Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

With the new federal incentives and impressive laboratory test results, the heat pump washer dryer is poised to become a commonplace. These all-in one machines are quicker to wash and dry, and they do not pull conditioned indoor air outside to vent.

They also utilize lower temperatures which is gentler on clothes. Continue reading to find out more about this revolutionary technology for washing.

1. Saves Energy

The use of heat pumps isn't just for heating and cooling homes however, they're also used to dry clothes. A dryer with a heat pump that is ENERGY STAR-certified uses 28% less power than a conventional dryer, saving you money on your electric bill. They run at a lower temperature which can reduce wear and tear on your clothes and the environment.

During the drying process heat pump tumble dryers heat use the same air that's recycled through the washing machine, however it is passed through a condenser coil in the evaporator unit to heat up and cool the air. The warm air is then moved into the drum 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 significant amounts of energy It's worthwhile to make your existing appliances as efficient as possible. The best way to do this is by pairing an efficient washer with a dryer that uses a heat pump. This will allow you to lock in maximum efficiency and start saving money on energy immediately.

To get started take a look at our selection of energy STAR certified dryers and washers. You can filter the results by model, energy consumption, wash cycles, and spin speed. Also, make sure to check the yellow Energy Guide label to understand how much each appliance will cost each year.

Combination washer-dryers are an excellent option for households that cannot afford two separate units or do not have enough space. They connect to a standard 120-volt outlet and do not require a venting device or special hookups for 240-volts. They're ideal for condos and apartments, as they'll fit in a closet or under a counter.

2. Reduces Noise

Most traditional dryers for clothes use heat to dry the clothes using an electric or gas coil. This allows you to evaporate moisture from your clothing. The air is then vented outside your home, taking with it the conditioned air that you're paying to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Your home will need to work overtime in order to replace the conditioned heat by pulling replacement air through cracks and gaps around walls and doors.

The heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one location to another, rather than heating it and then venting it. This is ideal for homeowners who have houses that aren't big enough to allow for the additional air flow. It's also possible for people to install dryer/washer combinations in areas where they wouldn't normally be able to install a vented dryer like under the stairs, without sacrificing energy efficiency or performance.

While this is a significant benefit of all-in-one washing and drying machines, they have their disadvantages. It's important to allow enough time for each load since all-in-one machines take longer to complete their cycles than traditional washers/dryers. Also the combination of two appliances in one can reduce the amount of laundry you're able do in one go, since it takes around an hour longer for whites and colors to dry than they would in separate machines.

Many manufacturers have started to address these issues with simple solutions. For instance LG's top-rated washer and dryer combo comes with a feature that lets you prop the door open slightly when it's running to prevent the water from accumulating and drying out of the drum. A lot of LG models, like our top pick, have a tiny drainage hole in the bottom laundry tub that lets water drain instead of accumulating. Additionally, you can purchase compressor sound blanket wraps that fit comfortably over your heat pump to minimize the noise it makes.

3. Reduces wear and tear

When a heat pump dryer is working, it doesn't warm up the air like a conventional dryer. Instead, it only removes moisture from the clothing and is therefore much gentler on fabrics than a traditional model. This also saves energy because it doesn't waste the energy that it takes to heat up the air for the drying process.

But, they do require a little more maintenance than standalone dryers since the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid obstructions. This isn't much different from cleaning a regular machine.

The biggest difference is that heat pump washer-dryer combos don't vent, which means they can be used in your house without cutting into the exterior wall to run ductwork. This is great for those who live in apartments or college students, as well as other people who don't wish to spend more money or alter their living space.

Since they do not get as hot and take longer to dry clothes than conventional dryers. Many people were hesitant use them because they didn't get as hot. However manufacturers have stepped up their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA heat pump dryer that is on our list of best dryers, comes with an average drying time of 37 to 70 minutes.

The key to reducing drying time is to avoid overdoing the detergent, which can result in excessive suds that can prolong cycles and leaves an oily residue on clothing (readers write to us all the time about this issue). Use the recommended amount of high efficiency detergents, and keep the dispenser drawer clean. This will ensure that the machine operates as efficiently as possible, saving you money and energy.

4. Reduces Lint

A heat pump dryer uses less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. It's because it doesn't push hot humid air into your clothes, but instead extracts room-temperature vapor from the air around your clothes. The vapor is heated by your washer and then used to remove the moisture from your laundry.

A heat pump washer dryer weighs 88 lbs. This isn't as heavy as vented gas dryers or electric dryer. This is a huge issue if you intend to install it on the wall or heat pump washer dryer use it inside the closet, which might not have enough space to accommodate a vent.

Lint build-up is a concern in all dryers. However, the heat pump dryer's reduced temperatures limit the amount of lint that could block the exhaust, preventing the clothes from drying to their full potential. This reduces the chance of fire threatening your dryer or in its exhaust. This can occur when the flammable solvents and oils in your laundry are able to enter the tumble dryer with heat pump's evaporator or vent.

Clean your dryer ducts at least every month to prevent the accumulation of lint (more often if there are pets or children in the home). You can use a leaf blower or wire brush to clean any lint between the ridges of the hose of accordion. It's safer to clean this outside than inside.

To avoid drying out, make sure to use a detergent with low suds and follow the manufacturer's directions on how to set the water level. Also, separate your laundry according to fabric types and wash delicates like silk with heavy cottons or linens. You won't shrink or overdye your delicates and the moisture sensor will be able to determine when your laundry is dry enough to stop the cycle.

5. Saves Space

Since heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they require less energy than vented dryers. This can save you money on costs for utilities, but also on energy costs to heat or cool your home.

This method is also gentler on fabrics, which reduces wear and shrinkage--a important benefit when dealing with expensive clothes. It also eliminates the need for lint-clogged vents, and reduces the energy used by conventional dryers in order to warm the air in the room prior to entering the dryer. This helps to keep your heating costs low.

Heat pump washer-dryer combinations are designed to fit in small areas, like kitchens and closets. These units are compact and just take only a few inches of space over the top vented washers. They're ventless, which means you can place them anywhere with water and a 110-volt outlet.

They are also simple to use. All you have to do is select the dry and wash cycle that's right for your load and let them do their job. When your clothes are dry take them off.

These efficient, energy-efficient machines allow you to do laundry without breaking the budget. Shop online or head to a gorgeous Aztec Appliance showroom today to find your new washer-dryer combo that will seamlessly fit into your home. We offer the most competitive discounts, prices, rebates and financing specials to help make the process of upgrading your laundry space more affordable. We're here to assist you select the ideal dryer that meets your lifestyle and needs!