Heat Pump Tumble Dryers

The tumble dryers of a heat pump make use of hot air to dry your clothes, instead of venting it outdoors. This is a low-cost option for your family, since it saves energy.

John Lewis has a range of tumble dryers, which include both vented and condenser models as well as heat pump tumble dryers. Find out more about tumble dryers in our detailed guide.

Cost

Tumble dryers are great for saving space and decreasing the need to dry laundry in the sun however, they do use a lot of electricity. If you're looking to lower your energy consumption and save money, consider changing to a high-temperature tumble dryer. Although these dryers do have a higher upfront cost, they will save you money in the end thanks to their lower energy consumption.

The heat pump tumble dryers function by reheating the air that was already warmed up during the drying process which results in lower energy bills than condenser models vented or vented. This type of tumble dryer typically uses up to half as much energy as a vented or condenser model, and as such can save you up to PS173 per year on your utility bills.

When it comes to comparing the cost of a pump tumble dryer against other models, the difference is usually minimal. But, it's crucial to take into consideration the amount of energy is being used and how frequently you'll be using your tumble dryer. It is important to consider the wattage and dryers heat pump your electricity tariff in determining how much each tumble dryer will cost you.

Vented tumble dryers use gas to dry laundry and are powered by gas from the mains which means they are more expensive when you're on a strict budget. They are also more limited in the places they can be installed since they must be located in a room with appropriate ventilation to expel the damp air.

Condenser dryers take the moisture from your laundry by transferring hot humid air to separate units where it is converted to water. The water can be removed into a container which must be manually empty or piped into your drainage system to eliminate it constantly. This allows for greater flexibility with install areas, however you will need to prepare for any additional maintenance by ensuring that the drain pipe is in good working order.

Energy efficiency

A tumble dryer heat-pump can help you save money on energy costs. The technology uses less electricity to heat the air inside the tumble dryer. This lets it dry clothes more efficiently and at a lower temperatures than vented models.

They also utilize a coolant that helps to liquefy the humidity in the air and ejects it through the condenser, meaning they require less electricity to run than traditional vented dryers. They may take a little longer to complete your laundry cycle than vented dryers however your clothes will remain looking and more comfortable for longer due to the lower temperatures of drying.

Typically, they cost between $500 to $700 more upfront than condenser dryers but the extra cost is offset by the savings you'll gain on your energy bills over the long term. They're also a heavier investment and should be placed in rooms with adequate ventilation.

Like all electrical appliances, it's essential that any tumble dryer installation is completed by an Gas Safe engineer. Ventilated dryers require an elongated, flexible vent hose that is permanently connected the appliance at one end and a drainage hole at the other end - a drain, window or door. The hose needs to be secured and can't be shared with other appliance or used in any manner that could cause it to deteriorate.

Condenser dryers operate similarly as heat pump Dryers heat pump. They utilize an electric element to heat the air before releasing the moisture through the condensation tray. They tend to be heavy-duty performers, with larger capacity for wet loads ranging from 6kg to 10kg, and are quieter to operate. They're more expensive to purchase than heat pump tumble driers and they can't be installed without an ongoing wall connection. The cost of running them is also more expensive than heat pump dryers as they have to generate more heat to evaporate the moisture in your laundry. They are less efficient than vented models. They still require electricity to turn the motor that turns your clothes.

Noise

The sound generated by tumble dryers can be quite loud, but the volume depends on several variables. The decibel rating is only one of them, and the frequency of the noise will determine how loud it is. The sound could also be amplified if there are resonant items nearby such as work surfaces, cabinets or furniture. It can also be affected by a room's acoustics. The sound of your tumble dryer might be obstructed by carpets or other absorption materials.

Condenser and heat pump dryers are quieter than vented models, however it's important to remember that they're still noisy. They're gentler on your fabrics, and dry your laundry more slowly with lower temperatures of air and a much longer cycle than traditional models. They are less damaging to clothing and less likely to cause loss of colour which is usually associated with tumble dryers of the past which use high temperatures.

If you're planning to use your tumble dryer mostly in conjunction with washing machines it's important to keep in mind that both appliances should be located close to each other to prevent noise and vibrations when they are in use. To prevent this issue there is the washer dryer with heat pump and dryer stacking set is available for both types of appliances.

A tumbler with a heat pump requires an uninterrupted flow of air to operate, so it is best to place it in a ventilated area of your home. The vent hose needs to be permanently connected to the appliance and positioned securely to the outside of your home.

The condenser tumbler, however isn't requiring a permanent connection to a vent and can be put in any place in your home. It stores the vapour and water in a condensation container that can either be manually empty or connected to a drain by an drainage tube, which will automatically empty it.

Converting a vented tumble-dryer to condenser dryer can be done using a conversion kit. However, it will affect the manufacturer's warranty and should only be done by a qualified professional. These kits come with the components needed to put in vents, aswell an in-built pump to eliminate condensation.

Maintenance

A tumbler with a heat pump works differently to condenser or vented models because it doesn't require venting externally to remove the hot air. The warm air that passes over your clothes is absorbed and then passed through a condenser, which separates the heated water from the air. It is then collected in a water reservoir (sometimes called a tank) inside the appliance. It is necessary empty the tank at some point, but you can keep the dryer in the same place like if you had a vent.

Comparatively to vented models, the heat pump model uses about 50% less energy. This makes it cheaper to run, which means you'll save around PS42-PS51 per year according to Which?, and it's also better for the environment. It's not cheap to purchase a tumble dryer, therefore you'll need to be able pay for the initial costs.

A heat pump tumble dryer requires little maintenance, aside from cleaning the lint filters and looking for fluff on the heater unit once in a while. You'll need to clean your drains of condensation more frequently and dryers heat pump it takes longer to dry your clothes than dryers with vented vents.

If you're looking for a tumble dryer that isn't expensive it is worth looking into a sensor model that automatically stops when your laundry is finished to avoid drying too long that could damage your clothes. You'll have to programme your dryer's drying process if you have a lot of different types of fabrics.

You can choose from a variety of tumble dryers from brands like Beko and John Lewis that utilize heat pumps, condenser or vented technologies. All come with a two-year warranty, and John Lewis has excellent customer reviews and free delivery to homes. Check the warranty details before purchasing an appliance, particularly one that is electrical, such as a tumble dryer. This will ensure that you are covered in the event of a malfunction or breakdown.