Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

Conventional dryers heat the air using gas or electric resistance and then blow it through clothes that are tumbling, and then release the warm, moist air outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents. This helps save energy and eliminates potential fire hazards caused by lint accumulation within the vents.

These machines also operate at lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothing. They can take longer to dry than traditional machines. Learn more about these ventless washing machines from Aztec Appliance.

Efficiency

A heat pump dryer can save you a significant amount of money each year on your electricity bill. According to Energy Star, it uses up to 28 percent less energy than a conventional clothes dryer. It may seem like a lot however, if you are doing 20 loads of laundry a week in Massachusetts where electricity rates are among the highest in the country and you can save hundreds of dollars over the course of twelve years.

The way a heat pump dryer operates is similar to the way it works dehumidifiers. It starts with air that's heated by a compressor and is then passed through a different set of coils to warm it more. The hot air pulls moisture from the clothing and then into the heat exchanger, where it's condensed. It drips into an empty pan or tube that can be connected to drain it. The cool, moist air is then circulated back over the coils of the condenser, to be heated.

They don't require an exhaust vent. They are therefore able to be put in places where a traditional dryer would not be able to fit. They also are more efficient and quieter and deals suitable for apartments and other spaces that have small space. They are also safer than dryers that have vents. Vents can ignite if they are not cleaned regularly.

However, as they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it takes longer for your laundry to dry when using the help of a heat pump dryer. It is also essential to clean the dryer regularly because it functions as a dehumidifier, and produces lots of moisture during the drying process. This is especially important if you reside in an area that is humid or if your clothes are soaked with a lot of moisture trapped inside the dryer. You can check this regularly by cleaning and checking the lint filter and condenser coils. You should also clean out the drain tube regularly. The evaporator coil is susceptible to bacterial and mold However, 125.141.133.9 regular cleaning is required to keep it in good condition.

Condensation

The traditional method of drying clothes is using a fan to blow hot air over the clothes. This air is then vented to the outside. This method consumes a lot of energy and requires a vented outdoor space for venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines recycle air. They make use of the heat to repurpose energy to run 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 they can be built into a laundry area or even in an attic.

Though widely used in Europe and Japan, heat pump dryers are new to the American market. They're now available in sizes that would fit in most laundry rooms, and offer significant energy savings and other climate benefits. Since they don't draw the indoor air outdoors, you won't need to clean your venting system or deal with any potential issues.

They function as the refrigeration system of refrigerators with a compressor that pressurizes refrigerant within one set of coils to release heat, and an evaporator coil set that absorb heat from the air passing through them. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through a second set coils to condense moist air. The refrigerant that is cooled is then pumped back into first coils, where it is reheated.

Like other dryers with electric motors, 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. And they use refrigerants with high GWP (Global Warming Potential) and therefore, they have to be properly recycled too.

Heat pump dryers are slower than vented dryers to dry a load. This is due to the fact that the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower, at 120degF. This means that they'll need to tumble a little longer before they're completely dry.

Lint Screens

Heat pump dryers have a lint filter and venting system that must be cleaned regularly. A blocked vent can drastically extend drying times, and poses a fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer can reach temperatures that are sufficient to spark volatile chemicals and oils on clothes.

The vent system of a heat pump requires a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air prior to it leaves the dryer. A dehumidifier can also reduce energy costs by lowering the temperature of the incoming hot water used to heat the air.

The lint filter in a dryer with a heat pump is much finer and needs to be cleaned more frequently than those in traditional dryers. The lint screen that is located in the door's opening could accumulate lint. It should be cleaned regularly.

The models with heat pumps also have heated drum walls 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 might also require cleaning and inspected periodically, as they could need to be changed according to the user's guide.

Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hose isn't just inconvenient--it's a serious danger to fire and can cause an average of 2,900 home fires per year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean your dryer's lint exhaust the hose every year using wire brushes, or use a leaf blower from the exterior to clear lint from the inside of the hose as this Today's Homeowner how-to video will explain. It's safer to do it from the outside, as there is no risk of lint getting on your face. If you're not confident in your ability to clean the duct, hire an expert to do it for you.

If you aren't able to sense air flowing through your dryer vent outside or the dryer is taking longer to dry than normal, there could be a lint blockage deeper in the vent. Pick a day in the year to clean your vent system--Labor Day, the beginning of spring, or the start or the end of daylight saving time. Then stick to it.

Installation

Drying your laundry in modern dryers is among the most important features that homeowners have access to. But picking the right dryer is important for those looking to cut down on their energy bills and have a positive impact on our environment. For many people, heat pump dryers are the best choice. Unlike traditional vented dryers that make use of gas or electricity to heat air and then blow the hot, dry air into the drum to eliminate moisture, heat pump dryers reuse the same air over and over by pulling the moist air away from the clothes and cooling it, allowing it return to the laundry room, where it can be used again.

Since they do not require venting outside they don't require ducting or chimney and can be placed in small spaces, such as laundry closets. They are perfect for small houses, additional dwelling units (such a laundry room or an apartment above the garage), and even additions. The majority of heat pump dryers perform better than traditional vented models since they are Energy STAR certified.

Unlike most other types of dryers for clothing, which need a dedicated circuit, the majority of heat pump dryers are designed to operate on regular 120-volt, 15-amp electrical circuits. This is a huge benefit for older homes that have older wiring and can reduce the cost of installation.

However, the fact that heat pump dryers are heat pump tumble dryers any good less powerful than other types of dryers, means they are slower to complete each cycle. Because they don't move back and forth like conventional dryers do, heavy items like sheets and towels could become a laundry sludge which is difficult to unwind. Some manufacturers attempt to resolve this issue by reversed tumble cycles for short periods during a cycle.

In addition, heat pump dryers need more regular maintenance than other dryers. Lint can accumulate on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, which requires regular vacuuming or professional cleaning to ensure that they function effectively. Heat pump dryers do not vent, and therefore they may collect moisture within the dryer. This could lead to mold.