Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

With new federal incentives and impressive lab test results the heat pump washer dryer is poised to become a commonplace. These all-in-one units require less time to wash and dry and are not ventless, which means they don't pull the conditioned air from your home to vent it outside.

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

1. Saves Energy

Heat pumps aren't just for home heating and cooling, they're now being used in dryers for clothes as well. A energy STAR certified heat pump dryer uses 28% less energy than a traditional dryer and can save money on electricity bills. They operate at the lower temperature to lessen wear and tear and damage on your clothes.

Heat pump washer-dryers recycle air used during the washing process. However, it is cooled and warmed by a condenser unit located inside the evaporator. The warm air is pushed back into the drum to continue drying the clothes. A heat pump dryer does not require exhausting the air that is laden with moisture, like vented dryers do.

Because laundry processes consume significant amounts of energy It's worthwhile to make your existing appliances as efficient as possible. This can be achieved by pairing a washer with a dryer that uses a heat pump. This will ensure maximum efficiency and begin saving on energy costs as soon as you can.

Take a look at our selection of ENERGY SSTAR-certified dryers and washers to get started. You can filter the results by model, Heat Pump Washer Dryer energy consumption washing cycles, wash cycles, and spin speed. Also, be sure to look at the yellow Energy Guide label to understand the amount each appliance will cost to run every year.

Combining washer-dryers is another ideal alternative for households that are unable to afford two separate units or don't have enough space to accommodate them. They plug directly into a 120-volt outlet, and do not require a separate 240-volt hookup or venting system. These units are perfect for apartments and condominiums as they can be placed in a cupboard or under a counter.

2. Reduces Noise

Most traditional dryers for clothes are heated by gas or electric coil. This helps to evaporate the moisture from your clothes. That air is then vented outside your home, taking with it your conditioned air that you pay to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home has to work overtime to make up for the lack of conditioning air by pulling in replacement air from cracks and gaps in your walls and around doors.

Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one place to another instead of heating and venting it, which is great news for those who live in homes that aren't able to handle the extra air flow. It is also possible to put in washer/dryer combinations in places that vented dryers might not be suitable for instance, under stairs. This won't affect the efficiency or energy efficiency.

All-in-one appliances have many advantages, but they also have a few drawbacks. All-in-one units take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers, so it's important to set aside enough time for each load. Additionally mixing two appliances in one can reduce the amount of laundry you're able to do in one go, since it takes around an hour longer for whites and colors to dry than in separate machines.

The majority of manufacturers have begun to address these issues by offering simple solutions. For example LG's top-rated washer and dryer combo comes with 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 such as our top choice, have a small drain hole in the bottom of the laundry tub to let the water flow out instead of accumulating in the drum. You can also buy sound blankets that fit around your heat pump to reduce the noise.

3. Reduces wear and tear

When a heat pump dryer is working it doesn't heat up the air like a traditional dryer--it only extracts the moisture from the clothing which means it's much more gentle on clothing than a traditional model. This helps conserve energy since it doesn't need to use energy to heat up the air for the drying process.

Heat-pump dryers require more maintenance than standalone dryers, because the condensate drainage tube needs to be cleaned frequently to avoid obstructions. This is not much different from cleaning a conventional machine.

The biggest difference is that heat pump washer and dryer combos do not vent, which means they can be used in your home without cutting into the wall outside to run ductwork. This is an important benefit for apartment dwellers as well as students and other who don't wish to change their living space or pay extra money on the purchase of a new appliance.

Heat-pump systems dry clothes slower than traditional dryers due to the fact that they don't get nearly as hot. Many people were hesitant to use them due to the fact that they didn't attain the same temperature. However, manufacturers have improved their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer that is on our list of best dryers, comes with a typical drying time between 37 and 70 minutes.

It is important to avoid overdoing the detergent. This can lead to excessive suds that can prolong the cycle and leaves a slimy layer on the clothing. (Readers frequently write to us about this problem). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents and clean the dispenser drawer on a routine basis. This will ensure that your machine operates as efficiently as it can, saving your energy and money.

4. Reduces Lint

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

Because of this efficiency that a heat pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a traditional vented electric or gas dryer, but it weighs in the vicinity of 88 lbs. That can make a difference if you plan to mount it on the wall or put it in a closet that might not be big enough to accommodate a vent.

Lint buildup is a problem in all dryers. However, the heat pump heatpump dryer's lower temperatures limit the amount of lint that could block the exhaust and stop the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. This also reduces the possibility of fire in your dryer or in its exhaust. This can occur when volatile solvents and oil from your laundry enter the dryer's evaporator or vent.

Clean your dryer's ducts at least every month to prevent the accumulation of lint (more often if you have pets or children in the home). A leaf blower or wire brush can help you get rid of any lint that has accumulated between the ridges of the accordion hose, and it's safer to do this outside rather than inside if possible.

Make sure you use a detergent with low sudsing and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to set your water level so that you avoid drying out too much. Separate your laundry by fabric types and wash delicates such as silk with heavy linens or cottons. So you don't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. The moisture sensors will have greater chance of notifying you when your laundry is completely dry to stop the cycle.

5. Saves Space

Heat pump dryers 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 on energy bills, but also on the amount of energy needed to warm or cool your home.

This method is gentler on fabrics and reduces shrinkage, which is a big benefit when dealing with expensive clothes. It also reduces the need to clean out dryer vents that have become clogged with lint and reduces the energy use that conventional dryers use to warm up room air before it enters the machine and helps to keep your cooling and heating costs down.

The heat pump washer-dryer combinations are designed to fit into small spaces that wouldn't permit a separate laundry room, like in closets or kitchens. These machines are all-in-one and require only two inches more space than vented front-load washers. They're ventless, which means you can place them anywhere with water and a 110-volt outlet.

These all-in-one appliances are easy to operate, too. All you need to do is choose the wash cycle and dry cycle that's best for your load--and let them do the work. Then, simply take your clothes out when they're done.

With these energy efficient, versatile machines, it's now easier than ever to wash your clothes without costing you a fortune. You can shop online or visit an Aztec Appliance showroom to find a washer-dryer combination that is a perfect fit for your home. We offer the best prices, promotions, rebates, and special financing to help make the process of upgrading your laundry room more affordable. We're here to assist you select the right dryer with a heat pump that fits your requirements and lifestyle!