Are You Responsible For A Heat Pump Dryers Budget? 10 Ways To Waste Your Money
Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards
Conventional dryers heat air using electric resistance or gas combustion and blow it over tumbling clothes and vent the warm, moist air outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents. This helps save energy and prevents fire hazards caused by lint accumulation in the ducts.
These machines also operate at lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothing. They can take longer to dry than traditional machines. Aztec Appliance provides more details about these ventless washers.
Efficiency
A heat pump dryer can save you a considerable amount of money every year on your electricity bill. According to Energy Star, it uses up to 28 percent less energy than a conventional clothes dryer. That might not sound like much, but in the case of a family that does 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts where electricity costs are among the highest in the nation and you'll save hundreds over the course of a 12 year lifespan with a dryer that uses a heat pump.
The way that a heat pump dryer operates is similar to the way it works dehumidifiers. The heat pump dryer starts with heated air that is then pushed through coils to heat it up even more. In this process, the hot air pulls moisture from the clothing and then into the heat exchanger where it is condensed. It drips out into an empty pan or tube that can be connected to drain it. The moist, cool air is then circulated back over the condenser coils until it is then heated and the cycle starts again.
They don't need an exhaust vent. They can therefore be installed in places where a traditional dryer wouldn't be suitable. They are also quieter and more versatile which makes them suitable for apartment spaces and other rooms that have limited space. They are also safer than dryers that have vents, which could be dangerous if not maintained regularly.
Heat pump dryers take longer to dry your laundry because they operate at lower temperatures. It is also essential to clean the dryer regularly because it works like a dehumidifier, and produces plenty of moisture during the drying process. This is especially important when you reside in a humid area or if your clothes are soaked with a lot of moisture trapped within them. You can do this by regularly checking and cleaning the lint screens and the condenser coils. tumble dryer with heat pump is also recommended to keep the drain tube clean. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator in good working order.
Condensation
The traditional method of drying clothes is using fans to blow hot air onto the clothes. The air is then blown outside. This method consumes lots of energy and requires access to an outdoor space vented to allow for venting. Heat pump dryers--also known as ventless dryers--recycle that air instead. They heat the air coming in by reusing some of the energy that goes to run the machine, 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 they can be built into a laundry room or even in an attic.
The dryers with heat pumps, while popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new on the American market. They're now available in sizes that would fit in the majority of laundry rooms and offer significant energy savings and other climate benefits. Since they don't exhaust indoor air outdoors they don't require you to clean your venting system or address any potential issues.
The heat pump dryers function like a refrigerator's refrigeration system, with the compressor that presses refrigerant through one set of coils to release heat and a set of evaporator coils that absorb warmth from the air passing through them. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through two coils to help condense the humid air. The cooled refrigerant then flows back into the original set of coils and is heated to repeat the process.
As with other electric dryers the heat pump dryer requires regular maintenance to keep its energy efficiency at its highest level. Lint accumulates on the filters, and on the condenser and evaporator coils. It is crucial to clean them frequently to prevent excessive wear. They also employ refrigerants that have an extremely high GWP, also known as Global Warming Potential. These need to be recycled.
Heat pump dryers are slower than vented dryers to dry loads. That's because their maximum temperature--about 120degF is lower than electric and gas resistance dryers. Therefore, they're required to tumble for some time before they're completely dry.
Lint Screens
Heat pump dryers come with a lint trap and venting system that needs to be regularly cleaned. A clogged dryer vent can prolong drying times and create an fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer can reach temperatures that are high enough to ignite volatile oils and chemical on clothes.
A heat pump's vent system requires a dehumidifier in order to remove moisture from the air before it exits the dryer. Dehumidifiers can also cut down on energy costs by lowering the temperature of the incoming hot water used to heat the air.
The lint screen on a heat pump dryer is finer than the conventional dryers, and therefore must be cleaned more often. The lint trap in the door's opening is an ideal spot for lint accumulation, and it should be checked and removed regularly.
The models with a heat pump come with a heated drum, which means the inside of the machine needs to be kept clear of lint and residues from dryer or fabric softener sheets. The heated drum walls may also require cleaning and inspected on a regular basis, since they could need to be replaced, as indicated by the user's manual.
Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hose isn't only a nuisance, it's also a major fire hazard that causes an average of 2,900 house fires per year according to the U.S. Fire Administration. As you can see in this Today's home owner video, you can clean the lint-exhaust pipe of your dryer using the help of a wirebrush or leaf blower. It's safer to do this from the outside since you won't get lint on your face. If you are not confident that you'll be able clean the ducts, call an expert.
If you cannot sense air movement in your dryer vent, or your dryer takes longer to dry, it could be that there is a lint blockage inside the duct. Pick a day in the year to clean your vent system--Labor Day, the first day of spring, or the start or the end of daylight saving time--and stick to it.
Installation
Modern electric dryers are one of the most convenient options for homeowners. However, choosing the right dryer is crucial for those who wish to reduce their utility costs and also have a positive effect on the environment. Heat pump dryers are an excellent option for many. Contrary to traditional vented dryers that make use of gas or electricity to heat air and blow dry, hot air into the drum to remove moisture, heat pump dryers reuse the same air repeatedly, pulling the moist air from the clothes and cooling it, allowing it return to the laundry room, where it can be used again.
Since heat pump dryers do not require venting outside they don't require chimney or ducting and can be put in small spaces like laundry closets. They're ideal for tiny houses, accessory dwelling units (such a laundry room or an apartment above the garage), and even additions. Also, because the energy STAR label is a reputable indicator of energy efficiency, dryers with heat pumps are typically more efficient than traditional vented models.
The dryers of a heat pump can be operated on standard 120-volt 15-amp circuits. This is a major advantage for older homes with older wiring, and could reduce the cost of installation.
Heat pump dryers have a lower power than other dryers, which means they take longer to complete a cycle. Because they don't go between the two like conventional dryers do, heavy items like sheets and towels can become a laundry sausage that is difficult to remove. Some manufacturers attempt to address this issue by changing the tumble cycle for brief periods of time during a cycle.
They also require more maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, requiring professional cleaning or periodic vacuuming to ensure that they function effectively. Since dryers with heat pumps don't vent, they may also collect moisture inside the dryer, causing mold.