Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

Conventional dryers heat air using gas or electric resistance, blow it over clothes that are tumbling, and then release the warm, moist air outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents. This reduces energy consumption and prevents fire hazards caused by lint accumulation in the ducts.

They also operate at lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothing, so they might take longer to dry than traditional machines. Learn more about these ventless laundry machines from Aztec Appliance.

Efficiency

A heat pump dryer can save you a significant amount of money annually on your electric bill. It uses up to 28% less energy than a traditional dryer according to Energy Star. It may not sound like a lot but in the case of a family that does 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts, where electricity rates are some of the highest in the nation, you'll save hundreds over the course of a 12 year lifespan with a heat pump dryer.

The way that a heat pump dryer functions is similar to a dehumidifier. It starts with air that's heated by a compressor and is then passed through a different set of coils to warm it even more. During this process, the hot air draws moisture out of the clothing and into the heat exchanger, which turns it into a condensed liquid. It then drips into a pan that can be manually emptied or connected to drain tubes. The cool, moist air is then circulated over the coils of the condenser to be heated.

They don't need an exhaust vent. They can be used in places where a conventional dryer wouldn't be suitable. They are also more quiet and flexible and heat pump Dryers ideal for apartments or other areas with limited space. They are also safer than dryers that have vents, which can pose an fire hazard if they are not maintained regularly.

They take longer to dry your laundry because they operate at lower temperatures. It's also important to clean the heat pump dryer frequently because it works like a dehumidifier, and produces plenty of moisture during drying. This is particularly important when you live in a humid environment or if your clothes have lots of moisture in them. It is possible to do this by checking and cleaning the lint screens and the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube every now and then. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator coil in good condition.

Condensation

The traditional method to dry clothes involves a fan blowing hot air over the laundry that is tumbling, then venting that warm, moist air outside. This method consumes a lot of energy and requires a vented outdoor space to vent the venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines recycle the air. They heat the incoming air by reusing the energy used to run the machine, then condense the moisture that results into water that drains out the bottom of the drum. They are smaller than vented models and can be installed in an attic or laundry room.

While they're widely used in Europe and Japan The heat pump dryers are new to the American market. They're now available in sizes that will fit in most laundry rooms, and they offer significant energy savings and other climate benefits. Because they do not exhaust the indoor air outdoors it is not necessary to clean your venting system or address any issues that might arise.

They are similar to the refrigeration system in refrigerators. They have an air compressor that pressurizes refrigerant into a set of coils, which releases heat. The evaporator coils soak up warmth from air passing through. The refrigerant heated circulates in another set of coils to condense humid air. The cooled refrigerant is then pumped back into the first coils, where it is reheated.

Like other dryers with electric motors the heat pump dryer requires regular maintenance to keep its energy efficiency at peak performance. Lint can accumulate on the filters and the evaporator coils. It is important to clean these frequently to prevent excessive wear. They also utilize refrigerants with an extremely high GWP, also known as Global Warming Potential. These need to be recycled.

Heat pump dryers are slower than vented dryers in drying loads. It's because their maximum temperature of 120degF--is lower than that of gas and electric resistance dryers. Therefore, they're required to tumble some time before they're dry.

Lint Screens

Heat pump dryers come with a lint trap and venting system which need to be cleaned on a regular basis. A blocked vent can drastically lengthen drying times, and is a fire hazard. The exhaust from dryers vented can reach temperatures that ignite volatile oils and chemicals.

A heat pump venting system requires a dehumidifier in order to remove moisture before the air leaves the dryer. A dehumidifier can also reduce energy costs by lowering the temperature of the hot water used to heat the air.

The lint screen on the heat pump dryer is softer than conventional dryers, which is why it requires cleaning more frequently. The lint screen that is located in the door's opening can accumulate lint. It is recommended to clean it regularly.

The models that have heat pump also have a heated drum wall which means that the interior of the dryer needs to be free of lint fabric softener, dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls also require periodic cleaning and inspection, as they could require to be replaced, as stated in the user's manual.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the buildup of lint inside the heatpump dryer's exhaust pipe is more than an inconvenience. It's also an ablaze hazard that can cause 2900 house fires per year. Clean the dryer's lint exhaust hose once a year using a wire brush or use an air blower from the exterior to eliminate lint from inside of the hose as this Today's Homeowner how-to video provides. It's safer to do this from the outside as you won't be able to see lint on your face. If you are not confident that you'll be able clean the ducts, you should hire an expert.

If you are unable to feel the air moving through your dryer vent, or if your dryer is taking longer to dry, it could mean that there is a lint blockage within the duct. Choose one day a year to clean the vent system that is Labor Day, the beginning of spring, or the end or the beginning of daylight saving time - and stick to it.

Installation

Modern dryers that are electric are among the most convenient options for homeowners. But choosing the best dryer is important for those who wish to reduce their utility costs and make a positive impact on our environment. Heat pump dryers are an excellent option for many. They are different from vented dryers that are traditional that use electricity or gas combustion to heat air, then blowing the hot dried air into the drum to eliminate moisture. They reuse the air, pulling the moisture out and cooling it before allowing it to return to the laundry room where it can be used again.

Since they don't require venting outside, they don't require any ducting or chimney and can be installed in small rooms like laundry closets. They're ideal for tiny houses, additional dwelling units (such a laundry room or apartment above the garage) or even for additions. They are often better than traditional vented models because they are ENERGY STAR certified.

Unlike most other types of dryers for clothing that require a dedicated circuit, most heat pump dryers are designed to operate on standard 120-volt, 15-amp electrical circuits. This is a benefit for older homes with older wiring, and could save you money on installation.

However, the fact that heat pump dryers are less powerful than other types of dryers means they take longer to finish the cycle. Because they don't feature the back-and-forth motion of conventional dryers, large objects such as sheets and towels may wad up into a laundry sausage that's difficult to unravel. Some manufacturers attempt to resolve this issue by reversing the tumble cycle for brief durations during the course of a cycle.

In addition, heat pump dryers require more frequent maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger coils and evaporator coils, requiring periodic vacuuming or professional cleaning to ensure they are running at a high efficiency. And since dryers with heat pumps do not vent, they could also gather moisture on the inside of the dryer, leading to mold.