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7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make A Big Difference In Your Heat Pump Dryers
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 outside. They don't require vents, which can save energy and eliminate potential fire hazards from lint build-up in the ducts.

These machines also use lower temperatures, and are gentler on clothing. They can take longer to finish drying than traditional machines. Aztec Appliance provides more details about these ventless washing machines.

Efficiency

You can save a lot of money on your electricity bill by using a heat pump dryer. It uses up to 28 percent less energy than a traditional clothes dryer according to Energy Star. It might not sound like much but if you wash 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 the course of a 12 year lifespan.


The way that a heat pump dryer operates is similar to dehumidifiers. The heat pump dryer begins with heated air, which is then sent through coils to heat it up further. The hot air draws moisture from the clothing and is then pumped into the heat exchanger, which turns it into condensed. It drips into a pan that can be manually emptied or connected to a drain tube. The cooled, moist air is then circulated over the coils of the condenser to be reheated.

Heat pump dryers don't require an exhaust vent, which means they can be used in areas that would not be able to be able to accommodate a conventional dryer. They are also more efficient and quieter, making them ideal for apartment spaces and other rooms that have small space. They are also safer than dryers with vents. Vents can cause fires when they are not cleaned regularly.

However, as they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it takes longer for your laundry to dry when using the help of a heat pump dryer. Furthermore, since they function much like a dehumidifier and produce a lot of water during the drying process it is essential to clean your heat pump dryer frequently. That's especially true if you reside in a humid area or if your clothes are soaked with lots of moisture within them. You can do this regularly by checking and cleaning the lint screen as well as the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube periodically. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator in good condition.

Condensation

The most common method of drying clothes is to use fans to blow hot air on the laundry. This air is then vented outside. This approach uses a lot of energy and requires an outdoor space that is vented for venting. Heat pump dryers - also referred to as ventless dryers re-use the air instead. They heat the air by reusing energy used to run the machine. They then condense it into water that drains out of the bottom of the drum. They're also smaller than vented dryers and can be incorporated into a laundry area or even an attic.

The dryers with heat pumps, while popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new to the American market. They are now available in sizes that accommodate the majority of laundry rooms in homes and can provide significant energy savings. Since they don't vent indoor air to the outdoors, you don't have to clean your venting system often or deal with the possible issues that could arise when you have a dirty venting system.

Heat pump dryers are similar to the refrigeration system of refrigerators. They are equipped with a compressor which pressurizes refrigerant into one set of coils, which releases heat. The evaporator coils soak up the heat from the air that passes through. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through a second set coils to condense moist air. The refrigerant that is cooled is then pumped back into the first coils, where it's heated.

Like other dryers with electric motors, a heat pump dryer still needs maintenance to ensure its energy efficiency is at its highest level. Lint can build up on filters and the evaporator coils. It is important to clean these regularly to avoid excessive wear. And they use refrigerants with high GWP (Global Warming Potential) and therefore, they have to be recycled properly as well.

They take longer than vented dryers in drying loads. This is due to the fact that the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower at around 120degF. This means that they need to tumble a bit longer before they are completely dry.

Lint Screens

Heat pump dryers have an air vent and lint filter system that must be cleaned regularly. A clogged dryer vent can delay drying time and could be an fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer may reach temperatures that can ignite volatile chemicals and oils.

A heat pump vent system requires an air dehumidifier to remove moisture before the air is removed from the dryer. A dehumidifier also helps you save energy by lowering the temperature at which hot water is heated to warm the air.

The lint screen on a heat pump dryer is more fine than the conventional dryers, so it must be cleaned more frequently. The lint screen inside the door opening can also build up lint. It is recommended to clean it frequently.

The models with heat pumps also come with heated drum walls, which means that the inside of the dryer must be free of lint fabric softener and dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls require periodic cleaning and inspection, as they could require to be replaced, as indicated in the user's manual.

Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hose isn't just a nuisance; it's a serious danger to fire and can cause an average of 2,900 house fires every year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean the dryer's lint exhaust pipe every year with a wire brush, or employ an air blower from outside to clear lint from the inside of the hose, as this How-to video provides. It's better to do this from outside, so that you can avoid getting lint on your eyes. If you're unsure 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 takes longer to dry, it could mean that there is a lint blockage deeper in the vent. Pick a day in the year to clean your vents--Labor Day, the first day of spring or the beginning or the end of daylight saving time. Then stick to it.

Installation

Modern electric dryers are among the most convenient options for homeowners. But choosing the right dryer is also an important choice for those looking to reduce their utility bills and make a positive impact on the environment. For many, heat pump dryers are the best alternative. Contrary to traditional vented dryers that make use of gas or electricity to heat air, and then blow dry, hot air into the drum to eliminate moisture in the air, heat pump dryers reuse the same air over and over, pulling the moist air away from the clothes and cooling it down, allowing it to return to the laundry room, where it can be used again.

Since heat pump dryers don't have to vent outside, they don't require any chimneys or ducting, and can be installed in small spaces, such as laundry closets. They're ideal for tiny homes, accessory dwelling units (such a laundry room or an apartment above the garage), and even additions. They are often better than traditional vented models since they are Energy STAR certified.

Heat pump dryers can be operated on standard 120-volt 15-amp circuits. This is a benefit for older homes with older wiring, and can save you money on installation.

They have lower power compared to other dryers, and therefore take longer to complete a cycle. Because they don't move back and forth like traditional dryers do, big items such as towels and sheets can turn into a laundry sausage which is difficult to unravel. Some manufacturers attempt to resolve this issue by turning off the tumble cycle for brief intervals of time during the course of a cycle.

Additionally, heat pump dryers need more regular maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger coils and evaporator coils, and require regular cleaning or vacuuming to keep them running efficiently. Because heat pump dryers don't vent, they can also accumulate moisture inside the dryer, which can cause mold.

Read More: https://www.washersanddryers.co.uk/categories/heat-pump-tumble-dryers