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Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards
Conventional dryers heat air with gas or electric resistance and then blow it through tumbling clothes and vent the warm, moist air outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents, which save energy and reduce fire hazards from lint build-up in the vents.
These machines also operate at lower temperatures and are gentler on clothes. They can take longer to dry than traditional machines. Aztec Appliance provides more details regarding these ventless washing machines.
Efficiency
You can save a significant amount of money on your electricity bill by using the heat pump dryer. It consumes up to 28% less energy than a traditional clothes dryer according to Energy Star. That might not sound like much however, when your family is doing 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts where electricity costs are some of the highest in the country You'll save hundreds of dollars over a 12-year lifespan with a dryer that uses a heat pump.
The way a heat pump dryer functions is similar to the way it works dehumidifiers. It starts with air that's heated by a compressor, and then pushed through a second set of coils to warm it even more. The hot air draws moisture from the clothing and then into the heat exchanger, which turns it into condensed liquid. It drips into a pot that can be manually emptied or connected to a drain tube. The cool, moist air then flows back over the condenser coils until it is then heated and the cycle starts again.
Heat pump dryers don't require an exhaust vent. They can be used in places where a traditional dryer wouldn't be suitable. They are also more silent and versatile and are ideal for apartments or other areas that have a limited space. They are also more secure than dryers that have vents. Vents can spark fires when they aren't cleaned regularly.
However, since they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it will take longer for your laundry to dry with a heat pump dryer. It's also important to clean the dryer on a regular basis because it works like a dehumidifier, and produces plenty of moisture during drying. This is especially true when your clothes are damp or you reside in a humid region. You can do this regularly by checking and cleaning the lint screen as well as the condenser coils. Also, you should clean the drain tube regularly. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator in good condition.
Condensation
The traditional method to dry clothes is by using the use of a fan to blow hot air over the laundry that is tumbling and then venting the warm, moist air outside. This method requires a lot of energy and requires a vented outside space for the venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless dryers--recycle that air instead. They heat the air coming in by reusing some of the energy that goes to power the machine, then condense the resultant moisture into water, which drains out the bottom of the drum. They're also smaller than vented dryers and can be incorporated in a laundry room or even an attic.
Heat pump dryers, though popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new to the American market. They are now available in sizes that fit in most laundry rooms and provide significant energy savings. Since they don't draw outdoor air, you won't need to clean your venting system or address any potential problems.
Heat pump dryers are similar to the refrigeration system in a refrigerator. They have an air compressor that pressurizes refrigerant into a set of coils, releasing heat. The evaporator coils absorb warmth from air passing through. The heated refrigerant circulates through another set of coils to help condense the humid air. The chilled refrigerant is then recirculated back into the first set of coils and is heated to continue the process.
Similar to other electric dryers like other dryers, a heat pump requires maintenance to keep its energy efficiency at its highest level. heat pump tumble dryers can build up on filters and the evaporator coils. It is crucial to clean these coils regularly to prevent excessive wear. They also employ refrigerants that have high GWP or Global Warming Potential. They need to be recycled.
Another disadvantage to be aware of is the fact that heat pump dryers typically take longer than vented dryers to finish a load. This is due to the fact that the maximum temperature of heat pump dryers is lower, at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that they'll need to tumble a little longer before they're completely dry.
Lint Screens
The dryers of a heat pump come with a lint trap and venting system that must be regularly cleaned. A clogged dryer vent can prolong drying times and create an fire risk. A vented dryer's exhaust can reach temperatures high enough to spark volatile chemicals and oils on clothing.
A heat pump venting system requires a dehumidifier to remove moisture before the air leaves the dryer. Dehumidifiers can also cut down on energy costs by lowering temperature of the incoming hot water that is used to heat the air.
The lint screen on a heat pump dryer is finer than conventional dryers, so it requires cleaning more often. The lint trap in the door opening is also a good place for lint to build up, and it should be checked and removed regularly.
The models that have heat pump also have heated drum walls, which means that the interior of the dryer must be free of lint, fabric softener and dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls require regular cleaning and inspections, since they could require to be replaced, as indicated in the user's manual.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the buildup of lint inside the dryer's exhaust pipe isn't just an inconvenience. It's also a fire hazard that causes 2900 house fires per year. Clean your dryer's lint exhaust hose once a year using a wire brush, or make use of an air blower from outside to remove lint from the inside of the hose as this How-to video will explain. It's safer to do this from the outside, since you will avoid getting lint on your face. If you're not sure that you'll be able to clean the ducts, call an expert.
If you aren't able to feel air moving through the vent of your dryer outside or when your dryer takes longer to dry than normal there may be an obstruction of lint deeper inside the duct. Choose a specific day in the year to clean the venting system - Labor Day, the beginning of spring, or the closing or the beginning of daylight saving time - and stick with it.
Installation
Modern electric dryers are among the most useful features for homeowners. But selecting the right dryer is also an important choice for those who want to cut their energy costs and make a a positive impact on the environment. For many people, heat pump dryers are the best choice. They differ from traditional vented dryers that make use of gas or electricity for heating air, and then blowing hot, dried air into the drum in order to remove moisture. They reuse the air, pulling the moisture out and cooling it before allowing it to be returned to the laundry room where it can be used again.
Since heat pump dryers don't have to vent outside, they don't require any chimney or ducting and can be placed in small rooms like laundry closets. They are ideal for tiny houses, accessory dwelling units (such a laundry room or apartment above the garage) or even for additions. The majority of heat pump dryers perform better than traditional vented models since they are Energy STAR certified.
Heat pump dryers can be run on standard 120-volt 15-amp circuits. This is an advantage for older homes with older wiring and can reduce the cost of installation.
Heat pump dryers have a lower power compared to other dryers, which means they take longer to complete the cycle. Because they don't go back and forth like conventional dryers do, large items such as towels and sheets can turn into a laundry sausage that is difficult to remove. Some manufacturers attempt to solve this issue by reversing the tumble cycle for brief durations during the course of a cycle.
In addition, heat pump dryers require more frequent maintenance than other dryers. Lint can collect on the heat exchanger coils as well as the Evaporator coils, which require periodic cleaning or vacuuming to ensure that they run efficiently. Heat pump dryers don't vent, which means they could retain moisture within the dryer. This could lead to mold.
