Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

Heat pump washer dryers are poised to become household staples with new federal incentives and impressive laboratory test results. These all-in one machines are quicker to wash and to dry, and they do not bring conditioned indoor air outside to vent.

They also use a lower temperature which is gentler on clothes. Continue reading to learn more about this revolutionary technology for washing.

1. Saves Energy

The use of heat pumps isn't limited to home heating and cooling They're now being used in clothes dryers as well. A ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryer consumes 28 percent less energy than a traditional dryer and can save you cash on your electric bill. They use a lower temperature to reduce wear and tear and damage on your clothes.

During the drying process heat pump washer-dryers use the same air that's recycled by the washing machine, however it goes through a condenser coil within the evaporator unit to warm up and cool the air. The warm air is then pushed into the drum in order to continue drying clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer won't not have to exhaust the moisture-laden air as vented dryers do.

Since the process of washing clothes consumes large amounts of energy It's worth attempting to make your appliances as efficient as you can. The best way to do this is by pairing an efficient washer with a dryer that uses a heat pump. This will lock in maximum efficiency and begin saving on energy costs as soon as you can.

To begin, check out our selection of the ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers. You can filter your results by model, energy consumption washing cycles, wash cycles, and spin speed. Be sure to examine the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance costs to run for the year.

Combining washer-dryers is another excellent alternative for households that are unable to afford to have two separate machines or don't have the space to house them. They connect directly to an outlet that is 120 volts and don't require a 240-volt venting or hookup system. These units are ideal for condominiums and apartments since they can be placed in the cupboard or under counters.

2. Reduces Noise

Most traditional clothes dryers use a hot gas or electric coil to warm the air that evaporates the moisture in your laundry. The vaporized air is then blown outside of your home, taking with it your conditioned air that you're paying to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Your house has to perform overtime to make up for the lost conditioned air by pulling in replacement air from cracks and gaps in your walls and around doors.

Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, rather than heating it and then venting it. This is a great option for homeowners who have houses that aren't big enough to allow for the additional air flow. It is also possible to put in dryer and washer combinations in areas where venting dryers would not be suitable for instance, under stairs. This will not affect the efficiency or energy efficiency.

All-in-one machines have many advantages however, they also have a few drawbacks. It's crucial to give yourself enough time for each load because all-in-one appliances take longer to complete their cycles than traditional washers/dryers. Combining two appliances into one can reduce the amount of laundry you can do in one load since it takes a longer time to dry whites and colors than they would if they were separate machines.

Thankfully, most manufacturers have started to solve these issues by offering simple solutions. LG's top-rated washing-dryer combination, for example, has an option to prop the door slightly open when it's running to prevent water from pooling and drying the drum. Many LG models, including our top choice, have a drain hole at the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water drain instead of pooling in the drum. You can also purchase sound blankets that fit snugly over your heat pump to lessen the noise it makes.

3. Reduces Wear and Tear

When a heat pump dryer functions it doesn't heat the air like a traditional dryer--it only removes moisture from the clothes which means it's much more gentle on clothing than a traditional model. This is a great way to save energy, since it doesn't need to use energy to heat the air to speed up the drying process.

Heat-pump dryers require more maintenance than standalone machines, because the condensate drainage tube has to be cleaned regularly to avoid obstructions. But, this isn't too different from cleaning a standard dryer.

The biggest difference is that heat pump tumble dryer reviews pump washer-dryer combos do not vent, which means you can use them in your house without cutting into the wall outside to run ductwork. This is ideal for those who live in apartments, college students, and others who don't want to spend more money or modify their living space.

Since heat-pump tumble dryer dryers aren't as hot, they take longer to dry clothes than traditional models. Many people were hesitant use them due to the fact that they didn't get as hot. However manufacturers have stepped up their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer that is on our list of best dryers, has typical drying times between 37 and 70 minutes.

The most important thing to reduce drying time is to avoid overdoing the detergent, which can result in excessive suds that can prolong cycles and leaves a slimy residue on your clothes (readers write to us all the time about this issue). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and wash the dispenser drawer on a routine basis. This will ensure that the machine is running as efficiently as it can saving you energy and money.

4. Reduces Lint

When drying your clothes using a heat pump dryer, it uses much less air than vented gas or electric dryers. This is because it does not blow hot, humid, air into your laundry, but instead, it extracts vapor at a room temperature from the air surrounding your clothes. This vapor is then heated by your dryer to evaporate the moisture out of your clothes, making this type of dryer more energy-efficient.

A heat pump washer dryer weighs 88lbs. This isn't as heavy as vented gas dryers or electric dryer. This can be a big difference if you intend to mount it on the wall or use it in a closet that may not be large enough to accommodate a vent.

Lint build-up is a concern in all dryers. However the heat pump dryer's low temperatures reduce the amount of lint that could block the exhaust and prevent the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. This also reduces the chance of a fire in the dryer or in its exhaust, which can happen when solvents and oils that are flammable from your laundry enter the vent or into the dryer's evaporator.

To prevent the build-up of lint Make sure you clean your dryer vent at least once a year (more often when you have children or pets). A wire brush or leaf blower can help you clear out any lint that has accumulated between the ridges of the accordion hose, and it's safer to do this from outside rather than inside if it's possible.

Use a detergent that is low in sudsing and follow the guidelines of the manufacturer on how to set up your water level to avoid drying out too much. Separate your laundry by different types of fabric and wash delicates such as silk using heavy linens or cottons. This way, you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. Likewise, the moisture sensors will have greater chance of notifying you the moment your laundry is dry to end the cycle.

5. Space Savings

The dryers that use heat pump use less energy because they recycle and reuse hot air. This means they can help you save money in a variety of ways, not just by saving on costs for utilities, but also on the amount of energy needed to warm or cool your home.

This method is also more gentle on fabrics, so it reduces shrinkage and wear--a major benefit when you're dealing with expensive clothing. It also means that you don't have to replace dryer vents that are clogged with lint and cuts down on the energy consumption that conventional dryers expend to warm up room air before it can enter the dryer which helps keep your cooling and [Redirect-Meta-1] heating costs lower.

In the end, heat pump dryer-washer combos are designed to fit into small spaces that wouldn't have a separate laundry center--like in closets or kitchens. These all-in one machines only take up some inches over the top vented washers. Additionally, they're ventless, which means you can place them anywhere that has water and an outlet with 120-volts.

The all-in-one appliances are simple to use, too. You just need to select the right washing cycle and drying cycle for your load, and let them do their work. When your clothes are ready take them off.

With these energy efficient multi-functional machines, it's easier than ever before to complete your laundry without breaking the bank. You can shop online or visit an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that will fit seamlessly into your home. We offer the best prices, promotions, rebates, and special financing to make your laundry room more affordable. We're here to help choose the best heat pump dryer for you!