Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer
With the new federal incentives and impressive 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 do not draw conditioned indoor air to vent.
They also use the lower temperature, which is gentler on clothes. Continue reading to find out more about this cutting-edge technology for washing.
1. Energy Savings
The use of heat pumps isn't limited to home heating and cooling They're now being used in clothes dryers too. Our Home Page that is ENERGY STAR-certified uses less electricity than a conventional dryer, which will save you money on your electric bill. They run at a lower temperature, which also reduces wear and wear on your clothes and the environment.
The heat pump washer-dryers reuse the air used in the washing process. However, it is cooled and warmed by a condenser coil that is located inside the evaporator. The warm air is then moved into the drum to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer doesn't require exhausting humid air, like vented dryers do.
It's important to make your appliances as energy-efficient as possible, as laundry processes consume an enormous amount of energy. This can be achieved by combining a washer with dryers that use heat. This will help you lock in maximum efficiency and save on energy costs right away.
Explore our selection of ENERGY STAR-certified dryers and washers to start. You can sort results by model and energy consumption, wash cycles, or spin speed. Also, be sure to look at the yellow Energy Guide label to understand the amount each appliance will cost each year.
Combination washer-dryers can be an ideal option for households who cannot afford two separate machines or do not have enough space. They plug directly into 120-volt outlets and don't require a special 240 volt venting or hookup system. These units are perfect for apartments and condominiums as they can be tucked away in a cupboard or under the counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional clothes dryers use heat to dry the clothes using a hot electric or gas coil. This allows you to evaporate moisture from your clothing. That air is then vented outside of your home, taking with it your conditioned air that you're paying to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your house has to work overtime to make up for the loss of conditioning air by pulling in replacement air from gaps and cracks in your walls and around doors.
Heat pump washer dryers move humidity from one place to another rather than heating and venting it, which is good news for homeowners with tight houses that can't handle extra air flow. It's also possible for people to install washer/dryer combination units in places where they wouldn't normally be able to place venting dryers for instance, under the stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency or performance.
All-in-one machines have many advantages however, they also have a few drawbacks. They take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers and therefore it is important to allot plenty of time for each load. Also the combination of two appliances in one can reduce the amount of laundry you can do in one go, since it takes around an hour longer for whites and colors to dry than they would in separate machines.
Thankfully, most manufacturers have started to solve these issues by offering simple solutions. For instance, LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo comes with the ability to prop the door slightly open when it's running to prevent the water from pooling and drying out the drum. Many LG models like our top choice, have a small drain hole in the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water flow out instead of pooling inside the drum. Additionally, you can purchase a sound blanket that fit snugly over your heat pump to reduce the noise it makes.
3. Reduces Wear and Tear
Heat pump dryers don't heat the air unlike traditional dryers. They just remove moisture from clothing. This is more gentle on clothing. It also conserves energy because it doesn't have to waste the energy that it takes to heat the air up for the drying process.
Heat-pump dryers require more maintenance than standalone machines due to the fact that the condensate drain tube needs to be cleaned frequently to prevent blockages. This isn't much different from cleaning a regular machine.
Heat pump washer-dryer combinations do not vent. This means that you can use them within your home without having to cut into the wall outside for ductwork. This is a major plus for apartment dwellers, students, and others who don't want to alter their living spaces or spend additional money for a new appliance.
The drying time of clothes dried by heat-pump dryers is slower than traditional models because they don't get quite as hot. Many people were hesitant use them due to the fact that they didn't get as hot. However manufacturers have stepped up their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer that's on our list of top dryers, comes with typical drying times of 37 to 70 min.
The key to reducing drying time is not overdoing the amount of detergent, which could cause excessive suds that prolongs cycles and leaves a slimy residue on your clothes (readers send us emails all the time about this problem). Use the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents, and clean the dispenser drawer regularly. This will ensure that the machine is running as efficiently as it can and will not waste your time 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 due to the fact that it doesn't blow hot, humid air into your laundry but instead extracts vapor at room temperature from the air that surrounds your clothes. The vapor is heated by your washer and then used to evaporate water from your laundry.
A heat pump washer weighs 88 pounds. It's not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. This can be a huge issue if you intend to put it on a wall or use it inside a closet which may not have enough space for a vent.
Lint build-up is a concern in all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's low temperatures limit the amount of lint that could block the exhaust and prevent the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. This also reduces the chance of a fire developing in the dryer or in its exhaust, which could occur when solvents and oils that are flammable from your laundry are absorbed into the vent or into the dryer's evaporator.
To prevent the build-up of lint Make sure you clean your dryer vent at least once a year (more often if you have children or pets). You can make use of a leaf blower or wire brush to remove any lint in between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's safer to clean this outside than inside.
To prevent drying out, be sure to use a low-suds detergent and follow the manufacturer's directions on how to set the water level. Separate your laundry according to kind of fabric and wash delicates such as silk with heavy cottons as well as linens. You won't overdye or shrink your delicates, and the moisture sensor will determine when your laundry is dry enough to stop the cycle.
5. Saves Space
Heat pump dryers make use of less energy since they reuse and recycle hot air. This could help you save money on costs for utilities, but also on the energy cost to cool or heat your house.
This method is also more gentle on fabrics, so it reduces shrinkage and wear--a major benefit when you're dealing with expensive clothes. It also removes the need for vents that are blocked by lint, and also reduces the energy wasted by conventional dryers to heat the air in the room prior to entering the machine. This helps keep your heating costs low.
Combinations of heat pump washers and dryers are designed to fit into tiny spaces, such as kitchens and closets. These machines are all-in-one and are just a few inches more space than front-load washers that are vented. They're not vented, so you can put them wherever you want to with water and a 110-volt outlet.
They are also simple to use. All you have to do is select the wash and dry cycle that's appropriate for your load--and let them do the work. Once your clothes are clean, simply remove them.
With these energy-efficient, versatile machines, it's now easier than ever to wash your clothes without spending a dime. You can shop online or visit an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the right combination of washer and dryer that will fit seamlessly into your home. We offer the best deals on rebates, promotions and financing specials for enhancing your laundry space. We're here to help you select the right dryer that meets your needs and lifestyle!