Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

Conventional dryers use electrical resistance or gas combustion to heat the air, then blow it over the clothes. The warm, humid air is then vented outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents, which save energy and eliminate potential fire hazards resulting from lint accumulation in the ducts.

These machines also use lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothing. They can take longer to finish drying than traditional machines. Learn more about these ventless laundry appliances from Aztec Appliance.

Efficiency

You can save lots of money on your electric bill by using the heat pump dryer. It consumes up to 28% less energy than a traditional clothes dryer according to Energy Star. This may not sound like much but in the case of a family that does 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts, where electricity rates are among the highest in the United States, you'll save hundreds over the course of a 12 year lifespan by using a heat pump dryer.

A heat pump heatpump dryer is similar to a dehumidifier. The heat pump dryer begins with heated air that is then circulated through coils to heat it further. During this process, the hot air draws moisture out of the clothing and then into the heat exchanger, where it becomes condensed liquid. It drips into a pan that can be manually emptied or connected to drain tubes. The moist, heat pump tumble Dryer uk cool air then flows back through the condenser coils until it is re-heated and the cycle begins again.

Heat pump dryers do not require an exhaust vent, which means they can be put in places that aren't able to accommodate a conventional dryer. They are also more quiet and flexible and are ideal for apartments or other areas that have a little space. They are also safer than dryers that have vents. Vents can ignite when they aren't cleaned regularly.

The dryers that use heat take longer to dry your laundry due to the fact that they operate at lower temperatures. Additionally, because they work much like a dehumidifier and generate plenty of water during the drying process, it's important to clean your dryer's heat pump regularly. This is particularly important if you live in a humid environment or if your clothes are soaked with lots of moisture inside them. You can accomplish this by regularly inspecting and cleaning the lint screen and the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube periodically. The evaporator coil is susceptible to bacteria and mold However, regular cleaning is required to keep it in good condition.

Condensation

The traditional method of drying clothes is using the use of a fan to blow hot air over the laundry. This air is then blown outside. This method uses lots of energy and requires access to an outdoor space that is vented for the venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines recycle the air. They 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're also smaller than vented dryers, and can be incorporated into a laundry room or even an attic.

The dryers that are heat pump, although popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new on the American market. They are now available in sizes to fit most home laundry rooms and can provide significant energy savings. Since they don't exhaust outdoor air it is not necessary to clean your venting system or deal with any potential issues.

The heat pump dryers function like a refrigerator's refrigeration system with a compressor that pressurizes a refrigerant in one set of coils to release heat and an evaporator coil set that absorb warmth from the air passing through them. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through a second set of coils to condense the humid air. The cooled refrigerant then flows back into the first set of coils and is reheated to continue the process.

Heat pump dryers require maintenance as other dryers with electric motors to maintain their peak performance. Lint can accumulate on the filters and evaporator coils. It is important to clean these frequently to prevent excessive wear. And they use refrigerants with high GWP (Global Warming Potential) and therefore, they have to be recycled properly as well.

Another drawback to consider is the fact that heat pump tumble dryer Uk pump dryers generally take longer than vented ones to complete a load. This is because their maximum temperature, which is around 120degF--is lower than that of gas and electric resistance dryers, which means they're required to tumble a little longer before they're completely dry.

Lint Screens

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

A heat pump's vent system requires a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture from the air before it leaves the dryer. A dehumidifier also helps reduce energy costs by lowering the temperature of the hot water that is used to heat the air.

The lint filter of the heat-pump dryer is more fine and requires cleaning more frequently than the one in a conventional dryer. The lint trap that is located in the door's opening is an ideal place for lint accumulation and must be inspected and cleaned frequently.

Models with heat pumps include a heated drum which means the inside of the machine needs to be kept free of lint and residues from dryer or fabric softener sheets. The heated drum walls might also need to be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis, since they might require to be replaced, as indicated by the user's manual.

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 an ignition source that can cause 2,900 housefires on average each year. As explained in this Today's home owner video, you can clean the exhaust hose of your dryer with either a wirebrush or a leaf blower. It's safer to clean the hose from the outside, so that you can avoid getting lint on your face. If you are not confident that you'll be able clean the ducts, call a professional.

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

Installation

Modern electric dryers are among the most useful features for homeowners. But choosing the right dryer is an important decision for those looking to reduce their energy costs and make a an impact on the environment. For many people, heat pump dryers are an ideal alternative. Contrary to traditional vented dryers that make use of gas or electricity to heat air, and then blow hot, dry air into the drum to eliminate moisture in the air, heat pump dryers reuse the same air repeatedly, pulling the moist air away from the clothes and cooling it down, allowing it to return to the laundry area, where it can be used again.

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

Heat pump dryers can operated on standard 120-volt 15-amp circuits. This can be a real advantage for older homes with older wiring and can save money on installation.

However the fact that heat pump dryers aren't as powerful than other dryers means they take longer to finish each cycle. They also don't have the back-andforth motion that is typical of dryers, bulky 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 changing the tumble cycle for short intervals of time during the course of a cycle.

The dryers that use heat pumps also require more maintenance than other dryers. Lint can accumulate on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, which requires regular cleaning or a thorough vacuum to ensure that they function effectively. Heat pump dryers do not vent, so they can collect moisture within the dryer. This can lead to mold.