Heat-Pump Tumble Dryer
A heat-pump tumble dryer is an excellent alternative to vented and condenser models. It conserves energy, helps protect your clothes and the earth, and is less expensive to run.
The clever dryers' technology reuses the air throughout the process. The air that enters the drum is heated it, vaporizing moisture and leaving your clothes cool air.
Energy efficiency
A heat pump can do so much more than just warm a home. It can provide air conditioning, and is now taking on laundry, one of the biggest appliances that consume energy in modern homes. And it's doing it using less power that traditional electric dryers use.
The secret lies in moving heat instead of creating it. Instead of relying on the heating element to evaporate the moisture from the clothes, like a conventional electric dryer, heat pump tumble dryers employ the compressor to transfer heat between two cycles. This is achieved by absorption of heat from the air around and venting it, which heats the cold air coming in. The cycle is repeated.
Electric-powered heat pumps are more gentle on your clothes than vented dryers which operate at very high temperatures, which cause clothes to shrink and necklines to misshapen. This extends their life and helps your clothes keep their colors and prints.
The venting of vented tumble dryers isn't required. They can be vented outdoors using an water hose. Instead, they move heat from outside into a drum dryer filled with wet clothing. As the fabric spins the heat is transferred to the drum which is heated to the same temperature as the room. The warm air evaporates water from the clothing and is then drained directly into the drain or disposed in a tank which needs to be empty.
The process is continuous. However when the cycle is over, and the dryer vents out, it brings in fresh air from outside that is conditioned for cooling or heating purposes by the air conditioning system of your home. It replaces the conditioned air which is exhausted by the dryer exhaust vent. This means that you don't need to spend extra money conditioning outdoor air to wash your clothes.
The dryers with a heat pump are a great choice for buildings with heat pumps that condition the indoor air. That's especially true for buildings that are still working on bringing all the indoor air systems under a single control system. Once all the equipment is connected to the system, you can arrange it to ensure that the conditioned outdoor air from the central system of your building flows from one end to the next. This will decrease the necessity of every appliance to cool fresh outdoor air during each drying or washing session.
Convenience
In a world that is increasingly conscious of our impact on the environment, choosing an appliance that minimizes your environmental footprint makes sense. Heat pump tumble dryers tick that box, utilising less energy than traditional models and assisting you in living more sustainably.
Heat pump models are more efficient than condenser or vented dryers that utilize hot air to evaporate water from the drum. They recycle the heat they create. Rather than venting outside, the warm air from the evaporator is filtered and collected in a water tank before being heated again to repeat the cycle. This eliminates the need for an exhaust pipe which allows you to place your dryer anywhere within your home.
They also prevent shrinkage, which is a benefit for your clothes. They have lower temperatures for drying than traditional dryers, protecting your clothes and extending their life span. In fact, they are so gentle that they can be used on delicate silk sweaters and blouses made of wool.
Many tumble dryers that use heat pumps have a variety of clever features that make laundry day more convenient. They are designed to be a part of your routine and are able to work with you.
Some heat pump dryers have sensors that measure the amount of moisture that is on your clothes and adjusts the cycle duration automatically. This helps prevent drying over and extend the life of your clothes and also save energy. Other handy features include add-on programs that let you run another load of laundry as your first load is done and an automatic cycle-ending warning to remind you to wash your laundry.
Many heat pump dryers are smaller than conventional condenser or vented tumble dryers, making them easy to fit into tight spaces. Their sleek designs are perfect for any modern interior design. And, with a wide range of finishes and colours available, you're sure to find one that fits in perfectly with your home.
Cleaning
Like other tumble dryers, heat-pump models come with a pair of fine lint screens and condenser coils that must be cleaned after each load. They are easily removed and put back into the appliance. A heat-pump model also has two fluff filters which must be opened and washed with water or descaled frequently in order to ensure that it functions properly.
It is recommended to clean the moisture sensor on the appliance door as often as you can. It is susceptible to being affected by the residues of cleaning products and detergents. This could affect its function, and cause poor drying. You can clean it by opening the door of the appliance and using a coarse sponge to thoroughly clean the sensor area. It should then be closed again.
Maintenance
Even the top tumble dryer will not provide you with dry, clean laundry if not maintained properly. Tumble dryers can be prone to malfunctions and costly to fix. However regular cleaning and inspections can save you money.
If your tumble dryer vents (expells warm, moist air out of your house through a hose) It is crucial to clean the hose at least every three months. This is because lint and other debris can accumulate in the hose, restricting airflow and making your dryer less effective. Fortunately, a vent hose is easy to remove and clear using a wet cloth or a vacuum cleaner that has an attachment for a brush.
The lower filter of a heat-pump tumble dryer is a bit more difficult to access, but it is still important to clean. The lower filter is situated on the bottom of the machine, in front of heat exchanger. It can be unlocked by pushing in two small levers. Simply wash the filter, scoop up bits of fluff and hair, and rinse until it is completely clear.
Heat-pump tumble dryers are more expensive than vented models, which is why it is crucial to keep them free of lint in order for them to perform at their highest. This can also help reduce your energy costs.
It's also important to ensure that the belt for the tumble dryer, which rotates the drum is in good shape. If you hear noises, or you notice it moving more slowly than usual it could be a belt problem.
Another tip to maintain your dryer is to check that the fine mesh filter is free from lint. It's not always easy to spot but it is important to check it regularly. A blocked filter could cause your dryer to take longer to dry and could cause water leakage. It's also crucial to ensure that the heat exchanger does not get clogged by particles. This could happen in the event that you do not empty the reservoir at the end of each cycle or when you load too much washing in one cycle, and your machine will buzz or beep to remind you of the need for emptying.