Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

Conventional dryers make use of electric resistance or gas combustion to heat the air, then blow it over the clothes. The warm, humid air is then blown outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents. This saves energy and eliminates potential fire hazards caused by lint accumulation in the vents.

They also have lower temperatures and are gentler on clothing, which means they may take longer to dry than conventional machines. Learn more about these ventless washing machines from Aztec Appliance.

Efficiency

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

The way that a heat pump dryer works is similar to that of dehumidifiers. It begins with air that is heated by a compressor, and then sent through another set of coils to warm it even more. In this process, the hot air draws moisture out of the clothing and into the heat exchanger, which turns it into condensed. It drips into a pan that can be manually emptied or connected to drain tubes. The moist, cool air is then circulated through the condenser coils, to be heated again and the cycle starts again.

They don't require an exhaust vent. They can therefore be installed in areas where a conventional dryer would not fit. They also are quieter and more versatile, making them ideal for apartments and other spaces that have limited space. In addition, they are safer than dryers with vents, which can be dangerous if not cleaned regularly.

Heat pump dryers take longer to dry your laundry due to the fact that they operate at lower temperatures. It's also important to clean the dryer regularly since it functions as an air dehumidifier and can produce a lot of moisture during drying. This is especially important if you reside in a humid area or if your clothes are soaked with lots of moisture inside the dryer. You can do this regularly by cleaning and checking the lint screen as well as the condenser coils. You should also clean out the drain tube every now and then. The evaporator coil is susceptible to bacteria and mold However, regular cleaning is required to keep it in good condition.

Condensation

The most common method of drying clothes is to use fans to blow hot air over the laundry. This air is then vented outside. This method consumes a lot of energy and requires a vented outside space to vent the venting. Heat pump dryers, also referred to as ventless drying equipment, recycle the air. They heat the air coming in by reusing the energy required to power the machine. They then condense the moisture that results into water, which drains out the bottom of the dryer drum. They're also smaller than vented dryers and can be incorporated into a laundry room or even in an attic.

Although they are popular in Europe and Japan The heat pump dryers are relatively new to the American market. They are now available in sizes that accommodate the majority of laundry rooms in homes 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 often or deal with potential issues that can arise due to a dirty system.

The heat pump dryers function like refrigeration systems in refrigerators using a compressor that pressurizes refrigerant through one set of coils to release heat, and an evaporator set of coils that absorb warmth from the air that passes through them. The heated refrigerant circulates in another set of coils to condense moist air. The refrigerant that has been cooled is then pumped back into the first coils, where it is heated.

As with other electric dryers, a heat pump dryer requires maintenance to keep its energy efficiency at its peak. Lint collects on the filters, as well as on the evaporator and condenser coils, and it is essential to clean them regularly to prevent excessive wear. Additionally, they utilize refrigerants with high GWP (Global Warming Potential), so those need to be properly recycled too.

Another issue to be considered is the fact that heat pump dryers typically take longer than vented dryers to complete a load. That's because their maximum temperature--about 120degF is lower than gas and electric resistance dryers, so they're required to tumble a little longer before they're completely dry.

Lint Screens

The dryers of heat pumps have an air lint filter and venting system that needs to be maintained regularly. A clogged dryer vent can delay drying time and could be a fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer may be heated to the point of igniting volatile chemicals and oils.

A heat pump's vent system 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 warm the air.

The lint screen on the cheap heat pump tumble dryer pump dryer is more fine than the conventional dryers, so it needs to be cleaned more frequently. The lint screen inside the door's opening can build up lint. It is recommended to clean it often.

Heat pump models also have a heated drum wall, heat pump dryers which means that the inside of the dryer has to be free of lint fabric softener, dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls also require periodic cleaning and inspection, as they might need to be replaced as specified in the user's manual.

Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hose isn't just a nuisance; it's a serious fire hazard and causes an average of 2900 house fires each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean your dryer's lint exhaust the hose every year using wire brushes, or make use of a leaf blower from the outside to eliminate lint from inside of the hose, as this Today's Homeowner how-to video provides. It's safer to do it from the outside as there is no risk of lint getting on your face. If you're unsure of your ability to clean the duct, you can hire an expert to handle it for you.

If you can't feel air moving through the vent of your dryer outside, or when your dryer takes longer to dry than it normally does it could be due to an obstruction from lint in the vent. Pick one day each year to clean your vents--Labor Day, the first day of spring or the beginning or the 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 also an important choice for those looking to reduce their energy bills and have a an impact on the environment. Heat pump dryers are an excellent option for many. They are different from vented dryers like traditional ones, which use electricity or gas combustion to heat air, then blowing the hot, dried air into the drum in order to remove moisture. They reuse the air, pulling out the humid air and Heat pump dryers cooling it, allowing it to be returned to the laundry room where it can again be used.

Because heat pump dryers do not require venting outside they don't require chimneys or ducting, and can be placed in small spaces like laundry closets. They are ideal for tiny houses, accessory dwelling units (such a laundry room or apartment above the garage), and even additions. And because the energy STAR label is a reliable quality mark of energy efficiency dryers that use heat are generally more efficient than traditional vented models.

Heat pump dryers can run on standard 120-volt 15-amp circuits. This is a benefit for older homes with older wiring, and could reduce the cost of installation.

Heat pump dryers have a lower power compared to other dryers, and therefore take longer to complete the cycle. Since they don't move between the two like conventional dryers do, heavy items like sheets and towels can become a laundry sausage which is difficult to unravel. Some manufacturers attempt to resolve this issue by reversed tumble cycles for short durations during the 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 cleaning or vacuuming to keep them running efficiently. Heat pump dryers don't vent, and therefore they may accumulate moisture inside the dryer. This can lead to mold.