Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

With the introduction of new federal incentives and awe-inspiring lab test results the heat pump washer dryer is set to become a commonplace. These all-in-one machines are quicker to wash and to dry and do not bring conditioned indoor air outside to vent.

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

1. Energy Savings

They're not just used for cooling and heating homes and offices, but they're also used to dry clothes. A dryer with a heat pump that is ENERGY STAR certified uses 28% less power than a conventional dryer, which will save you money on your electric bill. They run at a lower temperature, which also reduces wear and tear on your clothes as well as the environment.

The heat pump washer-dryers reuse the air used during the washing cycle. However it is then cooled and warmed by a condenser coil that is located within the evaporator. The warm air is transferred to the drum in order to continue drying clothes. This means that a heat pump dryer will never need to exhaust the moist air like vented dryers.

Since the process of washing clothes consumes large amounts of energy It's worth attempting to make your current appliances as efficient as possible. The most efficient way to do this is by pairing an efficient washer with a high-efficiency heat pump dryer. This will enable you to ensure maximum efficiency, and start saving energy costs immediately.

Take a look at our selection of ENERGY STAR certified dryers and washers to begin. You can filter results by model and energy consumption, wash cycles, or spin speed. Also, be sure to look at the yellow Energy Guide label to understand how much each appliance will cost to run every year.

Combination washer-dryers can be an excellent option for households who cannot afford two separate machines or do not have the space. These units are plugged directly into an outlet that is 120 volts and don't require a 240-volt hookup or venting system. They're perfect for condos and apartments because they can be tucked away in a closet or under a counter.

2. Reduces Noise

The majority of traditional dryers employ a hot gas or electric coil to heat the air that evaporates the moisture in your laundry. That air is then vented out of your home, bringing with it your conditioned air that you're paying to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home will have to work overtime to replace the conditioned heat by pulling replacement air through gaps and cracks around doors and walls.

Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one place to another instead of venting it and heating it, which is fantastic news for homeowners living in tight houses that can't handle extra airflow. It is also possible to install dryer and washer combinations in areas where a vented dryer would not be suitable, such as under stairs. This won't affect the energy efficiency or performance.

While this is an important benefit of all-in one drying and washing machines, they aren't without their flaws. All-in-one units take longer to complete their cycles than traditional washers and dryers and therefore it is important to allocate enough time for each load. Combining two appliances into one can also limit the amount of laundry that you can complete in one go because it takes an hour longer to dry your whites and colors than when they were separate machines.

Thankfully, many manufacturers are beginning to solve these issues by offering simple solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer combination, for example, heat pump washer dryer has the option to prop the door slightly open while it is running to avoid the water from pooling and drying out the drum. A lot of LG models, including our top pick, have a small drain hole in the bottom of the tub to let the water escape instead of pooling in the drum. You can also purchase sound blankets that fit around your heat pump in order to minimize noise.

3. Reduces Wear and Tear

Heat pump dryers don't heat the air, unlike traditional dryers. They simply remove moisture from clothing. This is much gentler on clothing. It also saves energy since it doesn't waste the energy needed to heat the air up for the drying process.

The dryers that use heat require more maintenance than standalone dryers since the condensate drainage tube needs to be cleaned frequently to prevent obstructions. But, this isn't too different from cleaning a conventional dryer.

The combination of washer and dryer from heat pumps does not vent. This means you can use them in your home without cutting into the wall outside 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 change their living space.

Since they aren't as hot, they take longer to dry clothes than traditional models. This is a reason why many people have been hesitant to adopt them, however 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 drying times of 37 to 70 minutes.

The most important thing to reduce drying time is not overdoing the amount of detergent, which could create excessive suds, which can delay drying cycles and leaves an oily residue on clothing (readers send us emails frequently 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 operates efficiently, saving your energy and money.

4. Reduces Lint

A heat pump dryer uses less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or electric 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 around your clothes. The vapour is then heated by your washer, which causes it to remove the moisture from your clothes which makes this kind of dryer a lot more energy efficient.

Because of this efficiency it is true that a heat-pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a conventional vented gas or electric dryer, but it still weighs around 88 pounds. This is a huge deal if you plan to put it on a wall or in a closet that doesn't have enough space for vents.

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

Clean your dryer's ducts at least once a month to reduce the accumulation of lint (more often if there are pets or children in the house). You can use a leaf blower or wire brush to get rid of any lint in 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 the water level. Separate your laundry according to fabric type and wash delicates such as silk using heavy cottons and linens. You won't overdye or shrink your delicates and the moisture sensor will determine when your laundry is dry enough to stop the cycle.

5. Space Savings

They consume less energy as they recycle and reuse hot air. This means they can help you save money in a variety ways, not just in terms of energy bills, but also by cutting down on the amount of energy needed to cool or heat your home.

This process is gentler on fabrics and lessens shrinkage which is a huge benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also eliminates the need to clean vents that are blocked by lint, and also reduces the energy used by conventional dryers to warm the room air before entering the dryer. This helps to keep your heating costs down.

The heat pump washer-dryer combinations are designed to fit into spaces that don't permit a separate laundry center--like in closets or kitchens. These units are compact and only take just some inches greater than the most efficient vented washers. They're not vented, so you can put them wherever you want to with electricity and water.

The all-in-one appliances are simple to use, too. All you need to do is choose the wash cycle and dry cycle that's right for your load and let them work their magic. Then, just pull your clothes out when they're done.

With these energy-efficient multi-functional machines, it's now easier than ever before to complete your laundry without costing you a fortune. Go online or visit the a gorgeous Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the ideal washer-dryer combination that will seamlessly fit into your home. We offer the most competitive rates, discounts, rebates and financing specials to help make the process of upgrading your laundry space more affordable. We're here to assist you in choosing the right dryer that is heat pump!