Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
With the introduction of new federal incentives and awe-inspiring lab test results the heat pump washer dryer is set to become a staple in the household. These all-in-one machines are quicker to wash and dry, and they do not pull conditioned indoor air outside to vent.
They also have a lower temperature, which is gentler on clothes. Continue reading to find out more about this innovative laundry technology.
1. Energy Savings
They're not just for cooling and heating your home They're now being used in dryers for clothes as well. A heat pump dryer that is ENERGY STAR-certified uses 28% less power than a traditional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They operate at the lower temperature to lessen wear and tear, and damage to your clothes.
Heat pump washer-dryers recycle the air that is used in the washing cycle. However, it is cooled and warmed by a condenser coil that is located within the evaporator. The warm air is then moved into the drum in order to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer does not have to expel moisture-laden air, as vented dryers do.
pop over here is important to make your appliances as energy-efficient as possible, as the process of washing clothes consumes a lot of energy. The best way to do this is by pairing an efficient washer with a high-efficiency heat pump dryer. This will help you lock in maximum efficiency and start saving on energy costs immediately.
Take a look at our selection of ENERGY STAR-certified washers and dryers to start. You can filter your results by model, energy consumption wash cycles, as well as spin speed. Be sure to check the yellow Energy Guide Label to see the cost of each appliance to run each year.
Combining washer-dryers are a excellent option for households that cannot afford two separate units or don't have the space for them. These units connect to a standard 120-volt outlet and do not require a venting device or a special 240-volt hookup. These units are perfect for apartments and condominiums as they can be put in cabinets or under a counter.
2. Reduces Noise
Most traditional clothes dryers use an electric or hot gas coil to heat the air that evaporates moisture from your laundry. The air is then vented out of your home, taking along the conditioned air you pay to cool in summer and heat in winter. Your home must work overtime to make up for the loss of conditioned air by pulling in replacement air from cracks and gaps in your walls and around doors.
The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, rather than heating it and venting it. This is great for homeowners with homes that aren't big enough to accommodate the additional air flow. It is also possible to put washer and dryer combinations in areas that they would not normally be able to put venting dryers, such as under stairs without sacrificing energy efficiency or performance.
All-in-one units have a number of advantages, but they also have some drawbacks. It's crucial to give yourself enough time for each load because all-in-one machines take longer to finish their cycles than traditional washers/dryers. In addition mixing two appliances in one can reduce the amount of laundry you're able do at once, as it takes around an hour longer for whites and colors to dry than they would in separate machines.
The majority of manufacturers have started to address these issues by offering easy solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer set-up includes the option to prop the door open slightly while it is running to prevent the water from pooling and drying out the drum. Many LG models, including our top pick, have a small drain hole in the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water escape instead of pooling inside the drum. You can also buy sound blankets that are fitted around the heat pump in order to minimize noise.
3. Reduces wear and tear
When a heat pump dryer is working it doesn't heat the air like a traditional dryer--it only extracts the moisture from the clothing and is therefore much more gentle on fabrics than a regular model. It also conserves energy because it doesn't waste the energy that it takes to heat the air to dry the garments.
But, they do require some maintenance than standalone dryers because the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid obstructions. However, this isn't much different from cleaning a conventional dryer.
The main difference is that heat pump washer-dryer combos don't vent, meaning they can be used in your house without cutting into the wall outside to run ductwork. This is great for apartment dwellers, college students, and others who don't want to spend more money or modify their living space.
Since heat-pump dryers aren't as hot and take longer to dry clothes than traditional models. Many people were reluctant to utilize them due to the fact that they don't become as hot. However, manufacturers have improved their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer that's on our list of top dryers, has an average drying time between 37 and 70 minutes.
The key to reducing drying time is to avoid overdoing the amount of detergent, which could cause excessive suds that prolongs cycles and leaves a slimy residue on your clothes (readers write to us frequently about this issue). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and clean the dispenser drawer on a routine basis. This will ensure the machine is operating as efficiently as possible and not wasting your energy and money.
4. Reduces Lint
A heat pump dryer uses less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. This is because it doesn't blast hot humid air into your clothes, but instead extracts the vapor of room temperature from the air around your clothes. The vapor is heated by your washer, and then used to evaporate the moisture from your laundry.
A heat pump washer dryer weighs 88 lbs., which is not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This could be a significant difference if you intend to place it on a wall or use it in a closet that may not be large enough to accommodate vents.
Lint build-up can be a problem for all dryers. However, the lower temperatures of the heat pump dryer limit how much it can clog the exhaust and stop your clothes from reaching their maximum drying capacity. This also reduces the chance of a fire developing in the dryer or in its exhaust, which can happen when solvents and flammable oils from your laundry get into the vent or into the dryer's evaporator.
Clean your dryer's ducts at least every month to avoid lint accumulation (more often if you have children or pets in the home). You can use a leaf blower or wire brush to remove any lint that has accumulated between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's better to clean it outside than inside.
To prevent drying out, be sure to use a detergent that is low in suds and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to set the water level. Separate your laundry into fabric type and wash delicates such as silk using heavy cottons and linens. That way you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. The moisture sensors will have better chances of being able to tell the moment your laundry is dry to stop the cycle.
5. Saves Space
Because heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they require less energy than vented dryers. This can help you save money on your utility bills, but also on the energy cost to cool or heat your home.
This method is more gentle on fabrics and reduces shrinkage, which is a big benefit when dealing with expensive clothes. It also removes the need for vents blocked by lint and reduces the energy consumed by conventional dryers to warm the room air before entering the dryer. This helps keep your heating costs low.
Combinations of heat pump washers and dryers are designed to fit in small spaces, like kitchens and closets. These units are compact and just take up some inches greater than the most efficient vented washers. Plus, they're ventless so you can place them anywhere with water and a 120-volt outlet.
The all-in-one appliances are simple to operate, too. All you need to do is select the dry and wash cycle that's right for your load and let them do their job. Then, just take your clothes off when they're ready.
These efficient, energy-efficient machines make it easier than ever to do laundry without breaking the budget. You can shop online or visit an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that is a perfect fit for your home. We have the best deals on rebates, promotions and financing options to upgrade your laundry room. We're here to assist you in choosing the best dryer with a heat pump for you!