Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

With new federal incentives and awe-inspiring lab test results the heat pump washer dryer is set to become a household staple. These all-in one machines are faster to wash and dry and they don't draw conditioned indoor air to vent.

The clothes are also treated at a lower temperature. Find out more about this fascinating technology for laundry.

1. Saves Energy

They're not just for cooling and heating your home They're now being used in dryers for clothes as well. A dryer made of heat that is ENERGY STAR certified uses 28% less electricity than a conventional dryer, which will save you money on your electric bill. They use the lower temperature to lessen wear and tear, and damage to your clothes.

The heat pump washer-dryers reuse the air that is used in the washing cycle. However, it is cooled and warmed by a condenser unit located within the evaporator. Then the warm air is returned to the drum to continue drying the clothes. This means that a heat pump dryer will never have to exhaust the moisture-laden air like vented dryers.

Since the process of washing clothes consumes large amounts of energy It's worthwhile to make your appliances as efficient as you can. This can be achieved by pairing a washer with a heat-pump dryer. This will help you lock in maximum efficiency and save on energy costs immediately.

Check out our selection of ENERGY STAR-certified washers and dryers to start. You can filter the results by 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 each year.

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

2. Reduces Noise

Most traditional clothes tumble dryers heat pump are heated by an electric or gas coil. This helps evaporate moisture from your clothing. The air is then vented out of your home, bringing along the conditioned air that you pay for to cool in summer and to heat in winter. Your house will have to work extra hours to replenish the lost heat by pulling the replacement air through cracks and gaps around walls and doors.

The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, rather than heating it and venting it. This is a great option for homeowners who have houses that are too small to handle the additional air flow. It is also possible to put washer and dryer combos in spaces which they wouldn't normally be able to put venting dryers for instance, under the stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency or performance.

While this is an important benefit of all-in-one washing and drying machines, they do have their disadvantages. All-in-one units take longer to complete their cycles than traditional washers and dryers and therefore it is important to allot plenty of time for each load. Combining two appliances into one can also limit the amount of laundry that you can complete in a single load because it takes an hour longer to dry colors and whites than they would be if they were separate units.

Thankfully, the majority of manufacturers have started to address these issues by offering simple solutions. LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo includes an option to prop the door slightly open when it is running to prevent water pooling and drying the drum. Many LG models, including our top pick, come with an insignificant drainage hole in the bottom of the laundry tub that allows water to drain instead of pooling. You can also buy sound blankets that are fitted around the heat pump to block out noise.

3. Reduces Wear and Tear

They don't heat the air like traditional dryers. They just remove the moisture from clothes. This is much gentler on fabrics. This helps conserve energy since it doesn't need to use energy to heat up the air for the drying process.

They require more maintenance than standalone dryers since the condensate drainage tube must be cleaned regularly to prevent obstructions. This is not much different from cleaning a regular machine.

The biggest difference is that heat-pump washer-dryer combos do not vent, which means you can use them in a home without cutting through the exterior wall to run ductwork. This is ideal for those who live in apartments as well as college students and others who don't want to spend more money or change their living space.

Heat-pump systems dry clothes slower than traditional dryers because they don't get as hot. Many people were hesitant to use them due to the fact that they didn't get as hot. However manufacturers have stepped up their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer which is on our list of top dryers, has an average drying time of 37 to 70 min.

The most important thing to reduce drying time is to avoid overdoing the amount of detergent, which could cause excessive suds that prolongs cycles and leaves an oily residue on clothing (readers write us every day about this issue). Make sure you use the recommended amount of high efficiency detergents, and keep the dispenser drawer clean. This will ensure the machine is operating at its best and not wasting your energy and money.

4. Reduces Lint

A heat pump dryer requires less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or washers and dryers electric dryer. This is because it does not blow hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead, it extracts vapor at room temperature from the air that surrounds your clothes. This vapor is heated by your washer and used to remove the moisture 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 around 88 pounds. This can be a big difference if you're planning to place it on a wall or use it in a closet that might not be big enough to accommodate a vent.

Lint build-up could be a problem for all dryers, but the reduced temperatures in a heat pump dryer limit how much can clog the exhaust, preventing your clothes from reaching their full drying potential. This also reduces the possibility of fire threatening the dryer, or in its exhaust. This could happen if volatile solvents and oil from your laundry are able to enter the dryer's evaporator or vent.

Clean your dryer ducts at minimum every month to avoid the accumulation of lint (more often if there are pets or children in the home). You can make use of a leaf blower or wire brush to remove any lint that has accumulated between the ridges of the hose that connects to the accordion. It is safer to clean this outside rather than inside.

Use a detergent that is low in sudsing and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to set your water level so that you avoid overdrying. Separate your laundry according to the type of fabric and wash delicates such as silk with heavy cottons as well as linens. You won't overdye, shrink or over-dry your delicates, and the moisture sensor will determine when your laundry is dry enough to close the cycle.

5. Space Saver Space

Since heat pump dryers reuse and reuse hot air, they use less energy than vented dryers. This can help you save money on your utility bills, but also on energy costs to cool or heat your house.

This method is also more gentle on fabrics, so it reduces shrinkage and wear--a major benefit when you're dealing with expensive clothes. It also eliminates the need for vents that are blocked by lint, and also reduces the energy consumed by conventional dryers in order to warm the air before it enters the dryer. This helps to 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 kitchens or closets. These units are just a few inches more space than vented front-load washers. Plus, they're ventless so they can be placed wherever you have water and a 120-volt outlet.

They are also simple to use. All you need to do is choose the wash and dry cycle that's best for your needs and let them work their magic. Then, just take your clothes out when they're done.

These energy-efficient, versatile machines make it easier than ever to wash your clothes without breaking the bank. Shop online or head to a gorgeous Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that fits seamlessly into your home. We offer the best deals on rebates, promotions, and special financing for upgrading your laundry room. We're here to help you choose the best heat pump dryer for you!