Energy Efficient heat pump washer dryer (blog post from Technetbloggers)

With new federal incentives and impressive lab test results the heat pump washer dryer is set to become a household staple. These all-in-one machines are quicker to dry and wash, and are ventless, meaning they don't pull the conditioned air from your home to vent it outside.

The clothes are also treated at the use of a lower temperature. Continue reading to learn more about this revolutionary technology for washing.

1. Energy Savings

They're not just used for heating and cooling homes, but they're also being employed to dry clothes. An energy STAR certified heat pump dryer consumes 28 percent less energy than a traditional dryer, and could save you money on electricity bills. They operate at the lower temperature to lessen wear and tear, and damage to your clothes.

Heat pump washer-dryers recycle the air used in the washing cycle. However it is cooled, then warmed by a condenser unit located inside the evaporator. The warm air is then pushed into the drum to continue drying clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer won't never have to exhaust the moisture-laden air like vented dryers.

Because the laundry process consumes large amounts of energy It's worth attempting to make your existing appliances as efficient as possible. The best method to accomplish this is to pair an efficient washer with a high-efficiency heat pump dryer. This will allow you to ensure maximum efficiency and start saving energy costs right away.

For a start take a look at our selection of the ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers. You can filter your results based on model, energy usage, wash cycles, and spin speed. Be sure to examine the yellow Energy Guide Label to see the cost of each appliance to run every year.

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

2. Reduces Noise

The majority of traditional clothes dryers use heat to dry the clothes using an electric or gas coil. This allows you to remove moisture from your clothes. The air is then vented out of your home, taking the conditioned air you pay for to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home has to work overtime to make up for the lack of conditioning air by pulling in replacement air from gaps and cracks in your walls and around doors.

Heat pump washer tumble dryers heat pump vs condenser transfer humidity from one place to another instead of venting and heating it, which is great news for those who live in houses that can't handle extra air flow. It's also possible to install washer/dryer combinations in areas which they wouldn't normally be able to put a vented dryer for instance, under the stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency or performance.

All-in-one machines have many advantages, but they also have some disadvantages. All-in-one units take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers, so it's important to allot plenty of time for each load. Combining two appliances into one will also reduce the amount of laundry you can do in a single load since it takes an hour longer to dry colors and whites than they would if they were separate machines.

Thankfully, the majority of manufacturers are beginning to address these issues by offering simple solutions. For instance, LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo features a feature that lets you prop the door open a bit while it's running to prevent the water from pooling and drying out the drum. Many LG models such as our top pick, have a drain hole at the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water drain instead of pooling inside the drum. You can also purchase a sound blanket that fit snugly over your heat pump to minimize its sound.

3. Reduces Wear and Tear

They don't heat the air like traditional dryers. They just remove the moisture from clothes. This is more gentle on the fabric. This also saves energy because it doesn't have to waste the energy that it takes to heat the air up for the drying process.

The dryers that use heat require more maintenance than standalone dryers due to the fact that the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned regularly to avoid obstructions. But, this isn't too different from cleaning a conventional dryer.

The main difference is that heat pump washer and dryer combos do not vent, which means you can put them in a home without cutting into the wall exterior to run ductwork. This is great for apartment dwellers, college students, and others who don't want to spend more money or modify their living space.

Because heat-pump systems aren't as hot, they take longer to dry clothes than conventional dryers. This is a reason why many people have been hesitant to embrace them, but manufacturers have improved their technology over time, and a heat pump dryer on our best dryer list -- the LG Signature LUWM101HWA has typical drying times of 37 to 70 minutes.

The key to reducing 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 write to us all the time about this problem). 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 the machine is operating as efficiently as possible and you're not wasting 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 that surrounds your clothes. The vapor is then heated by your dryer to remove the moisture from your laundry and make this kind of dryer much more energy-efficient.

Because of this efficiency, a heat pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a traditional vented electric or gas dryer, but it still weighs in the vicinity of 88 lbs. This can be a big issue if you intend to put it on the wall or in a closet that doesn't have enough space for vents.

Lint build-up can be an issue for all dryers, but the reduced temperatures in the heat pump dryer limit the amount of lint that can block the exhaust, preventing your clothes from reaching their full drying capacity. That also lowers the risk of a fire in the dryer or in its exhaust, which can occur when solvents and flammable oils from your laundry get into the vent or into the dryer's evaporator.

Clean your dryer ducts at least once a month to reduce lint accumulation (more often if you have children or pets in the house). A leaf blower or wire brush can help you clear out any lint that's built up between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's safer to do this outside rather than inside if possible.

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's level. Separate your laundry by kinds of fabrics and wash delicates like silk using heavy linens or cottons. This way, you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. Likewise, the moisture sensors will have better chances of notifying you when your laundry is fully dry and ready to be disposed of.

5. Saves Space

Since heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they use less energy than vented dryers. This means they can help you save money in a variety of ways--not just on costs for utilities, but also on the amount of energy used to heat or cool your home.

This process is also gentler on fabrics, so it reduces shrinkage and wear--a important benefit when dealing with expensive clothes. It also eliminates the need to clean lint-clogged vents, and reduces the energy consumed by conventional dryers to warm the air before it enters the dryer. This helps keep your heating costs low.

Finally, heat pump washer-dryer combinations are designed to fit into spaces that don't permit a separate laundry room, like in closets or kitchens. These machines are all-in-one and are just one inch more space than the most front-load washers that are vented. They're ventless, which means they can be placed anywhere with electricity and water.

These all-in-one appliances are easy to operate, too. You only need to choose the appropriate washing cycle and drying process for your load, and then let them do the work. Then, you can take your clothes out when they're ready.

With these energy efficient and versatile machines, it's easier than ever before to wash your clothes without spending a dime. You can shop online or visit an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the right combination of washer and dryer that will fit seamlessly into your home. We have the best deals, promotions, rebates and financing specials to upgrade your laundry room. We're here to help you choose the right heat pump dryer for you!