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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 warm, humid air is then vented outside. They don't require vents, which save energy and prevents fire hazards due to lint accumulation in the vents.
These machines also have lower temperatures, and are more gentle on clothing. They can take longer to finish drying than traditional machines. Learn more about these ventless laundry machines from Aztec Appliance.
Efficiency
You can save lots of money on your electric bill by using the heat pump dryer. According to Energy Star, it uses up to 28 percent less energy than a conventional clothes dryer. It might not sound like much but if you wash 20 loads of laundry a week in Massachusetts where electricity costs are among the highest in the country, you will save hundreds of dollars over the course of a 12 year lifespan.
A heat pump dryer is similar to a dehumidifier. It starts with air that's heated by a compressor and then sent through another set of coils to warm it more. In this process, the hot air draws moisture from the clothing and into the heat exchanger, where it becomes condensed liquid. It then drips into a pan that can be manually emptied or connected to drain tubes. The cooled, moist air is then circulated through the condenser coils until it is re-heated and the cycle begins again.
Heat pump dryers do not require an exhaust vent, and so they can be installed in places that aren't able to be able to accommodate a conventional dryer. They also are quieter and more versatile and suitable for homes and other areas with limited space. They are also safer than dryers with vents, which can be dangerous if not maintained 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 generate plenty of water during drying it is essential to clean your heat pump dryer 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. You can accomplish this by checking and cleaning the lint screens as well as the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube periodically. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator in good shape.
Condensation
The traditional method of drying clothes is using a fan to blow hot air onto the laundry. This air is then vented outside. This approach uses a lot of energy and requires access to an outdoor space vented to allow for ducting. Heat pump dryers, also referred to as ventless drying machines recycle the air. They heat the air by reusing energy used to power the machine, and then condense it into water that drains from the bottom of the drum. They are also smaller than vented models and can be placed in an attic or laundry room.
Although they are popular in Europe and Japan The heat pump dryers are relatively new to the American market. These dryers are now available in sizes that fit most home laundry rooms and provide significant energy savings. And because they don't exhaust the indoor air to the outside, you don't have to clean your venting system periodically or deal with the possible issues that could arise due to a dirty system.
The heat pump dryers function like the refrigeration system of refrigerators, with an air compressor that presses refrigerant through one set of coils to release heat. They also have an evaporator coil set that absorb heat from the air that passes through them. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through a second set of coils to condense the humid air. The cooled refrigerant then flows back into the first coils, and is heated to repeat the process.
Heat pump dryers require maintenance, just like other dryers that use electricity to ensure their performance is at its best. Lint accumulates on the filters, as well as on the evaporator and condenser coils, and it is essential to clean them often to prevent excessive wear. Additionally, they utilize refrigerants with high GWP (Global Warming Potential) and therefore, they have to be recycled properly as well.
Another drawback to consider is the fact that heat pump dryers generally take longer than vented dryers to complete a job. This is because their maximum temperature, which is around 120degF--is lower than that of electric and gas resistance dryers, which means they're required to tumble for a little longer before they're dry.
Lint Screens
The dryers of a heat pump come with venting and lint trap system that must be regularly cleaned. A blocked dryer vent can prolong drying times and create the risk of fire. Vents for dryers that are vented can reach temperatures that are sufficient to spark volatile chemicals and oils on clothes.
The vent system in a heat pump requires a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture from the air before it exits the dryer. Dehumidifiers can also cut down on energy costs by lowering temperature of the incoming hot water that is used to heat the air.
The lint screen of the heat pump dryer is softer than in conventional dryers, which is why it needs to be cleaned more often. The lint screen in the door opening can also collect lint. heat pump tumble dryers should be cleaned regularly.
The models with heat pumps also have an insulated drum wall which means that the inside of the dryer needs to be free of lint, fabric softener and dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls require regular cleaning and inspections, since they may need to be replaced, as stated in the user's manual.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the accumulation of lint in the dryer's exhaust pipe is more than 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 wire brushes, or employ a leaf blower from outside to eliminate lint from inside of the hose, as this Today's Homeowner how-to video will explain. It's better to clean the hose from the outside, as you can avoid getting lint on your eyes. If you're not confident in your ability to clean the duct, get a professional to do it for you.
If you cannot sense air movement in your dryer vent, or if you notice that your dryer is taking longer to dry, it could mean that there is a lint blockage within 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 end of daylight saving time. Stick to it.
Installation
Drying laundry in a modern electric dryer is among the most significant options that homeowners have access to. But selecting the right dryer is also an important choice for those looking to reduce their utility bills and make an impact on the environment. For many these reasons, heat pump dryers are a great alternative. They differ from vented dryers that are traditional, which make use of gas or electricity for heating air, and then blowing hot, dried air into the drum in order to remove moisture. They reuse the air, pulling the moist and cooling it and allows it to be returned to the laundry area where it can again be used.
Heat pump dryers don't require chimneys, ducting or chimneys to vent outside. They can be installed within small spaces, such as laundry closets. They are perfect for small houses, accessory dwelling units (such a laundry room or an apartment above the garage) or even additions. Heat pump dryers often perform better than traditional vented dryers because they are Energy STAR certified.
Heat pump dryers can operated on standard 120-volt 15-amp 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, which means they take longer to complete a cycle. Because they don't go around like conventional dryers do, large items like sheets and towels can become a laundry sausage which is difficult to unwind. Some manufacturers attempt to resolve this issue by reversing tumble cycles for short durations during a cycle.
They also require more maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, and require regular vacuuming or professional cleaning to ensure they are operating at a high level. Heat pump dryers don't vent, and therefore they may accumulate moisture inside the dryer. This can lead to mold.