Why You Should Be Working With This Heat Pump Washer Dryer
Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
The heat pump washer dryers are poised to become household staples due to new federal incentives and awe-inspiring laboratory test results. These all-in one machines are quicker to wash and dry, and they do not draw conditioned indoor air to vent.
The clothes are also treated at a lower temperature. Read on to learn more about this fascinating technology for washing.
1. Saves Energy
They're not just used for cooling and heating homes and offices, but they're also employed to dry clothes. A heat pump dryer that is ENERGY START-certified consumes less electricity than a traditional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They use less heat to minimize wear and tear and damage to your clothes.
During the drying process heat pump washer-dryers use the same air that is recycled by the washing machine, however it passes through a condenser coil within the evaporator unit to heat up and cool the air. The warm air is transferred to the drum to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer doesn't have to expel moisture-laden air, as vented dryers do.
Since the process of washing clothes consumes significant amounts of energy It's worth attempting to make your current appliances as efficient as you can. The best way to do this is by pairing an efficient washer with a high-efficiency heat pump dryer. This will enable you to lock in maximum efficiency and start saving money on energy immediately.
To begin, check out our selection of energy STAR certified washers and dryers. You can filter your results by model, energy consumption, wash cycles, and spin speed. Be sure to check the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance will cost to run for the year.
Combined washer-dryers are another great option for households that can't afford two separate machines or do not have enough space to accommodate them. They connect to a standard 120-volt outlet and do not require a venting device or special 240-volt hookup. They're great for condos and apartments because they can be tucked away in a closet or under the counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional clothes dryers heat the air by using an electric or gas coil. This helps to evaporate moisture from your clothing. This air is then vented out of your home, taking the conditioned air you pay for to cool in summer and heat in winter. Your house has to work overtime to make up for the lack of condition by bringing in replacement air from gaps and cracks in your walls and around doors.
The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, instead of heating the air and venting it. This is a great option for homeowners with homes that are too small to accommodate an additional flow of air. It's also possible to install dryer/washer combos in spaces where they wouldn't normally be able to put venting dryers for instance, under the stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency and performance.
While this is an important benefit of all-in one drying and washing machines, they do have their disadvantages. It is important to allow sufficient time for each load because all-in-one appliances take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers or washers. Additionally mixing two appliances into one reduces the amount of laundry you're able do at once, as it takes about an hour longer for colors and whites to dry than in separate machines.
Most manufacturers have begun to address these problems by offering simple solutions. For instance, LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo has a feature that lets you prop the door open a bit while it's running to prevent the water from pooling and drying out the drum. Many LG models such as our top pick, also have a small drain hole at the bottom of the tub to let the water drain instead of pooling inside the drum. You can also purchase sound blankets that fit around the heating system to reduce noise.
3. Reduces wear and tear
Heat pump dryers don't heat the air like traditional dryers. They only remove the moisture from clothes. This is much gentler on the fabric. It also conserves energy because it doesn't waste the energy required to heat up the air to dry the garments.
Heat-pump dryers require more maintenance than standalone dryers, because the condensate drainage tube needs to be cleaned frequently to prevent blockages. However, this isn't much different from cleaning a standard dryer.
Heat pump washer-dryer combinations do not vent. This means you can use them inside your home without having to cut into the exterior wall to install ductwork. This is great for apartment dwellers, college students, and others who don't want to spend more money or alter their living space.
The drying time of clothes dried by heat-pump dryers is slower than traditional dryers due to the fact that they don't get as hot. Many people were reluctant to use them because they didn't attain the same temperature. However manufacturers have upgraded their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA heat pump dryer which is on our list of best dryers, comes with a typical drying time of 37 to 70 minutes.
It is important to avoid overdoing the detergent. This could result in excessive suds, which can prolong the cycle and leaves a slimy layer on your clothes. (Readers constantly contact us regarding this problem). Use the recommended amount high-efficiency detergents, and make sure to clean the dispenser drawer frequently. This will ensure that the machine is operating as efficiently as it can and not wasting your time and money.
4. Reduces heat pump tumble dryers makes use of less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This is due to the fact that it doesn't blow hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead, it extracts vapor at a room temperature from the air surrounding your clothes. The vapor is heated by your washer, and then used to remove moisture from your laundry.
Due to this efficiency that a heat pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a conventional vented electric or gas dryer, but it weighs around 88 pounds. This is a huge deal if you are planning to install it on a wall or put it in a closet which may not have enough space for a vent.
Lint buildup is a major issue for all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's reduced temperatures limit the amount dust that can block the exhaust and stop the clothes from drying to their full potential. This also reduces the risk of fire in the dryer, or in its exhaust. This can occur when volatile solvents and oil from your laundry enter the dryer's evaporator or vent.
To prevent the build-up of lint Be sure to clean your dryer duct at least once a year (more often when you have children or pets). A wire brush or leaf blower can help you get rid of any lint that has accumulated between ridges in the accordion hose, and it's safer to do this from outside your home rather than inside if it's possible.
To avoid overdrying, be sure to use a low-suds detergent and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to set your water's level. Also, separate laundry by different types of fabric and wash delicates like silk using heavy cottons or linens. You won't overdye or shrink your delicates and the moisture sensor will detect when your laundry is dry enough to close the cycle.
5. Space Saver Space
Since heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they consume less energy than vented dryers. This means they can save you money in a variety of ways, not just in terms of costs for utilities, but also on the amount of energy required to heat or cool your home.
This method is gentler on fabrics and reduces shrinkage which is a huge benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also eliminates the need to clean vents that are blocked by lint, and also reduces the energy used by conventional dryers to heat the air before it enters the dryer. This helps keep your heating costs low.
Finally, heat pump washer-dryer combinations are designed to fit into small spaces that wouldn't have an additional laundry area, such as in kitchens or closets. These all-in-one machines just take only a few inches of space greater than the most efficient vented washers. Plus, they're ventless so they can be placed anywhere that has water and a 120-volt outlet.
They're also simple to use. All you need to do is select the wash cycle and dry cycle that's appropriate for your load and let them do the work. Once your clothes are clean, simply remove them.
These energy-efficient, versatile machines make it easier than ever to wash your clothes without breaking the budget. Shop online or visit a gorgeous Aztec Appliance showroom today to find your new washer-dryer combo that fits seamlessly into your home. We offer the best discounts, prices, rebates and financing specials to make your laundry space more affordable. We're here to help you select the ideal dryer with a heat pump that fits your needs and lifestyle!