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15 Current Trends To Watch For Heat Pump Dryers
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 moist, warm air is then blown outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents. This helps save energy and reduces the risk of fire caused by lint accumulation within the ducts.

These machines also have lower temperatures, and are gentler on clothing. They can take longer to finish drying than traditional machines. Learn more about these ventless laundry appliances from Aztec Appliance.

Efficiency

A heat pump dryer can save you a substantial amount of money every year on your electric bill. According to Energy Star, it uses up to 28 percent less energy than a conventional dryer. This may not sound like a lot however, when your family is doing 20 loads of laundry a week in Massachusetts where electricity prices are some of the highest in the nation, you'll save hundreds over the course of 12 years with a heat pump dryer.

The way a heat pump dryer operates is similar to the way it works a 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 heated air draws moisture from the clothing into the heat exchanger, where it's condensed. It drips into a pan that can be manually emptied or connected to drain tubes. The cool, moist air then circulates back through the condenser coils to be re-heated and the cycle begins again.

Heat pump dryers don't require an exhaust vent, and so they can be installed in areas that would not be able to be able to accommodate a conventional dryer. heat pump tumble dryer are also more quiet and flexible and ideal for apartments or other areas with little space. In addition, they are more secure than dryers with vents, which can be dangerous if not maintained regularly.

However, since they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it takes longer for your laundry to dry using the help of a heat pump dryer. Furthermore, since they function as a dehumidifier and generate a lot of water during the drying process it is essential to clean your heat pump dryer regularly. This is especially important when you live in a humid environment or if your clothes have a lot of moisture trapped within them. You can keep track of this by cleaning and inspecting the lint screen as well as the condenser coils. Also, you should clean the drain tube occasionally. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator in good shape.

Condensation

The traditional way to dry clothes is by using the use of a fan to blow hot air over the tumbling laundry, then venting that warm, humid air out. This method requires a lot of energy and requires an outside space to vent the ducting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines recycle the air. They heat the incoming air by reusing a portion of the energy required to run the machine, then condense the moisture that results into water that drains from the bottom of the drum. They're also smaller than vented dryers, and they can be built into a laundry area or even an attic.

The dryers that are heat pump, although popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new on the American market. They are now available in sizes that accommodate the majority of laundry rooms in homes and provide significant energy savings. Because they don't draw the indoor air to the outside, you don't have to clean your venting system regularly or deal with the possible issues that could arise due to a dirty system.

The heat pump dryers function like a refrigerator's refrigeration system using a compressor that pressurizes a refrigerant in one set of coils to release heat. They also have a set of evaporator coils that absorb warmth from the air that passes through them. The heated refrigerant circulates in a second set coils to condense moist air. The refrigerant that has been cooled is then pumped back into the first coils, where it is heated.

As with other electric dryers, a heat pump dryer still needs maintenance to ensure its energy efficiency is at its highest level. Lint can accumulate on the filters and the evaporator coils. It is essential to clean these regularly to avoid excessive wear. Additionally, they utilize refrigerants with high GWP (Global Warming Potential) which means that they need to be recycled properly too.

Heat pump dryers are slower than vented dryers to dry loads. This is because the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower, at 120degF. This means they need to tumble a bit longer before they are completely dry.


Lint Screens

Heat pump dryers come with venting and lint trap system that must be cleaned on a regular basis. A blocked vent can drastically extend drying times, and is a fire hazard. The exhaust from a vented dryer may reach temperatures that ignite volatile chemicals and oils.

A heat pump vent system needs a dehumidifier in order to remove moisture before the air is removed from the dryer. A dehumidifier also helps reduce energy costs by lowering temperature of the incoming hot water used to heat the air.

The lint screen of the heat pump dryer is finer than conventional dryers, which is why it requires cleaning more often. The lint trap in the door's opening is an ideal place for lint accumulation, and it should be checked and removed regularly.

The models that have heat pump also have heated drum walls which means that the interior of the dryer has to be free of lint, fabric softener and dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls also require periodic cleaning and inspection, as they may need to be replaced, as stated in the user's manual.

Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hose is not just inconvenient--it's a serious fire hazard and causes an average of 2,900 house fires each year according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean the dryer's lint exhaust the hose every year using a wire brush or use a leaf blower from the exterior to remove lint from the inside of the hose, as this How-to video will explain. It's safer to do this from the outside since there is no risk of lint getting on your face. If you're not sure that you'll be able clean the ducts, you should hire an expert.

If you aren't able to feel air moving through your dryer vent outside or if your dryer is taking longer to dry than normal, there could be a lint blockage deeper within the vent. Pick one day each year to clean your vents--Labor Day, the beginning of spring, or the start or the end of daylight saving time. Then stick to it.

Installation

Modern dryers that are electric are among the best conveniences for homeowners. However, choosing the right dryer is crucial for those looking to lower their utility bills and make a positive impact on the environment. Heat pump dryers are an excellent option for many. Heat pump dryers are different from traditional vented dryers that utilize gas combustion or electricity to heat air, then blowing the hot, dried air into the drum to remove moisture. They reuse the air, pulling out the humid air and cooling it, permitting it to return to the laundry area where it can be used again.

Since heat pump dryers do not require venting outside, they don't require any ducting or chimney and can be placed in small spaces like laundry closets. They're ideal for tiny houses, additional dwelling units (such a laundry room or an apartment above the garage) or even additions. Also, because the energy STAR label is a trusted mark of energy efficiency, dryers with heat pumps are typically more efficient than traditional vented models.

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

They have lower power than other dryers, so they take longer to complete a cycle. Since they don't move between the two like traditional dryers do, big items like sheets and towels can become a laundry sausage which is difficult to unravel. Some manufacturers try to solve this issue by reversing tumble cycles for short durations during the cycle.

Additionally, heat pump dryers require more frequent maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger coils as well as the evaporator coils, requiring periodic cleaning or vacuuming to ensure that they run efficiently. Since heat pump dryers don't vent, they can also gather moisture inside the dryer, leading to mold.

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