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Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

Conventional dryers heat air with gas or electric resistance and blow it over clothes that are tumbling, and then release the warm, humid air outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents, which save energy and prevents fire hazards resulting from lint accumulation in the ducts.

These machines also have lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothes. They may take longer to dry than traditional machines. Learn more about these ventless laundry machines from Aztec Appliance.

Efficiency

A heat pump dryer can save you a substantial amount of money annually on your electricity bill. According to Energy Star, it uses up to 28 percent less energy than a conventional clothes dryer. That might not sound like much however, when your family is doing 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts where electricity prices are some of the highest in the nation, you'll save hundreds over a 12-year lifespan 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 then pushed through a second set of coils to warm it more. The hot air draws moisture from the clothing and is then pumped into the heat exchanger, where it becomes condensed liquid. It drips into an empty pan or a tube that can be connected to drain it. The moist, cool air is then circulated back over the condenser coils to be re-heated and the cycle begins again.

Heat pump dryers do not require an exhaust vent, which means they can be installed in places that wouldn't be able to accommodate a conventional dryer. They also are more efficient and quieter which makes them suitable for apartment spaces and other rooms with little space. They are also more secure than dryers that have vents. Vents can cause fires when they are not cleaned regularly.

Heat pump dryers take longer to dry your laundry due to the fact that they operate at lower temperatures. It's also important to clean the dryer on a regular basis because it functions as a dehumidifier and creates plenty of moisture during drying. This is particularly important when your clothes are damp or you live in a humid area. It is possible to do this by checking and cleaning the lint screen and the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube regularly. 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 over the clothes. This air is then blown outside. This approach uses lots of energy and Heat pump dryers requires access to a vented outdoor space for venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines, recycle air. They heat the incoming air by reusing some of the energy that goes to run the machine. They then condense the moisture that results into water that drains from the bottom of the dryer drum. They are also smaller than vented dryers and they can be fitted into a laundry room or even in an attic.

While they're widely used in Europe and Japan The heat pump dryers are relatively new to the American market. These dryers 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 they don't require you to clean out your venting system often or deal with the potential issues that can arise due to a dirty system.

Heat pump dryers work like a refrigerator's refrigeration system using the compressor that presses refrigerant within one set of coils to release heat. They also have an evaporator set of coils which absorb heat from air passing through them. The heated refrigerant circulates in another set of coils to condense humid air. The cooled refrigerant is then pumped back into the first coils, where it's heated.

Heat pump dryers require maintenance, just as other dryers with electric motors to maintain their peak performance. Lint collects on the filters, and on the condenser and evaporator coils. It is crucial to clean them regularly to prevent excessive wear. They also utilize refrigerants with high GWP or Global Warming Potential. These need to be recycled.

Another issue to be considered is the fact that heat pump dryers typically take longer than vented ones to complete a load. 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 longer before they're completely dry.

Lint Screens

Heat pump dryers have a lint filter and venting system that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. A blocked vent can drastically extend drying times, and is a fire hazard. The exhaust of a vented dryer can be heated to the point of igniting volatile chemicals and oils.

A heat pump venting system requires a dehumidifier in order to eliminate moisture prior to the air exits the dryer. A dehumidifier will also help you save energy by reducing the temperature at which hot water is heated to heat pump tumble dryers the air.

The lint filter in the heat-pump dryer is more fine and requires cleaning more frequently than the one in a conventional dryer. The lint trap in the door opening is also an ideal place for lint to accumulate and must be inspected and Heat Pump Dryers cleaned frequently.

Heat pump models have a heated drum, which means the inside of the machine needs to be free of lint and residues from fabric softener or dryer sheets. The heated drum walls also require regular cleaning and inspections, since they might 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 isn't just an inconvenience. It's also an ignition source that can cause 2900 house fires per year. Clean your dryer's lint exhaust the hose every year using a wire brush, or employ an air blower from outside to remove lint from the inside of the hose as this How-to video provides. It's safer to do this from the outside as you won't be able to see lint on your face. If you're not sure of your ability to clean the duct, hire an expert to handle it for you.

If you aren't able to sense air flowing through the vent of your dryer outside or if your dryer is taking longer to dry than normal there may be an obstruction from lint within the duct. Choose a day of the year to clean your vents - Labor Day, the first of spring, or the start or the end of daylight saving time--and stick to it.

Installation

Modern electric dryers are one of the most useful features for homeowners. But choosing the best dryer is essential for those looking to lower their utility bills and also have a positive effect on the environment. For many these reasons, heat pump dryers are the best option. Contrary to traditional vented dryers that utilize gas or electricity to heat air and then blow hot, dry air into the drum to remove moisture, heat pump dryers reuse the same air over and over and pull the moist air away from the clothes and cooling it down, allowing it to return to the laundry area, where it can be used again.

Because heat pump dryers do not require venting outside, they don't require any ducting or chimney and can be installed in small spaces like laundry closets. This makes them ideal for tiny homes as well as accessory dwelling units (such as a laundry room in the basement or an apartment above the garage) and even additions. Also, because the ENERGY STAR label is a reliable mark of energy efficiency, heat pump dryers are often more efficient than traditional vented models.

Contrary to the majority of dryers for clothes, which need a dedicated circuit, the majority of heat pump dryers are designed to run on regular 120-volt, 15-amp electrical circuits. This is a huge benefit for older homes with older wiring and can save money on installation.

However the fact that heat pump dryers aren't as powerful than other types of dryers, means they are slower to complete the cycle. Because they don't go between the two like conventional dryers do, large items such as towels and sheets can become a laundry sausage which is difficult to unravel. Some manufacturers try to solve this problem by reversing tumble cycles for short periods during a cycle.

Additionally, heat pump dryers need more regular maintenance than other dryers. Lint can build up on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, requiring regular vacuuming or professional cleaning to ensure they are operating at a high level. And since heat pump dryers don't vent, they can also accumulate moisture inside the dryer, leading to mold.