This Is The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Heat Pump Dryers

Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards Conventional dryers use electrical resistance or gas combustion to heat the air then blow it over the clothes. The moist, warm air is then vented outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents, which save energy and eliminate potential fire hazards due to lint accumulation in the ducts. They also use lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothing, which means they can take longer to dry than traditional machines. Aztec Appliance has more information about these ventless washing machines. Efficiency A heat pump dryer can save you a significant amount of money every year on your electricity bill. It consumes up to 28% less energy than a traditional dryer according to Energy Star. It might not sound like much, but if you do 20 loads of laundry per week in Massachusetts where electricity prices are among the highest in the United States, you will save hundreds of dollars over the course of twelve years. A heat pump dryer is similar to a dehumidifier. The heat pump dryer starts with heated air, which is then pushed through coils to heat it up even more. In this process, the hot air draws moisture from the clothing and then into the heat exchanger, where it transforms into condensed liquid. It drips into a pan that can be manually empty or connected to drain tubes. The moist, cooled air is then circulated back through the coils of the condenser to be heated. They don't require an exhaust vent. They are therefore able to be put in areas where a conventional dryer wouldn't be suitable. They are also more silent and versatile and are ideal for apartments or other areas that have a small space. They are also safer than dryers that have vents, which can pose an fire hazard if they are not cleaned regularly. However, because they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it will take longer for your laundry to dry with the help of a heat pump dryer. Additionally, because they work much like a dehumidifier and produce a lot of water during drying it is essential to clean your heat pump dryer frequently. 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 them. You can do this regularly by checking and cleaning the lint filter and condenser coils. It is also recommended to keep the drain tube clean. The evaporator coil can be susceptible to mold and bacteria However, regular cleaning is required to keep it in good condition. Condensation The most common method of drying clothes is using a fan to blow hot air over the clothes. The air is then blown outside. This method requires a lot of energy and requires venting outside space for the venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines recycle the air. They heat the air coming in by reusing a portion of the energy required to power the machine, then condense the resultant moisture into water that drains from the bottom of the dryer drum. They are also smaller than vented models, and can be installed in the attic or laundry room. Though popular in Europe and Japan the heat pump dryers are new to the American market. They're now available in sizes that can fit into most home laundry rooms, and provide significant energy savings as well as other climate benefits. Since they don't exhaust indoor air outdoors they don't require you to clean your venting system or fix any potential problems. Heat pump dryers work like a refrigerator's refrigeration system with the compressor that presses a refrigerant in one set of coils to release heat, and an evaporator coil set which absorb heat from air that passes through them. The heated refrigerant circulates in another set of coils to condense moist air. The refrigerant that is cooled is then pumped back into first coils, and is heated. tumble dryer with heat pump to other electric dryers like other dryers, a heat pump requires regular maintenance to keep its energy efficiency at peak performance. Lint can build up on the filters and evaporator coils. It is important to clean these regularly to avoid excessive wear. They also utilize refrigerants with a high GWP, or Global Warming Potential. They need to be recycled. The heat pump dryers take longer than vented dryers in drying a load. This is because the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower, at about 120degF. This means that they need to tumble a more time before they are completely dry. Lint Screens Heat pump dryers come with venting and lint trap system which need to be regularly cleaned. A blocked vent can dramatically extend drying times, and poses a fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer can reach temperatures that can ignite chemical and volatile oils. A heat pump vent system needs an air dehumidifier to eliminate moisture prior to the air exits the dryer. A dehumidifier can also reduce energy costs by lowering temperature of the incoming hot water that is used to heat the air. The lint screen of a heat pump dryer is softer than in conventional dryers, so it requires cleaning more frequently. The lint screen that is located in the door's opening can build up lint. It is recommended to clean it often. The models that have heat pump also come with an insulated drum wall, which means that the inside of the dryer has to be free of lint fabric softener, dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls might also need to be cleaned and inspected periodically, as they may require to be replaced, as per the user's manual. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the buildup of lint inside the dryer's exhaust pipe is more than just an inconvenience. It's also an ignition source that can cause around 2,900 house fires each year. Clean your dryer's lint exhaust the hose every year using a wire brush or employ an air blower from outside to remove lint from the inside of the hose, as this Today's Homeowner video will explain. It's safer to do this from the outside as you won't get lint on your face. If you are not confident that you'll be able to clean the ducts, call a professional. If you cannot sense air movement in your dryer vent, or your dryer is taking longer to dry, it could mean that there is a lint blockage deeper in the vent. Pick one day each year to clean your vent system—Labor Day, the first of spring, or the day that marks the beginning or the end of daylight saving time. Then stick to it. Installation Drying your laundry in an electric dryer that is modern and efficient is one of the most essential options available to homeowners. But choosing the best dryer is important for those looking to lower their utility bills and also have a positive effect on our environment. For many people, heat pump dryers are the best alternative. They differ from traditional vented dryers, which use electricity or gas combustion for heating air, and then blowing the hot, dried air into the drum to eliminate moisture. They reuse the air, pulling out the moist and cooling it and allows it to return to the laundry room so that it can again be used. Because heat pump dryers don't have to vent outside and don't require ducting or chimney and can be put in small spaces like laundry closets. This makes them ideal for small homes, accessory dwelling units (such as laundry rooms in the basement or an apartment above the garage) and even for additions. Also, because the Energy STAR label is a reliable mark of energy efficiency, dryers with heat pumps are typically more efficient than traditional vented models. Heat pump dryers can operated on standard 120-volt 15-amp circuits. This is a benefit for older homes that have older wiring, and could help you save money on installation. However, the fact that heat pump dryers aren't as powerful than other dryers means they take longer to complete the cycle. Since they don't move back and forth like conventional dryers do, large items such as towels and sheets could become a laundry sludge which is difficult to unravel. Some manufacturers attempt to address this issue by turning off the tumble cycle for brief periods of time during the course of a cycle. In addition, heat pump dryers require more frequent maintenance than other dryers. Lint can accumulate on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, requiring regular vacuuming or professional cleaning to ensure they are operating at a high level. Since dryers with heat pumps don't vent, they can also collect moisture on the inside of the dryer, leading to mold.