Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

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

They also utilize a lower temperature that is gentler on clothing. Continue reading to find out more about this revolutionary laundry technology.

1. Energy Savings

Heat pumps aren't only used for heating and cooling homes, but they're also being employed to dry clothes. A ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryer uses 28 percent less energy than a conventional dryer, and could save you money on electricity bills. They utilize less heat to minimize wear and tear and damage to your clothes.

During the drying cycle, heat pump dryers use the same air that's recycled through the washing machine, but it is passed through a condenser coil in the evaporator unit to heat up and cool the air. The warm air is transferred to the drum to continue drying clothes. This means that the heat pump dryer will never have to exhaust the moisture-laden air like vented dryers.

It's important to make your appliances as energy-efficient as you can, because the laundry process consumes a lot of energy. The best method to accomplish this is to combine 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, check out our selection of the ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers. You can filter your results based on model, energy consumption washing cycles, wash cycles, and spin speed. Be sure to check the yellow Energy Guide label to understand how much each appliance will cost to run each year.

Combination washer-dryers are an ideal option for households that cannot afford two separate units or don't have enough space. They are plugged directly into an outlet that is 120 volts and don't require a 240-volt hookup or venting system. These units are great for condominiums and apartments since they can be tucked away in the cupboard or under a counter.

2. Reduces Noise

Most traditional clothes dryers use a hot gas or electric coil to heat the air which evaporates the moisture in your laundry. The air is then vented outside your home, taking with it the conditioned air that you pay to keep cool in the summer and warm in winter. Your home must be working overtime to compensate for the lack of conditioned air by pulling in replacement air from gaps and cracks in your walls and around doors.

The heat pump washer dryers move humidity from one location to another rather than heating and venting it, which is good news for homeowners living in tight homes that can't accommodate more air flow. It is also possible to install washer dryer heat pump/dryer combinations in places that vented dryers might not be suitable for instance, under stairs. This will not impact the efficiency or energy efficiency.

While this is an important benefit of all-in one drying and washing machines, they aren't without their disadvantages. It's important to allow enough time for each load as all-in-one appliances take longer to finish their cycles than traditional dryers and washers. Combining two appliances can also limit the amount of laundry you can complete in one go, as it takes an hour longer to dry whites and colors than if they were separate machines.

Many manufacturers have begun to address these problems by offering easy solutions. For instance, LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo features an option that lets you prop the door slightly open while the machine is running to stop water from pooling and drying out of the drum. Many LG models, like our top pick, come with an insignificant drainage hole in the bottom of the laundry tub, which allows water to drain instead of accumulating. Additionally, you can purchase sound blankets that are fitted snugly over your heat pump to minimize the noise it makes.

3. Reduces wear and tear

When a heat pump dryer functions, it doesn't warm up the air like a traditional dryer. It only extracts the moisture from the clothing which means it's much more gentle on fabrics than a regular model. It also conserves energy because it doesn't need to use the energy needed to heat the air for the drying process.

That said, heat-pump dryers do require some maintenance than standalone dryers because the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned regularly to avoid obstructions. This isn't much different from cleaning a regular machine.

The combination of washer and dryer from heat pumps does not vent. This means that you can use them within your home without having to cut into the wall outside for ductwork. This is ideal for those who live in apartments, college students, and others who don't want to spend more money or change their living space.

Heat-pump systems dry clothes slower than traditional dryers because they don't get as hot. This has been one reason many people have been hesitant to adopt them, however manufacturers have improved the technology over time, and a heat pump dryer on our top dryer list --the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, has typical dry times of 37 to 70 minutes.

It is crucial to avoid overdoing the detergent. This could result in excessive suds, which prolongs the cycle and leaves a slimy film on your clothes. (Readers constantly email us about this issue). Use the recommended amount of high efficiency detergents, and clean the dispenser drawer regularly. This will ensure that the machine is operating as efficiently as it can and not wasting your time and money.

4. Reduces Lint

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

A heat pump washer weighs 88 pounds. This isn't as heavy as a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. That can make a difference if you're planning to mount it on the wall or put it in a closet that may not be big enough to accommodate a vent.

Lint buildup is a major issue for all dryers. However, the heat pump dryer's lower temperatures limit the amount dust that can block the exhaust and stop the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. This reduces the chance of fire threatening the dryer, or in its exhaust. This can happen when flammable solvents and oils from your laundry are able to enter the vent or dryer's evaporator.

To avoid lint build-up Make sure you clean your dryer duct at least once a year (more often when you have pets or kids). A leaf blower or wire brush can help you clear out any lint build-up between the ridges in your accordion hose. It's safer to do this from outside rather than inside if possible.

To avoid overdrying, be sure to use a detergent with low suds and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to set your water level. Separate your laundry by different types of fabric and wash delicates such as silk with heavy cottons or linens. That way you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. Likewise, the sensors for moisture will have greater chance of detecting when your laundry is completely dry to end the cycle.

5. Saves Space

Since heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, they use less energy than vented dryers. This could help you save money on your utility bills, but also on energy costs to cool or heat your home.

This method is also more gentle on fabrics, which reduces wear and shrinkage--a major benefit when dealing with expensive clothes. It also eliminates the need to replace dryer vents that are clogged with lint and cuts down on the waste of energy that conventional dryers expend to warm up room air before it enters the machine, helping to keep your cooling and heating costs down.

The combination of heat pump washer and dryer is designed to fit into small spaces, such as kitchens and closets. These all-in one machines just take up the space of a few inches over the top vented washers. They're not vented, so you can put them anywhere with electricity and water.

The all-in-one appliances are simple to use, too. You just need to select the appropriate washing cycle and drying cycle for your load, and then let them do their work. Then, just take your clothes off when they're ready.

With these energy-efficient and versatile machines, it's now easier than ever before to do your laundry without costing you a fortune. Shop online or visit a gorgeous Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the ideal washer-dryer combination that fits seamlessly into your home. We offer the best rates, discounts, rebates and special financing to help make the process of upgrading your laundry space more affordable. And we're here to help you select the right dryer with a heat pump that fits your needs and lifestyle!