Heat Pump Tumble Dryers

Heat pump tumble dryers recycle the hot air that they use to dry your clothes, instead of venting it out. This is a cost-effective option for your household, as it saves energy.

John Lewis offers a wide range of tumble dryers. They include heat pump and vented models. Find out more about them in our guide to tumble dryers.

Cost

Tumble dryers are excellent for eliminating the need to hang laundry outside in the sun and for saving space for storage, but they also often consume much energy. If you're looking to cut down on your energy costs, it might be worth switching to a heat-pump tumble dryer. While these machines do have a higher initial cost, they'll save you money over the long term due to their lower energy consumption.

Heat pump tumble dryers work on the basis of heating air that has already warmed up during the drying process. This results in lower energy costs than models that are vented or condenser. This type of tumble dryer consumes only half the energy as vented or condenser models, saving you up to PS173 on your utility bills each year.

When it comes to comparing the cost of a heat pump tumble dryer versus other types, the price difference is usually minimal. However, it is crucial to take into consideration the amount of energy that is being used and the frequency you'll use your tumble dryer. It is important to consider the wattage as well as your electricity tariff in determining how much each tumble dryer will cost.

Vented tumble dryers are more expensive if your budget is tight. They utilize gas to dry your laundry and they are powered by mains gas. They also have a smaller range in their locations of installation because they need to be placed in an area with adequate ventilation to let out the damp air.

Condenser dryers eliminate moisture from the laundry by transferring hot air into an additional condensing unit which is then converted into water. This water can be taken out of a container which must be manually empty or pumped into the drainage system to remove it continuously. This will allow for greater flexibility in the installation locations, but you will have to be prepared for extra maintenance by ensuring the drain pipe is in good condition.

Energy efficiency

A tumble dryer's heat-pump can help you save money on your energy costs. The technology uses less electrical power to warm the air in the tumble dryer, allowing it to dry your clothes more effectively and at a lower temperature than vented models.

They also employ a cooling agent that disperses the air's humidity and then ejects it out through the condenser, meaning they use less power to run than traditional vented dryers. The dryers might take a bit longer to complete your laundry cycle than vented models, but the clothes will look and feel better for longer because of the lower temperatures.

They cost an extra $500 to $700 upfront, but the energy savings will compensate for this. They're also more expensive and require adequate ventilation.

As with all electrical appliances, it's essential that any installation of a tumbler is done by a Gas Safe engineer. A vented dryer needs an elongated, flexible vent hose that is permanently connected to the appliance at one end and a drainage hole at the other - a drain or window. The hose should be secured and can't be shared with other appliance or used in any manner that could cause it to degrade.

Condenser dryers function similarly as heat pump dryers. They employ an electrical element to warm the air before releasing the moisture via a condensation tray. They're typically heavy-duty dryers with higher capacity for wet loads, ranging from 6kg - 10kg. They also operate more quietly. They're more expensive to purchase than tumble dryers that use heat pumps and aren't able to be mounted without a permanent wall connection. They're also more expensive to operate than heat pump dryers as they need to generate plenty of heat to evaporate the water from your laundry. They also aren't as efficient as vented models. They still require electricity to turn the motor which turns your clothes.

Noise

Tumble dryers generate a lot of noise, but the level of loudness depends on a number of factors. The decibel rating is just one of them, but the frequency of the noise will affect how loud it sounds. The sound may be amplified by resonant objects in the vicinity, such as cabinets, work surfaces or furniture, and it may be affected by the acoustics of the room. The sound produced by your tumble dryer could be muffled by carpets or another absorption materials.

Condenser and heat pump models are quieter than vented dryers, however, they're still noisy. They are less harsh on fabrics and dry your laundry slower because of lower temperatures. They also have longer cycles. This means they're less damaging to your clothes and are less likely to cause the loss of colour often caused by high temperatures, old fashioned tumble dryers.

If you're planning to utilize your tumble dryer in conjunction with a washing machine it's important to keep in mind that the two appliances must be placed close to each other to prevent the noise and vibrations that occur during operation. A stacking washer and dryer kit can help solve this issue. It is available for both kinds of appliances.

A heat pump tumble dryer requires an uninterrupted flow of air to function, which is why it is best to place it in a well-ventilated area in your home. It is essential to ensure that the vent hose is permanently connected to the appliance and securely routed outside of your house instead of being redirecting it through a door or window.

The condenser tumbler, on the other hand does not require a permanent connection to a vent, and can be placed anywhere in your home. It collects the leftover vapour and water in a condensation container that is either manually empty, or laundry connected to a drain by a drainage tube which will automatically empty it.

It's possible to turn an unventilated tumble dryer into a condenser model with the conversion kit, but this could void the manufacturer's warranty and must be performed by a trained professional. The kits come with components to set up vents, as well as a small pump to remove condensation.

Maintenance

A heat pump tumble dryer works differently to vented or condenser models as it doesn't require venting outside to draw out the hot air. The warm air that flows over your clothes is absorbed and then passed through a condenser, which separates the heated water from the air. It is then disposed in a water reservoir (sometimes called a tank) within the appliance. This means you will need to empty the water tank at some point however it also allows you to store the dryer in a smaller space than if you were to install a vent in the machine.

Compared to vented models, the heat pump model consumes about 50 percent less energy. According to Which?, it is also more economical to run. It can save you between PS42 and PS51 per year. However, it's not an inexpensive tumbler to buy and you need to be sure to budget the initial costs.

A tumble dryer with a heat pump requires little maintenance, aside from cleaning the lint filters and checking for fluff on the heater unit every now and then. You'll need to clean your condensation drain more often and it takes longer to dry clothes than dryers with vented vents.

If you are looking for a tumble dryer that isn't expensive you might want to considering a sensor model that automatically stops when the laundry is finished to avoid over-drying that can damage your clothes. You will need to manually programme your dryer's drying process when you have a large number of different clothes.

You can find a range of tumble dryers from brands such as Beko and John Lewis which use heat pumps, condenser or laundry vented technologies. John Lewis offers a free home delivery and a two-year warranty. You should always check the warranty information carefully prior to purchasing an appliance, particularly an electrical one like a tumbler to ensure you're covered in the event of breakdowns or faults.