Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

Conventional dryers use electric resistance or gas combustion to heat the air, then blow it over the clothes. The moist, warm air is then blown outside. The dryers that use heat pumps do not require vents. This helps save energy and reduces the risk of fire caused by the accumulation of lint in the vents.

These machines also use lower temperatures, and are more gentle on clothing. They can take longer to dry than traditional machines. Find out more about these ventless washing machines from Aztec Appliance.

Efficiency

A heat pump dryer can save you a significant amount of money every year on your electricity bill. It consumes up to 28% less energy than a traditional clothes dryer according to Energy Star. That might not sound like a lot, but if your family does 20 loads of laundry a week in Massachusetts where electricity prices are some of the highest in the United States, you'll save hundreds over the course of a 12 year lifespan with a heat pump dryer.

A heat pump dryer is similar to a dehumidifier. The heat pump dryer begins with heated air, which is then sent through coils to heat it up even more. During this process, the hot air pulls moisture out of the clothing and then into the heat exchanger, where it transforms into a condensed liquid. It drips into a pot that can be manually emptied or connected to a drain tube. The moist, cool air then circulates back through the condenser coils until it is heated again and the cycle starts again.

Heat pump dryers don't require an exhaust vent, so they can be installed in places that wouldn't fit a traditional dryer. They are also more quiet and flexible and ideal for apartments or other areas that have a little space. They are also safer than dryers that have vents, which could be an fire hazard if they are not cleaned regularly.

However, because they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it will take longer for your laundry to dry with the help of a heat pump dryer. Furthermore, since they function much like a dehumidifier and release a lot of water during drying, it's important to clean your heat pump dryer regularly. This is especially important if your clothes are damp or you reside in an area that is humid. You can accomplish this by regularly inspecting and cleaning the lint screen and the condenser coils. Also, you should clean the drain tube regularly. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator in good condition.

Condensation

The traditional method of drying clothes is to use a fan to blow hot air onto the clothes. The air is then blown outside. This method uses a lot energy and requires venting outside space to vent the venting. Heat pump dryers - also referred to as ventless dryers--recycle that air instead. They are able to heat the air by reusing energy to power the machine, and then condense it into water that drains out of the bottom of the drum. They are also smaller than vented dryers, and can be incorporated in a laundry room or even in an attic.

Though popular in Europe and Japan The heat pump technology pump dryers are relatively new to the American market. They are now available in sizes to fit most home laundry rooms and can provide significant energy savings. Because they don't draw the indoor air to the outside it isn't necessary to clean out your venting system regularly or deal with the possible issues that could arise with a dirty one.

The heat pump dryers are similar to the refrigeration system in refrigerators. They feature an compressor that presses refrigerant into one set of coils, which releases heat. The evaporator coils absorb heat from air that flows through. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through the second set of coils to condense humid air. The refrigerant that has been cooled is then pumped back into first coils, where it is reheated.

Heat pump dryers require maintenance, just like other electric dryers to maintain their peak performance. Lint collects on the filters, and on the evaporator and condenser coils, and it's important to clean them often to avoid wear and tear. They also employ refrigerants that have an extremely high GWP, also known as Global Warming Potential. These need to be recycled.

Another drawback to consider is the fact that heat pump dryers usually take longer than vented dryers to complete a load. It's because their maximum temperature of 120degF, is lower than electric and gas resistance dryers, which means they're required to a+++ tumble dryer heat pump a little longer before they're dry.

Lint Screens

Heat pump dryers have an air vent and lint filter system that need to be cleaned regularly. A clogged dryer vent can prolong drying times and create an fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer can reach temperatures that are high enough to ignite volatile oils and chemicals on clothing.

The vent system in a heat pump requires a dehumidifier in order to remove moisture from the air prior to it leaves the dryer. A dehumidifier also helps you save energy by lowering the temperature at which hot water is heated to heat the air.

The lint filter inside the heat-pump dryer is more fine and Heat pump dryers must be cleaned more frequently than those in traditional dryers. The lint screen that is located in the door opening can also build up lint. It should be cleaned often.

The models with heat pumps also come with a heated drum wall which means that the interior of the dryer has to be kept free of lint, fabric softener and dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls may be required to be cleaned and inspected regularly, as they could need to be changed, as per the user's guide.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the buildup of lint inside the dryer's exhaust pipe is more than just an inconvenience. It's also a fire hazard that causes 2,900 housefires on average each year. Clean the dryer's lint exhaust hose once a year using a wire brush or employ an air blower from the exterior heat pump dryers to remove lint from the inside of the hose as this Today's Homeowner how-to video explains. This is safer to do 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 to clean the ducts, hire an expert.

If you don't feel air moving in the dryer vent, or if you notice that your dryer is taking longer to dry, it could be that there is a lint obstruction deeper in the vent. Choose one day a year to clean the venting system such as Labor Day, the beginning of spring, or the end or the beginning of daylight savings time - and adhere to it.

Installation

Modern dryers that are electric are among the most convenient options for homeowners. But selecting the right dryer is also an important decision for those looking to reduce their utility bills and make an impact on the environment. For many people, heat pump dryers are a great alternative. In contrast to traditional vented dryers which use electricity or gas combustion to heat air, and then blow the hot, dry air into the drum to remove moisture and re-use the same air repeatedly 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.

Because heat pump dryers don't have to vent outside, they don't require any ducting or chimney and can be put in small spaces like laundry closets. This makes them ideal for small homes, accessory dwelling units (such as laundry rooms in the basement or an apartment above the garage) and even additions. Also, because the Energy STAR label is a reliable mark of energy efficiency, heat pump dryers are often more efficient than vented models that are more traditional.

Heat pump dryers can operated on standard 120-volt 15-amp circuits. This is an advantage for older homes that have older wiring and can reduce the cost of installation.

However, the fact that heat pump dryers are less powerful than other types of dryers, means they take longer to finish a cycle. They also don't have the back-andforth motion that is typical of dryers, large items such as sheets and towels may wad up into laundry sausages that are difficult to unravel. Some manufacturers attempt to resolve this issue by reversed tumble cycles for short periods during a cycle.

The dryers that use heat pumps also require more maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger coils and Evaporator coils, which require periodic vacuuming or professional cleaning to keep them running efficiently. Because dryers that use heat pumps don't vent, they may also gather moisture on the inside of the dryer, causing mold.