Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

With new federal incentives and impressive laboratory test results the heat pump washer dryer is poised to become a staple in the household. These all-in one machines are quicker to wash and dry, and they do not pull conditioned indoor air outside to vent.

The clothes are also treated with less heat. Read on to find out more about this exciting technology for washing.

1. Energy Savings

Heat pumps aren't just for cooling and heating your home, they're now being used in clothes dryers too. A energy STAR certified heat pump dryer consumes 28 percent less energy than a traditional dryer and can save you money on electricity bills. They operate at a lower temperature which also reduces wear and tear on your clothes and the environment.

Heat pump washer-dryers recycle air that is used in the washing process. However, it is cooled and warmed by a condenser unit located inside the evaporator. The warm air is pushed into the drum in order to continue drying clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer will never have to exhaust the moisture-laden air as vented dryers do.

Because the laundry process consumes significant amounts of energy It's worth attempting to make your existing appliances as efficient as you can. This can be accomplished by combining a washer and dryers that use heat. This will help you lock in maximum efficiency and save on energy costs right away.

For a start take a look at our selection of energy STAR certified dryers and washers. You can sort results by model, heat pump washer dryer energy consumption, wash cycles or spin speed. Make sure to look over the yellow Energy Guide Label to see the cost of each appliance to run each year.

Combination washer-dryers are an excellent option for households that cannot afford two separate units, or do not have the space. These units plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and don't require a venting system or a special hookups for 240-volts. They're great for condos and apartments as they'll fit in a closet or underneath the counter.

2. Reduces Noise

The majority of traditional dryers employ a hot gas or electric coil to heat the air that evaporates moisture from your laundry. This air is then vented out of your home, bringing along the conditioned air that you pay for to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home has to be working overtime to compensate for the lack of conditioning air by pulling in replacement air from cracks and gaps in your walls and around doors.

Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one place to another rather than venting it and heating it, which is fantastic news for homeowners living in tight homes that can't accommodate more airflow. It is also possible to put in dryer and washer combinations in areas that vented dryers might not be appropriate like under the stairs. This will not impact the energy efficiency or performance.

While this is an important benefit of all-in one drying and washing machines, they have their flaws. It's important to allow enough time for each load as all-in-one appliances take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers. Also the combination of two appliances in one can reduce the amount of laundry you're able to do in one go, since it takes about an hour longer for whites and colors to dry than they would in separate machines.

Thankfully, many manufacturers have started to address these issues by offering simple solutions. For example, LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo features an option that lets you prop the door open a bit while it's running to prevent the water from pooling and heat pump washer dryer drying out of the drum. Many LG models, including our top pick, have a small drainage hole in the bottom of the laundry tub, which allows water to drain rather than pooling. You can also purchase sound blankets that fit around your heat pump in order to block out the sound.

3. Reduces Wear and Tear

When a heat pump dryer is working it doesn't heat up the air like a traditional dryer--it just removes the moisture from the clothes, so it's far more gentle on clothing than a conventional model. This saves energy, as it doesn't need to use energy to heat the air for the drying process.

That said, heat-pump dryers do require a bit more maintenance than standalone dryers since the condensate drain tube needs to be cleaned frequently to avoid blockages. This isn't much different from cleaning a conventional machine.

The biggest difference is that heat-pump washer-dryer combos don't vent, meaning you can use them in a home without cutting through the wall exterior to run ductwork. This is an important benefit for apartment dwellers as well as students and other who don't want to alter their living space or pay extra money on a new appliance.

Heat-pump systems dry clothes slower than traditional models because they don't get nearly as hot. Many people were hesitant to use them due to the fact that they didn't attain the same temperature. However, manufacturers have improved their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer that is on our list of top dryers, comes with a typical drying time between 37 and 70 minutes.

The most important thing to reduce drying time is to not overdo the detergent, which can create excessive suds, which can delay drying cycles and leaves a slimy residue on clothes (readers write us frequently about this problem). Use the recommended amount high-efficiency detergents and keep the dispenser drawer clean. This will ensure that your machine operates as efficiently as possible which will save you energy and money.

4. Reduces Lint

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

Because of this efficiency, a heat pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a traditional vented gas or electric dryer, but it weighs about 88 lbs. That can make a difference if you intend to put it on the wall or put it in a space that may not be big enough to accommodate a vent.

Lint build-up is an issue for all dryers, but the reduced temperatures in the heat pump dryer limit how much can clog the exhaust and stop your clothes from reaching their maximum drying potential. That also lowers the risk of a fire threatening the dryer or in its exhaust, which can happen when flammable oils and solvents from your laundry enter the vent or into the dryer's evaporator.

Clean your dryer ducts at minimum once a month to reduce lint accumulation (more often if there are children or pets in the home). A wire brush or leaf blower will help you remove any lint build-up between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's safer to do this outside rather than inside if it's possible.

To avoid drying out, make sure to use a detergent with low suds and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to set your water level. Also, separate laundry by different types of fabric and wash delicates such as silk with heavy linens or cottons. You won't overdye, shrink or over-dry your delicates, and the moisture sensor will be able to determine when your laundry is dry enough to end the cycle.

5. Space Savings

Since heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they require less energy than vented dryers. This means that they can save money in many ways--not just on energy bills, but also by cutting down on the amount of energy used to warm or cool your home.

This process is gentler on fabrics and reduces shrinkage which is a huge benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also means that you don't have to clean out dryer vents that have become clogged with lint and reduces the waste of energy that conventional dryers expend to warm air before it is able to enter the dryer, helping to keep your cooling and heating costs lower.

The combination of heat pump washer and dryer is designed to fit in small spaces, like kitchens and closets. These all-in one machines only take just a few inches of space greater than the most efficient vented washers. They're also ventless, so they can be placed anywhere that has water and 120-volt outlets.

These appliances are also easy to use. All you need to do is choose the wash cycle and dry cycle that's appropriate for your load--and let them do the work. Then, just take your clothes off when they're done.

With these energy-efficient and versatile machines, it's now easier than ever before to do your laundry without breaking the bank. Shop online or visit an exquisite Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that will seamlessly fit into your home. We have the best heat pump tumble dryer deals and promotions, rebates and financing options to upgrade your laundry room. We're here to assist you in choosing the right heat pump dryer for you!