20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Heat Pump Dryers
Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards Conventional dryers heat air with gas or electric resistance and then blow it through clothes that are tumbling, and then release the warm, humid air outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents, which save energy and eliminate potential fire hazards from lint build-up in the ducts. These machines also operate at lower temperatures and are gentler on clothing. They may take longer to dry than traditional machines. Aztec Appliance provides more details about these ventless washers. Efficiency A heat pump dryer can save you a significant amount of money every year on your electric bill. According to Energy Star, it uses up to 28 percent less energy than a conventional clothes dryer. That might not sound like a lot but if your family does 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts where electricity costs are among the highest in the nation You'll save hundreds of dollars over a 12-year lifespan with a heat pump dryer. The way a heat-pump dryer functions is similar to the way it works the dehumidifier. The heat pump dryer starts with heated air that is then circulated through coils to heat it even more. The heated air draws moisture from the clothing into the heat exchanger, where it's condensed. It drips into a pot that can be manually empty or connected to drain tubes. The moist, cooled air is then circulated back over the coils of the condenser, to be heated. Heat pump dryers don't require an exhaust vent. They are therefore able to be put in places where a traditional dryer wouldn't be suitable. They are also more quiet and flexible and are ideal for apartments or other areas with small space. They are also safer than dryers that have vents, which can pose an fire hazard if they are not cleaned regularly. However, since they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it will take longer for your laundry to dry with a heat pump dryer. Additionally, because they work as a dehumidifier and produce a lot of water during the drying process, it's important to clean your heat pump dryer regularly. This is particularly important when you reside in a humid area or if your clothes have a lot of moisture trapped within the dryer. You can do this by regularly checking and cleaning the lint screens and the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube periodically. The evaporator coil can be susceptible to mold and bacteria However, regular cleaning is required to keep it in good working order. Condensation The traditional method of drying clothes is using a fan to blow hot air on the clothes. This air is then vented outside. This method requires a lot of energy and requires an outside space to vent the venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines, recycle air. They make use of the heat to repurpose energy used to power the machine, and then condense it into water that drains out of the bottom of the drum. They are smaller than vented models and can be installed in the attic or laundry room. The dryers with heat pumps, while popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new to the American market. These dryers are now available in sizes to accommodate the majority of laundry rooms in homes and offer significant energy savings. Since they don't draw indoor air outdoors, you won't need to clean your venting system or address any potential problems. Heat pump dryers work like refrigeration systems in refrigerators with a compressor that pressurizes a refrigerant in one set of coils to release heat, and an evaporator coil set that absorb warmth from the air passing through them. The heated refrigerant circulates in another set of coils to condense moist air. The cooled refrigerant is then pumped back into first coils, where it is heated. The heat pump dryers require maintenance just like other electric dryers to maintain their peak performance. Lint can build up on the filters and the evaporator coils. It is essential to clean these frequently to avoid excessive wear. They also use refrigerants that have high GWP (Global Warming Potential) which means that they need to be properly recycled also. washersanddryers take longer than vented dryers to dry loads. This is because the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower, at around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that they'll need to tumble a longer before they're completely dry. Lint Screens Heat pump dryers come with a lint trap and venting system which need to be cleaned on a regular basis. A blocked dryer vent can delay drying time and could be an fire risk. The exhaust of dryers vented can be heated to the point of igniting volatile chemicals and oils. A heat pump's vent system requires a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air before it exits the dryer. A dehumidifier can also reduce energy costs by lowering temperature of the incoming hot water used to heat the air. The lint screen of a heat pump dryer is finer than the conventional dryers, so it requires cleaning more often. The lint screen inside the door's opening could collect lint. It should be cleaned regularly. The models with heat pumps also come with 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 inspections, since they could require to be replaced, as stated in the user's manual. Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hose isn't just inconvenient—it's a serious fire hazard that causes an average of 2900 house fires per year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean your dryer's lint exhaust the hose every year using wire brushes, or employ an air blower from the outside to remove lint from the inside of the hose as this Today's Homeowner video will explain. It's safer to do this from outside, since you will avoid getting lint on your face. If you're not sure of your ability to clean the duct, get an expert to do it for you. If you don't feel the air moving through the vent of your dryer outside or the dryer is taking longer to dry than it normally does it could be due to an obstruction of lint deeper within the vent. Pick a day in the year to clean your vents – Labor Day, the beginning of spring, or the day that marks the beginning or end of daylight saving time. Stick to it. Installation Drying your laundry in an electric dryer that is modern and efficient is one of the most essential options that homeowners have access to. However, choosing the right dryer is essential for those who wish to reduce their utility costs and also have a positive effect on our environment. For many people, heat pump dryers are an ideal choice. Heat pump dryers are different from traditional vented dryers that make use of gas or electricity for heating air, and then blowing the hot, dried air into the drum to remove moisture. They reuse the air, pulling out the moisture out and cooling it before permitting it to return to the laundry room so that it can be used again. Heat pump dryers do not require chimneys, ducting or chimneys to vent outside. They can be put in in small rooms such as laundry closets. This makes them ideal for small homes, accessory dwelling units (such as a laundry room in the basement or an apartment above the garage) and even for additions. The majority of heat pump dryers perform better than traditional vented models 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 could help you save money on installation. However, the fact that heat pump dryers aren't as powerful than other dryers means they take longer to complete the cycle. Because they don't move back and forth like traditional dryers do, big items like sheets and towels can turn into a laundry sausage which is difficult to unravel. Some manufacturers attempt to solve this issue by changing the tumble cycle for brief intervals of time during a cycle. Additionally, heat pump dryers need more regular maintenance than other dryers. Lint can collect on the heat exchanger coils as well as the evaporator coils, requiring periodic vacuuming or professional cleaning to ensure that they run efficiently. The dryers that use heat pumps do not vent, which means they could retain moisture inside the dryer. This could lead to mold.