Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

Conventional dryers heat air with gas or electric resistance, blow it over tumbling clothes and vent the warm, humid air outside. The dryers that use heat pumps do not require vents. This helps save energy and eliminates potential fire hazards caused by the accumulation of lint in the ducts.

These machines also have lower temperatures, and are gentler On Sale clothes. They can take longer to dry than traditional machines. Aztec Appliance has more information about these ventless washers.

Efficiency

You can save a lot of money on your electric bill by using a heat pump dryer. According to Energy Star, it uses up to 28 percent less energy than a conventional dryer. It might seem like a lot, but if you do 20 loads of laundry a week in Massachusetts where electricity rates are among the highest in the nation and you can save hundreds of dollars over 12 years.

The way a heat-pump dryer operates is similar to the way it works the dehumidifier. The heat pump dryer starts with heated air that is then pushed through coils to heat it even more. The heated air draws moisture from the clothing and then into the heat exchanger, where it's condensed. It drips into a pan that can be manually empty or connected to drain tubes. The cool, moist air then circulates through the condenser coils until it is then heated and the cycle starts again.

Heat pump dryers do not require an exhaust vent, which means they can be put in places that wouldn't fit a traditional dryer. They are also quieter and more versatile and are ideal for apartments or other areas with small space. They are also safer than dryers that have vents. Vents can spark fires when they aren't cleaned regularly.

Heat pump dryers take longer to dry your laundry due to the fact that they operate at lower temperatures. Additionally, because they work much like a dehumidifier and release a lot of water during drying, it's important to clean your dryer's heat pump regularly. This is especially true if your clothes are damp or you reside in an area that is humid. You can do this regularly by cleaning and checking the lint screen as well as the condenser coils. Also, you should clean the drain tube periodically. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator coil in good condition.

Condensation

The traditional method of drying clothes is using fans to blow hot air on the laundry. This air is then blown outside. This method uses lots of energy and requires an outdoor space that is vented for ducting. Heat pump dryers--also known as ventless dryers--recycle that air instead. They heat the air by reusing energy to run the machine. They then condense it into water that drains from the bottom of the drum. They are smaller than vented models, and can be placed in a laundry room or attic.

The dryers that are heat pump, although popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new on the American market. They are now available in sizes that fit in most laundry rooms and offer significant energy savings. Since they don't draw the indoor air outdoors they don't require you to clean your venting system or address any potential issues.

The heat pump dryers function like the refrigeration system of refrigerators using an air compressor that presses refrigerant within one set of coils to release heat and an evaporator coil set that absorb heat from the air passing through them. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through another set of coils to condense humid air. The refrigerant that has been cooled is then pumped back into the first coils, where it is heated.

They require maintenance, just as other dryers with electric motors to ensure their performance is at its best. Lint collects on the filters, as well as on the condenser and evaporator coils, and it's important to clean them often to avoid wear and tear. They also use refrigerants that have a high GWP, or Global Warming Potential. They must be recycled.

Another disadvantage to be aware of is the fact that heat pump dryers typically take longer than vented ones to complete a job. This is due to the fact that the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower, at 120degF. This means that they'll need to tumble a bit longer before they are completely dry.

Lint Screens

Heat pump dryers come with venting and lint trap system which need to be regularly cleaned. A blocked vent can drastically prolong drying times and poses a fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer can reach temperatures high enough to ignite volatile oils and chemical on clothing.

A heat pump's vent system requires a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air before it exits the dryer. A dehumidifier also helps you save energy by reducing the temperature at which the hot water is heated to warm the air.

The lint screen of the heat pump dryer is more fine than the conventional dryers, and therefore must be cleaned more frequently. The lint trap inside the door's opening is a good place for lint to accumulate and On Sale must be inspected and cleaned frequently.

Models with heat pumps include a heated drum which means the interior of the machine has to be kept clear of lint and residues from fabric softener or dryer sheets. The heated drum walls require regular cleaning and inspections, since they could require to be replaced, as stated in the user's manual.

Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hoses isn't only a nuisance, it's also a major fire hazard that causes an average of 2,900 house fires each year according to the U.S. Fire Administration. As you can see in this Today's homeowner video cleaning your dryer's lint-exhaust hose with the help of a wirebrush or leaf blower. It's safer to do this from outside, as you can avoid getting lint on your eyes. If you are not confident that you can clean the ducts, call a professional.

If you aren't able to sense air flowing through your dryer vent outside, or the dryer is taking longer to dry than normal, there could be an obstruction from lint in the duct. Pick a day in the year to clean your vent system--Labor Day, the first day of spring, or the day that marks the beginning or end of daylight saving time--and stick to it.

Installation

Drying laundry in an electric dryer that is modern and efficient is one of the most essential options for homeowners. But selecting the right dryer is an important choice for those who wish to lower their energy costs and make a a positive impact on the environment. For many these reasons, heat pump dryers are the best alternative. Unlike traditional vented dryers that make use of gas or electricity to heat air and blow hot, dry air into the drum to remove moisture and re-use the same air over and over by pulling the moist air out of the clothes and cooling it, allowing it to return to the laundry room, where it can be used again.

Heat pump dryers do not require chimneys, ducting or chimneys to vent outside. They can be installed inside small spaces like laundry closets. This makes them ideal for tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (such as a laundry room in the basement or an apartment above the garage) and even for additions. Heat pump dryers often perform better than traditional vented models because they are energy STAR certified.

The dryers of a heat pump can be used on standard 120-volt 15 amp circuits. This is a huge advantage for older homes with older wiring, and could reduce the cost of installation.

However the fact that heat pump dryers aren't as powerful than other dryers means they take longer to complete the cycle. Because they don't move between the two like conventional dryers do, large items such as towels and sheets can turn into a laundry sausage which is difficult to unwind. Some manufacturers try to solve this problem by reversing tumble dryers heat pump cycles for short periods during a cycle.

In addition, heat pumps need more regular maintenance than other dryers. Lint can accumulate on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, requiring regular vacuuming or professional cleaning to keep them operating efficiently. And since dryers with heat pumps don't vent, they may also collect moisture inside the dryer, causing mold.