complete a load. It's because their maximum temperature of 120degF is lower than gas and electric resistance dryers, which means they have to tumble for an additional time before they're dry.
Lint Screens
Heat pump dryers have a lint filter and venting system that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. A blocked dryer vent can increase drying time and pose a fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer may be heated to the point of igniting volatile chemicals and oils.
A heat pump vent system requires an air dehumidifier to eliminate moisture before air leaves the dryer. A dehumidifier also helps reduce energy costs by lowering temperature of the hot water that is used to heat the air.
The lint screen on a heat pump dryer is softer than conventional dryers, which is why it requires cleaning more often. The lint screen in the door opening can also collect lint. It should be cleaned often.
The models with heat pumps also come with a heated drum wall, which means that the interior of the dryer must be kept free of lint fabric softener, dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls require regular cleaning and inspections, since they might need to be replaced, as indicated in the user's manual.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the accumulation of lint in the dryer's exhaust pipe is more than an inconvenience. It's also an ablaze hazard that can cause 2,900 housefires on average each year. Clean the dryer's lint exhaust the hose every year using a wire brush, or make use of an air blower from the outside to clear lint from the inside of the hose, as this Today's Homeowner how-to video provides. It's safer to do this from the outside, so that you can avoid getting lint in your eyes. If you're unsure of your ability to clean the duct, you can hire an expert to handle it for you.
If you are unable to feel the air moving through the dryer vent, or if you notice that your dryer takes longer to dry, it could be that there is a lint obstruction deeper in the duct. Choose one day a year to clean the venting system such as Labor Day, the beginning of spring, or at the end or the beginning of daylight saving time - and stick to it.
Installation
Modern dryers that are electric are among the most useful features for homeowners. However, choosing the right dryer is important for those looking to reduce their utility costs and make a positive impact on the environment. For many, heat pump dryers are the best choice. They are different from traditional vented dryers, which use electricity or gas combustion to heat air, then blowing hot, dried air into the drum in order to eliminate moisture. They reuse the air, pulling the moisture out and cooling it before permitting it to return to the laundry room where it can again be used.
Heat pump dryers do not require chimneys, ducting or chimneys to vent outside. They can be placed inside small spaces like laundry closets. This makes them ideal for tiny homes as well as accessory dwelling units (such as a laundry room in the basement or an apartment over the garage) or even additions. And because the ENERGY STAR label is a trusted indicator of energy efficiency, dryers with heat pumps are typically more efficient than traditional vented models.
Contrary to the majority of dryers for clothes, which need a dedicated circuit, most heat pump dryers are designed to operate on regular 120-volt, 15-amp electrical circuits. This can be an advantage for older homes that have older wiring and can help you save money on installation.
Heat pump dryers have a lower power compared to other dryers, and therefore take longer to complete the cycle. They also don't have the back-and-forth motion of conventional dryers, bulky items like towels and sheets may wad up into a laundry sausage that's difficult to unravel. Some manufacturers attempt to address this issue by reversing the tumble cycle for brief intervals of time during the course of a cycle.
In addition, heat pumps need more regular maintenance than other dryers. Lint can accumulate on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, which requires professional cleaning or periodic vacuuming to ensure that they function effectively. Because heat pump dryers don't vent, they can also collect moisture on the inside of the dryer, causing mold.