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 warm, humid air is then blown outside. The dryers that use heat pumps don't need vents, which can save energy and prevents fire hazards resulting from lint accumulation in the ducts.
They also have lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothing, so they may take longer to dry than traditional machines. Aztec Appliance provides more details about these ventless washers.
Efficiency
You can save a lot of money on your electricity bill by using the heat pump dryer. It consumes up to 28% less energy than a traditional dryer, according to Energy Star. That may not sound like much but when your family is doing 20 loads of laundry a week in Massachusetts, where electricity rates are among the highest in the country and you'll save hundreds over a 12-year lifespan with a dryer that uses a heat pump.
The way that a heat pump dryer works is similar to the way it works the dehumidifier. It begins with air that is heated by a compressor, and is then passed through a different set of coils to warm it even more. In this process, the hot air draws moisture from the clothing into the heat exchanger, where it is condensed. It drips into an empty pan or a tube that can be connected to drain it. The cool, moist air is then circulated back through the condenser coils to be then heated and the cycle starts again.
Heat pump dryers don't require an exhaust vent. They can be used in places where a conventional dryer would not fit. They also are more quiet and flexible which makes them suitable for apartment spaces and other rooms that have little space. In addition, they are safer than dryers that have vents, which can pose an fire hazard if they are not maintained regularly.
They take longer to dry your laundry due to the fact that they operate at lower temperatures. It is also essential to clean the dryer on a regular basis since it functions as a dehumidifier, and produces plenty of moisture during the drying process. This is particularly important when you live in a humid environment or if your clothes are soaked with lots of moisture within the dryer. You can accomplish this by regularly checking and cleaning the lint screen and the condenser coils. You should also clean out the drain tube every now and then. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator coil in good working order.
Condensation
The traditional method of drying clothes is using a fan to blow hot air onto the clothes. The air is then vented outside. Washers And Dryers consumes a lot of energy and requires an outdoor space vented to allow to vent the ducting. Heat pump dryers - also referred to as ventless dryers--recycle that air instead. They are able to heat the air by reusing energy used to run the machine and then condense it into water that drains from the bottom of the drum. They are smaller than vented models and can be installed in a laundry room or attic.
Heat pump dryers, though popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new to 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. Because they don't draw the indoor air to the outside it isn't necessary to clean out your venting system regularly or deal with possible issues that could arise when you have a dirty venting system.
The heat pump dryers are similar to the refrigeration system of a refrigerator. They feature an compressor that presses refrigerant into a set of coils, which releases heat. The evaporator coils absorb the heat from the air that passes through. The heated refrigerant flows through another set of coils to condense the moist air, and that cool refrigerant flows back into the original coils, and is heated to repeat the process.
The heat pump dryers require maintenance like other dryers that use electricity to ensure their performance is at its best. Lint accumulates on the filters, as well as on the condenser and evaporator coils, and it is essential to clean them regularly to prevent excessive wear. They also use refrigerants that have high GWP or Global Warming Potential. They must be recycled.
Another drawback to consider is the fact that heat pump dryers usually take longer than vented ones to complete a load. That's because their maximum temperature--about 120degF, is lower than gas and electric resistance dryers. Therefore, they're required to tumble some time before they're completely dry.
Lint Screens
The dryers of heat pumps have an air vent and lint filter system that must be cleaned regularly. A blocked dryer vent can prolong drying times and create a fire risk. A vented dryer's exhaust can reach temperatures that are sufficient to ignite volatile oils and chemical on clothes.
A heat pump vent system requires a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture prior to the air exits the dryer. A dehumidifier can also help you save energy by lowering the temperature at which hot water is heated to heat the air.
The lint screen on the heat pump dryer is softer than in conventional dryers, so it must be cleaned more frequently. The lint screen that is located in the door opening can also accumulate lint. It is recommended to clean it regularly.
Heat pump models have a heated drum, which means the interior of the machine needs to be free of lint and residue 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 changed as per the user's guide.
Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hose is not just a nuisance; it's a serious danger to fire and can cause an average of 2,900 home fires each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean your dryer's lint exhaust hose once a year using wire brushes, or make use of a leaf blower from the exterior to clear lint from the inside of the hose, as this Today's Homeowner how-to video explains. It's safer to do this from outside, so that you can avoid getting lint in your face. If you're unsure of your ability to clean the duct, hire an expert to handle it for you.
If you don't feel the air moving through your dryer vent, or your dryer is taking longer to dry, it could mean that there is a lint obstruction within the vent. Pick one day each year to clean your vent system--Labor Day, the first of spring, or the start or the end of daylight saving time. Then stick to it.
Installation
Modern electric dryers are among the most useful features for homeowners. But selecting the right dryer is an important choice for those who want to cut their utility bills and make a positive impact on the environment. The heat pump dryer is a great option for many. They are different from vented dryers like traditional ones that utilize gas combustion or electricity to heat air, then blowing the hot dried air into the drum in order to remove moisture. They reuse the air, pulling the moisture out and cooling it before allowing it to return to the laundry area where it can be used again.
Heat pump dryers do not require ducting, chimneys or a chimney to vent outside. They can be put in in small rooms such as laundry closets. This makes them ideal for tiny homes as well as accessory dwelling units (such as laundry rooms in the basement or an apartment above the garage) and even for additions. Heat pump dryers often perform better than traditional vented dryers because they are Energy STAR certified.
Unlike most other types of clothes dryers that require a separate circuit, the majority of heat pump dryers are designed to operate on standard 120-volt, 15-amp electrical circuits. This is a benefit for older homes that have older wiring, and can help you save money on installation.
The dryers that use heat pump have lower power compared to other dryers, so they take longer to complete the 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 unravel. Some manufacturers attempt to address this issue by reversing the tumble cycle for brief intervals of time during the course of a cycle.
They also require more maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, which requires regular cleaning or a thorough vacuum to ensure that they function effectively. And since heat pump dryers do not vent, they could also accumulate moisture on the inside of the dryer, causing mold.