Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards
Conventional dryers make use of electric resistance or gas combustion to heat the air, then blow it over the clothes. The moist, warm air is then vented to the outside. They don't require vents, which can save energy and eliminate potential fire hazards resulting from lint accumulation in the ducts.
They also have lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothes, so they can take longer to dry than traditional machines. Aztec Appliance has more info rmation about these ventless washers.
Efficiency
A heat pump dryer can save you a considerable amount of money annually on your electricity bill. It uses up to 28% less energy than a traditional clothes dryer according to Energy Star. This might not sound like much, but in the case of a family that does 20 loads of laundry a week in Massachusetts, where electricity rates are among the highest in the nation You'll save hundreds of dollars over the course of a 12 year lifespan with a dryer that uses a heat pump.
The way a heat-pump dryer works is similar to a dehumidifier. The heat pump dryer begins with heated air, which is then sent through coils to heat it even more. The hot air pulls moisture from the clothing into the heat exchanger, where it is condensed. It drips into a pan that can be manually emptied or connected to drain tubes. The cool, moist air is then circulated back over the coils of a condenser to be reheated.
Heat pump dryers don't require an exhaust vent, which means they can be installed in places that aren't able to be able to accommodate a conventional dryer. They also are more efficient and quieter which makes them suitable for apartments and other spaces with limited space. In addition, they are safer than dryers that have vents, which could be a fire hazard if not cleaned regularly.
The dryers that use heat take longer to dry your laundry because they operate at lower temperatures. Additionally, because they work as a dehumidifier and produce lots of water during drying it is essential to clean your dryer's heat pump regularly. This is especially important when you reside in an area that is humid or if your clothes are soaked with a lot of moisture trapped in the dryer. It is possible to do this by regularly inspecting and cleaning the lint screens and the condenser coils. You should also keep the drain tube clean. The evaporator coil is also susceptible to bacteria and mold But regular cleaning is necessary to keep it in good condition.
Condensation
The traditional way to dry clothes is by using a fan blowing hot air over the tumbling laundry and then venting that warm, moist air outside. This method consumes a lot of energy and requires a vented outside space for the venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines, recycle air. They heat the air that is coming in by reusing some of the energy required to run the machine, then condense the resulting moisture into water that drains from the bottom of the dryer drum. They are also smaller than vented models, and can be placed in an attic or laundry room.
Heat pump dryers, though popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new on the American market. These dryers are now available in sizes to accommodate the majority of laundry rooms in homes and offer significant energy savings. Since they don't draw the indoor air outdoors, you won't need to clean your venting system or fix any potential issues.
They function as a refrigerator's refrigeration system with a compressor that pressurizes refrigerant within one set of coils to release heat and a set of evaporator coils that absorb warmth from the air passing through them. The heated refrigerant flows through two coils to condense the humid air. The chilled refrigerant is then recirculated back into the original set of coils and is heated to continue the process.
Similar to other electric dryers, a heat pump dryer requires maintenance to ensure its energy efficiency is at its peak. Lint collects on the filters, as well as on the condenser and evaporator coils, and it's important to clean them frequently to prevent excessive wear. They also employ refrigerants that have a high GWP, or Global Warming Potential. They need to be recycled.
Another drawback to consider is the fact that heat pump dryers generally take longer than vented ones to finish a load. This is because the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower, at about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This means they need to tumble a more time before they are completely dry.
Lint Screens
Heat pump dryers are equipped with an air lint filter and venting system that must be cleaned on a regular basis. A blocked vent can drastically extend drying times, and can pose a fire hazard. Vents for dryers that are vented can reach temperatures high enough to ignite volatile oils and chemical on clothes.
The vent system in a heat pump requires a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air prior to it leaves the dryer. A dehumidifier also helps reduce energy costs by lowering temperature of the incoming hot water used to heat the air.
The lint filter of a heat-pump dryer is finer and needs to be cleaned more frequently than the one in a conventional dryer. The lint screen inside the door opening can also accumulate lint. It is recommended to clean it often.
Models with heat pumps come with a heated drum, which means the inside of the machine needs to be free of residue and lint from dryer or fabric softener sheets. The heated drum walls might be required to be cleaned and inspected periodically, as they might require to be replaced, as indicated by the user's manual.
Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hoses isn't only a nuisance, it's also a major danger to fire and can cause an average of 2900 house fires per year according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean your dryer's lint-exhaust the hose every year using wire brushes, or use a leaf blower from outside to eliminate lint from inside of the hose as this How-to video will explain. This is safer to do from the outside as you won't get lint on your face. If you're not sure of your ability to clean the duct, you can hire an expert to do it for you.
If you are unable to feel the air moving through the dryer vent, or if your dryer is taking longer to dry, it could be that there is a blockage of lint within the duct. Pick a day in the year to clean your vent system--Labor Day, the first of spring or the beginning or end of daylight saving time. Stick to it.
Installation
Modern electric dryers are one of the best conveniences for homeowners. However, choosing the right dryer is crucial for those looking to reduce their utility costs and also have a positive effect on our environment. For many people, heat pump dryers are the best choice. Heat pump dryers are different from vented dryers that are traditional that use electricity or gas combustion for heating air, and then blowing hot, dried air into the drum to eliminate moisture. They reuse the air, pulling the humid air and cooling it, allowing it to return to the laundry area where it can again be used.
Heat pump dryers don't require ducting, chimneys or chimneys to vent outside. They can be placed inside small spaces like laundry closets. This makes them ideal for small homes, accessory dwelling units (such as a laundry room in the basement or an apartment over the garage) and even for additions. Also, because the energy STAR label is a reliable indicator of energy efficiency, heat pump dryers are often more efficient than vented models that are more traditional.
Contrary to the majority of dryers for clothes, which need a dedicated circuit, most heat pump dryers are built to operate on standard 120-volt, 15-amp electrical circuits. This can be a real advantage for older homes with older wiring and can reduce the cost of installation.
However, the fact that heat pump dryers are less powerful than other types of dryers, means they take longer to finish each cycle. Because they don't go back and forth like conventional dryers do, heavy items like sheets and towels could become a laundry sludge which is difficult to unwind. Some manufacturers attempt to address this issue by turning off the tumble cycle for brief periods of time during a cycle.
In addition, heat pump dryers require more frequent maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, requiring regular cleaning or a thorough vacuum to ensure that they function effectively. Heat pump dryers don't vent, and therefore they may accumulate moisture within the dryer. This could lead to mold.