Heat Pump Tumble Dryers

Heat pump tumble dryers recycle the hot air that they use to dry your clothes, rather than venting it outside. This is a cost-effective option for your household as it helps conserve energy.

John Lewis has a range of tumble dryers that include both vented and condenser models as well as heat pump tumble dryers. Find out more about them in our guide to tumble dryers.

Cost

Tumble dryers are excellent for making it less necessary to hang laundry outside in the sun, and also for saving space when it comes to storage, but they tend to use quite much energy. If you're looking to lower your energy consumption and save money, consider changing to a high-temperature tumble dryer. They're more expensive at first, heat pump tumble dryers but they can save you money over time due to their lower energy consumption.

The heat pump tumble dryers operate on the basis of reheating air that was already warmed up during the drying process. This results in significantly lower energy costs than condenser or vented models. This type of tumble dryer typically consumes approximately half the electricity as a vented condenser model, and as such can save you up to PS173 per year on your energy bills.

When you compare the price of a heat pump tumble dryer with other types, the difference is usually negligible. However, it is crucial to take into consideration the amount of energy is being used and how frequently you'll use your tumble dryer. You will need to consider the wattage and your electricity bill in determining how much each tumble dryer will cost.

Vented tumble dryers make use of gas to dry the laundry and are powered by gas mains which means they are an expensive option when you're on a strict budget. The installation options are also limited as they must be installed in a space with adequate ventilation for the humid air.

Condenser dryers eliminate moisture from the laundry by moving hot air into an additional condensing unit which is then converted into water. This water is then drained away, either into a removable container which needs to be manually empty or be plumbed into your drainage system to ensure continuous removal. This allows you to install the system in a variety of places. However, you'll be required to perform additional maintenance on the drain pipe.

Energy efficiency

If you're concerned about your electricity bills the tumble dryer heat pump can offer significant savings. The technology requires less energy to heat the air inside the tumble dryer. This lets it dry clothes more efficiently and at lower temperatures than vented models.

The dryers also make use of cooling fluid to reduce the air's humidity which is then released through the condenser. This means they consume less energy than traditional vented models. They may take a little longer to complete your laundry cycle than vented dryers but your clothes will be looking and more comfortable for longer due to the lower temperatures of drying.

Typically they'll cost you between $500 to $700 more upfront than condenser dryers but the extra cost is offset by the savings you'll earn on your energy costs in the long term. They're also a larger investment and must be installed in rooms with adequate ventilation.

Gas Safe engineers are required to install tumble dryers, just as they do with any other electrical appliance. A vented dryer requires a long flexible vent hose permanently connected to the appliance at one end and the drainage point - which could be an outlet or a door - at the other. The hose should be secured in place and shouldn't be shared with any other appliance or used in any way that could cause it to degrade.

Like heat pump dryers, a condenser dryer is a type of dryer that heats the air by using an electrical element and then expelling the moisture through a tray for condensation. They tend to be heavier-duty performers with larger wet load capacities ranging from 6kg to 10kg, and are quieter to operate. They're more expensive to purchase than tumble dryers with heat pumps and aren't able to be mounted without a permanent wall connection. They're also more expensive to run than heat pump dryers since they require a lot of heat to evaporate the moisture from your laundry. Additionally, they aren't as efficient as vented models. They still require electricity to turn the motor which turns your clothes.

Noise

The sound produced by tumble dryers can be very loud, but the volume depends on several variables. The decibel rating will be one factor. The frequency of the sound can also impact the level of loudness. The sound may be amplified if there are any resonant objects in the vicinity, such as cabinets, work surfaces or furniture. It could also be affected by a room's acoustics. The sound from the tumble dryer may be dampened by acoustic absorbent material like carpets, or be drowned out by other appliances that are operating in your home.

Condenser and heat pump models are quieter than vented dryers, however, they're still noisy. They are less harsh on your clothes and dry your laundry slower with lower air temperatures. They also have longer cycles. They're less damaging to clothes and less likely to cause color loss, which is often associated with tumble dryers of the past that make use of high temperatures.

It is important to keep in mind that when you intend to utilize your tumbler dryer mostly together with a washer machine, the two appliances should be placed near to each other to minimize noises or vibrations when operating. A stacking washer and dryer kit is available to prevent this problem, and can be bought for all types of appliances.

They require continuous flow of air to function, so they must be located in a space which is well ventilated within your home. It is essential to ensure that the vent hose is permanently connected to the appliance and securely routed outside of your house, rather than redirected through a window or door.

The condenser tumble dryer, however isn't requiring the permanent connection to a vent and can be installed anywhere in your home. It stores the vapour and heat pump tumble dryers any water left in a container that is manually emptied or connected to a drain through a drainage pipe which will automatically empty it.

It is possible to transform a vented tumbler into a condenser model by using the conversion kit, but it will void the manufacturer's warranty and must be performed by a qualified professional. The kits include components to set up vents, aswell with a small pump to remove condensation.

Maintenance

A tumbler with a heat pump is different from condenser or vented models because it doesn't require venting outside to remove the hot air. The warm air that flows through your clothes is captured and then run through a condenser, which is able to separate the hot water from the cold air. It is then collected in a water reservoir (sometimes called a tank) within the appliance. You'll need to empty the water tank eventually, but you can keep the heatpump dryer in the same place as if you have vents.

Compared to vented models, the heat pump model consumes approximately 50% less energy. According to Which?, it is also less expensive to run. You can save PS42-PS51 per year. It's not cheap to buy a tumble dryer, so you must be able to pay for the initial cost.

A tumble dryer with a heat pump requires minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning the lint filter and checking for any fluff on the heater unit from time to time. However, you will have to clean the condensation drain often and it can take longer than a vented tumbler to dry your clothes.

Consider a sensor-controlled tumble dryer If you're looking for a low-cost model. This will stop the machine automatically when the laundry is done to prevent over-drying and damaging your clothes. However, you'll need to programme the drying cycle and this can be a hassle if you have lots of different fabrics in your wardrobe.

You can find a range of tumble dryers from brands such as Beko and John Lewis that use heat pumps, condenser or vented technology. All come with a two-year warranty, and John Lewis has excellent customer reviews and free home delivery. Check the warranty details before purchasing an appliance, and especially an electrical one such as a tumble dryer. This will ensure that you are protected in the event of a problem or breakdown.