Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

Heat pump dryers are poised to become household staples due to new federal incentives and impressive laboratory test results. These all-in-one machines require less time to dry and wash and are ventless, meaning they don't take the conditioned air from your home to vent outdoors.

The clothes are also treated at the use of a lower temperature. Read on to find out more about this exciting laundry technology.

1. Saves Energy

They're not just for home heating and cooling, they're now being used in clothes dryers too. A dryer with a heat pump that is ENERGY START-certified consumes 28% less electricity than a conventional dryer, which will save you money on your electric bill. They operate at less heat to minimize wear and tear and damage to your clothes.

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

Because the laundry process consumes significant amounts of energy It's worthwhile to make your appliances as efficient as they can be. This can be accomplished by combining a washer with a heat-pump dryer. This will help you to maximize efficiency and start saving on energy costs as soon as you can.

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

Combining washer-dryers are a ideal option for households that can't afford to have two separate machines or do not have enough space to accommodate them. These units connect to a standard 120-volt outlet and do not require a venting system or a special hookups for 240-volts. These units are great for condominiums and apartments as they can be put in the cupboard or under counters.

2. Reduces Noise

Most traditional clothes dryers heat the air by using an electric or gas coil. This allows you to remove moisture from your clothes. The air is then vented out of your home, bringing with it your conditioned air, which you pay to cool in summer and warm in the winter. Your house will have to work overtime to replace the conditioned heat by pulling replacement air through cracks and gaps around doors and walls.

The heat pump washer dryers move humidity from one place to another rather than venting and heating it, which is good news for homeowners with tight houses that can't handle extra air flow. It is also possible to install washer/dryer combinations in places where a vented dryer would not be appropriate, such as under stairs. This will not affect the energy efficiency or performance.

All-in-one appliances have many advantages however, they also have some drawbacks. All-in-one units take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers and therefore it is important to set aside enough time for each load. Combining two appliances into one will also reduce the amount of laundry you can complete in one go, as it takes longer to dry your whites and colors than when they were separate machines.

Thankfully, the majority of manufacturers have begun to tackle these issues with simple solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer set-up, for example, has a feature where you can prop the door slightly open when it is running to avoid water pooling and drying the drum. Many LG models, like our top pick, have an insignificant drainage hole at the bottom of the laundry tub, which allows water to drain rather than pooling. You can also buy sound blankets that are fitted around the heat pump to reduce noise.

3. Reduces wear and tear

They don't heat the air, Heat pump dryers like traditional dryers. They only remove the moisture from clothes. This is more gentle on clothing. This saves energy, as it doesn't need to burn energy heating the air for the drying process.

They require more maintenance than standalone dryers since the condensate drainage tube has to be cleaned regularly to prevent obstructions. This is not a lot different from cleaning a regular machine.

The combination of washer and dryer from heat pumps does not vent. This means that you can use them in your home without cutting into the exterior wall for ductwork. This is great for those who live in apartments or college students, as well as others who don't want to spend more money or modify their living space.

These dryers dry clothes more slowly than traditional dryers due to the fact that they don't get as hot. Many people were hesitant to use them because they didn't attain the same temperature. However manufacturers have stepped up their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA heat pump dryer that's on our list of top dryers, comes with an average drying time 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 a slimy residue on your clothes (readers send us emails all the time about this issue). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and wash the dispenser drawer on a routine basis. This will ensure that your machine is running efficiently saving you money and energy.

4. Reduces Lint

A heat pump dryer uses less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. That's because it doesn't blow hot, humid air into your clothes, but instead draws room-temperature vapor from the air around your clothes. The vapor is heated by your washer and used to evaporate water from your laundry.

A heat pump washer dryer weighs 88lbs. It's not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This is a huge deal if you plan to install it on the wall or put it in a closet that doesn't have enough space to accommodate a vent.

Lint buildup is a major issue in all dryers. However, the heat pump dryer's reduced temperatures limit the amount of lint that can clog up the exhaust, preventing the clothes from drying to their full potential. This also reduces the risk of fire in the dryer, or in its exhaust. This could happen if flammable solvents and oils from your laundry get into the dryer's vent or evaporator.

Clean your dryer's ducts at least every month to avoid the accumulation of lint (more often if you have pets or children living in the house). You can use a leaf blower or wire brush to clean any lint between the ridges of the hose of accordion. It's better to clean this outside than inside.

To prevent drying out, be sure to use a detergent that is low in suds and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to set your water level. Also, separate laundry by kinds of fabrics and wash delicates such as silk with heavy linens or cottons. So you don't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. Likewise, the sensors for moisture have better chances of notifying you the moment your laundry is dry to stop the cycle.

5. Space Savings

heat pump tumble pump dryers consume less energy as they reuse and recycle hot air. This can save you money on utility bills, but also on the energy cost to cool or heat your home.

This method is also gentler on fabrics, so it reduces wear and shrinkage--a major benefit when you're dealing with expensive clothes. It also eliminates the need for vents that are blocked by lint, and also reduces the energy wasted by conventional dryers in order to warm the air before it enters the dryer. This helps keep your heating costs low.

Finally, heat pump washer-dryer combos are designed to fit into tiny spaces that would not allow for an additional laundry area, such as in closets or kitchens. These all-in-one machines only take just the space of a few inches more than the best vented washers. They are ventless, so you can put them anywhere with water and a 110-volt outlet.

These all-in-one appliances are easy to operate, too. All you need to do is choose the dry and wash cycle that's appropriate for your needs and let them work their magic. Then, you can take your clothes off when they're ready.

With these energy-efficient, versatile machines, it's now easier than ever before to complete your laundry without breaking the bank. You can shop online or visit an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the right combination of washer and dryer that is perfect for your home. We have the best rates, discounts, rebates and financing specials to help make the process of upgrading your laundry room more affordable. And we're here to help you select the ideal dryer with a heat pump that fits your lifestyle and needs!