Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards
Conventional dryers use electric resistance or gas combustion to heat the air then blow it over the clothes. The warm, moist air is then vented to the outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents, which help save energy and reduce fire hazards from lint build-up in the vents.
They also operate at lower temperatures and are gentler on clothing, so they may take longer to dry than conventional machines. Find out more about these ventless laundry machines from Aztec Appliance.
Efficiency
A heat pump dryer can save you a substantial amount of money every year on your electric bill. It uses up to 28% less energy than a traditional dryer according to Energy Star. It might seem like a lot however, if you are doing 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts where electricity costs are among the highest in the country and you can save hundreds of dollars over twelve years.
A heat pump dryer is similar to a dehumidifier. It starts with air which is heated by a compressor, and is then passed through a different set of coils to warm it even more. During this process, the hot air pulls moisture out of the clothing and into the heat exchanger, where it becomes condensed. It drips into an empty pan or tube that can be connected to drain it. The cool, moist air is then circulated back through the coils of the condenser to be heated.
They don't need an exhaust vent. They are therefore able to be put in areas where a conventional dryer wouldn't be suitable. They are also quieter and more versatile and suitable for apartments and other spaces that have small space. They are also more secure than dryers that have vents. Vents can cause fires if they are not cleaned regularly.
They take longer to dry your laundry since they operate at lower temperatures. It is also essential to clean the dryer regularly because it works like a dehumidifier and creates a lot of moisture during drying. That's especially true if you reside in an area that is humid or if your clothes are soaked with a lot of moisture trapped within them. You can do this by checking and cleaning the lint screens and the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube regularly. The evaporator coil can be susceptible to bacterial and mold However, regular cleaning is required to keep it in good condition.
Condensation
The traditional method to dry clothes is by using an air conditioner blowing hot air over the laundry that is tumbling and then venting that warm, moist air outside. This method requires a lot of energy and requires venting outside space to vent the ducting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying equipment, recycle air. They heat the incoming air by reusing the energy used to run the machine, and then condense the resultant moisture into water, which drains out the bottom of the drum. They're also smaller than vented dryers and they can be fitted into a laundry area or even in an attic.
The dryers that are heat pump, although popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new on the American market. They're now available in sizes that will fit in the majority of laundry rooms, and offer significant energy savings and other benefits to the climate. Because they don't draw the indoor air to the outside they don't require you to clean out your venting system often or deal with the potential problems that can occur with a dirty one.
Heat pump dryers are similar to the refrigeration system in refrigerators. They have a compressor which pressurizes refrigerant into one set of coils, releasing heat. The evaporator coils soak up heat from air that flows through. The heated refrigerant circulates in the second set of coils to condense moist air. The refrigerant that has been cooled is then pumped back into the first coils, and is heated.
Similar to other electric dryers the heat pump dryer requires regular maintenance to ensure its energy efficiency is at peak performance. Lint collects on the filters, as well as on the evaporator and condenser coils, and it is essential to clean them regularly to avoid excessive wear. Additionally, they utilize refrigerants with high GWP (Global Warming Potential) which means that they need to be properly recycled as well.
Another drawback to consider is the fact that heat pump dryers typically take longer than vented dryers to complete a load. tumble dryer with heat pump is because the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower at around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that they'll need to tumble a more time before they are completely dry.
Lint Screens
The dryers of a heat pump come with venting and lint trap system that must be cleaned on a regular basis. A clogged vent can significantly lengthen drying times, and poses a fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer can be heated to the point of igniting volatile oils and chemicals.
A heat pump vent system needs an air dehumidifier to remove moisture before the air is removed from the dryer. A dehumidifier can also help you save energy by lowering the temperature at which the hot water is heated to heat the air.
The lint screen in the heat pump dryer is more fine than conventional dryers, so it needs to be cleaned more frequently. The lint screen in the door's opening can build up lint. It should be cleaned regularly.
Models with heat pumps have a heated drum, which means the inside of the machine has to be free of lint and residues from fabric softener or dryer sheets. The heated drum walls could also require cleaning and inspected on a regular basis, since they could need to be replaced, as per the user's manual.
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 house fires each year according to the U.S. Fire Administration. As explained in this Today's home owner video cleaning your dryer's lint-exhaust hose with the help of a wirebrush or leaf blower. It's safer to do it from the outside since you won't be able to see lint on your face. If you are not confident that you'll be able to clean the ducts, hire a professional.
If you cannot feel the air moving through your dryer vent, or your dryer is taking longer to dry, it could mean that there is a lint blockage within the duct. Choose a specific day in the year to clean the vent system that is Labor Day, the beginning of spring, or at the end or beginning of daylight savings time - and stick with it.
Installation
Modern electric dryers are among the best conveniences for homeowners. However, choosing the right dryer is important for those looking to lower their utility bills and make a positive impact on our environment. The heat pump dryer is a great option for many. They are different from vented dryers that are traditional, which utilize gas combustion or electricity for heating air, and then blowing the hot, dried air into the drum in order to eliminate moisture. They reuse the air, removing the moisture out and cooling it before allowing it to return to the laundry room where it can be used again.
Since they don't require venting outside and don't require ducting or chimney and can be installed in small spaces, such as laundry closets. They're ideal for tiny houses, accessory dwelling units (such a laundry room or apartment above the garage) or even additions. And because the energy STAR label is a reputable indicator of energy efficiency, dryers with heat pumps are typically more efficient than vented models that are more traditional.
Heat pump dryers can run on standard 120-volt 15-amp circuits. This is a benefit for older homes with older wiring, and could help you save money on installation.
However, the fact that heat pump dryers aren't as powerful than other types of dryers means they take longer to complete a cycle. Because they don't go back and forth like traditional dryers do, big items like sheets and towels can become a laundry sausage which is difficult to unwind. Some manufacturers attempt to resolve this issue by changing the tumble cycle for brief intervals of time 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 they are operating at a high level. Because dryers that use heat pumps do not vent, they could also gather moisture inside the dryer, which can cause mold.