Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

Heat pump washer dryers are poised to become household staples due to new federal incentives and awe-inspiring laboratory test results. These all-in-one devices require less time to dry and wash and are ventless, meaning they don't take conditioned air out of your home to vent it outside.

They also have a lower temperature that is gentler on clothes. Read on to learn more about this amazing technology for washing.

1. Saves Energy

The use of heat pumps isn't limited to home heating and cooling They're now being used in clothes dryers as well. A dryer with a heat pump that is ENERGY START-certified consumes less electricity than a traditional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They run at a lower temperature, which reduces wear and tear on your clothes and the environment.

During the drying cycle, heat pump washer-dryers use the same air that is recycled by the washing machine, but it passes through a condenser unit in the evaporator unit in order to warm up and cool the air. The warm air is then moved into the drum in order to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer does not require exhausting the air that what is tumble dryer heat pump laden with moisture, like vented dryers do.

Since the process of washing clothes consumes substantial amounts of energy It's worthwhile to make your current appliances as efficient as they can be. The best method to accomplish this is by pairing an efficient washer with a heat pump dryer. This will to maximize efficiency and save on energy costs right away.

To get started to get started, take a look at our collection of the ENERGY STAR certified dryers and washers. You can sort results by model and energy consumption, wash cycles, or spin speed. Also, make sure to read the yellow Energy Guide label to understand the amount each appliance will cost to run each year.

Combination washer-dryers can be an excellent option for households who cannot afford two separate units or do not have the space. They plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and do not require a venting system or special hookups of 240-volts. These units are ideal for condominiums and apartments since they can be placed in a cupboard or under the counter.

2. Reduces Noise

Most traditional clothes dryers use the hot gas or electric coil to heat the air which evaporates the moisture in your laundry. The air is then vented out from your home, taking the conditioned air you pay to cool in summer and heat in winter. Your home must be working overtime to compensate for the lack of condition by bringing in replacement air from gaps and cracks in your walls and around doors.

The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, rather than heating it and venting it. This is ideal for homeowners who have houses which aren't large enough to handle additional air flow. It is also possible to put in dryer and washer combinations in areas where venting dryers would not be suitable, such as under stairs. This will not impact the energy efficiency or performance.

While this is a major benefit of all-in-one washing and drying machines, they aren't without 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 can reduce the amount of laundry that you can complete in one load since it takes an hour longer to dry whites and colors than when they were separate machines.

Many manufacturers have begun to address these problems with simple solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer combination, for example, has an option to prop the door open slightly while it is running to prevent the water from pooling and drying out the drum. A lot of LG models like our top choice, have a small drain hole at the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water drain instead of pooling inside the drum. Finally, you can purchase sound blankets that fit snugly over your heat pump to reduce its noise.

3. Reduces Wear and Tear

Heat pump dryers don't heat the air, unlike traditional dryers. They simply remove the moisture from clothes. This is more gentle on clothing. This is a great way to save energy, since it does not have to use energy to heat up the air for the drying process.

That said, heat-pump dryers do require a little more maintenance than standalone machines because the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned regularly to prevent blockages. But, this isn't too different from cleaning a standard dryer.

The most notable difference is that heat-pump washer-dryer combos don't vent, which means you can put them in a home without cutting through the exterior wall to run ductwork. This is a major plus for apartment dwellers, students, and others who don't want to alter their living space or spend additional money for heat pump washer dryer the purchase of a new appliance.

The drying time of clothes dried by heat-pump dryers is slower than traditional dryers due to the fact that they don't get quite as hot. Many people were hesitant use them because they didn't become as hot. However manufacturers have stepped up their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA heat pump dryer which is among our top dryers, has an average drying time between 37 and 70 minutes.

The most important thing to reduce drying time is not overdoing the amount of detergent, which could result in excessive suds that can prolong cycles and leaves a slimy residue on your clothes (readers send us emails every day 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 running at its best and will not waste your time and money.

4. Reduces Lint

A heat pump dryer uses less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. That's because it doesn't blow hot humid air into your clothes, but instead draws air at room temperature around your clothes. The vapor is heated by your washer, and then used to evaporate water from your laundry.

A heat pump washer weighs 88 pounds., which is not as heavy as vented gas dryers or electric dryer. This is a huge deal if you plan to install it on the wall or use it inside the closet, which might not have enough space for a vent.

Lint buildup is a major issue for all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's lower temperatures limit the amount of lint that can clog up the exhaust and stop the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. This also reduces the possibility of fire in your dryer or in its exhaust. This can happen when volatile solvents and oil from your laundry enter the vent or dryer's evaporator.

To prevent the build-up of lint, be sure to clean your dryer drain at least once per year (more often if you have pets or kids). You can use a leaf blower or wire brush to clean any lint between the ridges of the hose that connects to the accordion. It is safer 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 your water level. Separate your laundry according to fabric type and wash delicates such as silk with heavy cottons and linens. You won't overdye, shrink or over-dry your delicates and the moisture sensor will detect when your laundry is dry enough to end the cycle.

5. Space Savings

Because heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they consume less energy than vented dryers. This can save you money on utility bills, but also on the energy cost to cool or heat your home.

This method is also more gentle on fabrics, which reduces shrinkage and wear--a major benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also reduces the need to replace lint-clogged dryer vents and cuts down on the energy consumption that conventional dryers expend to warm air before it enters the machine which helps keep your heating and cooling costs down.

Heat pump washer-dryer combinations are designed to fit in small areas, like closets and kitchens. These machines are all-in-one and are just a few inches more space than front-load washers that are vented. They're also ventless, so you can place them anywhere with water and a 120-volt outlet.

These appliances are also easy to use. You only need to choose the appropriate washing cycle and drying process for your load, then let them work. Once your clothes are clean, simply remove them.

These energy-efficient, versatile machines allow you to clean your laundry without breaking the budget. You can shop online or go to an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that will fit seamlessly into your home. We offer the best prices, promotions, rebates and financing options for enhancing your laundry space. We're here to help you choose the best heat pump dryer for you!