The 3 Most Significant Disasters In Heat Pump Dryers History heat pump tumble dryer Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

Conventional dryers make use of electric resistance or gas combustion to heat the air then blow it over the clothes. The warm, humid air is then vented to the outside. They don't require vents, which can save energy and eliminate potential fire hazards resulting from lint accumulation in the vents.

They also use lower temperatures and are gentler on clothing, which means they might take longer to dry than conventional machines. Aztec Appliance provides more details regarding these ventless washing machines.

Efficiency

You can save lots of money on your electric bill by using the heat pump dryer. It uses up to 28% less energy than a traditional dryer according to Energy Star. It might seem like a lot, but if you do 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts where electricity rates are among the highest in the United States it will save you hundreds of dollars over the course of 12 years.

The way a heat pump dryer functions is similar to the way it works dehumidifiers. The heat pump dryer begins with heated air that is then pushed through coils to heat it up even more. The hot air pulls moisture out of the clothing and into the heat exchanger, where it transforms into condensed. It then drips into a empty pan or a tube that can be connected to drain it. The cool, moist air is then circulated back through the condenser coils to be then heated and the cycle starts again.

They don't require an exhaust vent, so they can be installed in places that aren't able to accommodate a conventional dryer. They are also quieter and more versatile and suitable for homes and other areas with little space. In addition, they are more secure than dryers with vents, which can pose a fire hazard if not cleaned regularly.

The dryers that use heat take longer to dry your laundry because they operate at lower temperatures. In addition, since they function much like a dehumidifier and generate plenty of water during drying, it's important to clean your dryer's heat pump regularly. This is particularly important when your clothes are damp or you reside in an area that is humid. It is possible to do this by regularly inspecting and cleaning the lint screens as well as the condenser coils. Also, you should keep the drain tube clean. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator coil in good condition.

Condensation

The traditional method of drying clothes is using the use of a fan to blow hot air onto the laundry. This air is then blown outside. This approach uses lots of energy and requires access to an outdoor space vented to allow for the venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines, recycle air. They are able to heat the air by reusing energy used to run the machine. They then condense it into water that drains from the bottom of the drum. They're also smaller than vented dryers and can be incorporated into a laundry area or even an attic.

Although they are popular in Europe and Japan the heat pump dryers are relatively new to the American market. They're now available in sizes that would fit in most laundry rooms and offer significant energy savings and other climate benefits. Since they don't vent indoor air to the outdoors, you don't have to clean out your venting system regularly or deal with potential problems that can occur with a dirty one.

Heat pump dryers are similar to the refrigeration system in refrigerators. They have an compressor that presses refrigerant through one coil, and then releases heat. The evaporator coils soak up the heat from the air that passes through. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through a second set coils to condense moist air. The refrigerant that is cooled is then pumped back into first coils, where it is reheated.

Heat pump dryers require maintenance just like other electric dryers to maintain their peak performance. Lint can build up on filters and evaporator coils. It is important to clean these frequently to prevent excessive wear. They also employ refrigerants that have a high GWP, or Global Warming Potential. They must be recycled.

Another disadvantage to be aware of is the fact that heat pump dryers typically take longer than vented ones to finish a load. This is because their maximum temperature, which is around 120degF, is lower than gas and electric resistance dryers, so they have to tumble for a little longer before they're dry.

Lint Screens

The dryers of a heat pump come with venting and lint trap system that needs to be regularly cleaned. A blocked vent can drastically extend drying times, and is a fire hazard. The exhaust from a vented dryer can reach temperatures that ignite volatile chemicals and oils.

A heat pump vent system needs an air dehumidifier to remove moisture before the air is removed from the dryer. A dehumidifier will also help you save energy by lowering the temperature at which the hot water is heated to heat the air.

The lint filter in a dryer with a heat pump is much finer and requires cleaning more frequently than those in a conventional dryer. The lint trap in the door's opening is an ideal place for lint accumulation and must be checked and removed regularly.

The models with a heat pump include a heated drum which means the interior of the machine has to be kept free of lint and residue from fabric softener or dryer sheets. The heated drum walls require periodic cleaning and inspection, as they may need to be replaced, as stated in the user's manual.

Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hoses isn't just inconvenient--it's a serious fire hazard and causes an average of 2900 house fires every year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. As explained in this Today's homeowner video cleaning the exhaust hose of your dryer with a wirebrush or a leaf blower. This is safer to do from the outside as there is no risk of lint getting on your face. If you are not confident that you can clean the ducts, call an expert.

If you don't sense air flowing through the vent of your dryer outside, or when your dryer takes longer to dry than normal, there could be an obstruction of lint deeper in the vent. Choose a day of the year to clean your vents--Labor Day, the beginning of spring or the beginning or the end of daylight saving time. Stick to it.

Installation

Modern electric dryers are one of the most convenient options for homeowners. But picking the right dryer is important for those looking to lower their utility bills and have a positive impact on our environment. For many people, heat pump dryers are a great alternative. Unlike traditional vented dryers that make use of gas or electricity to heat air, and then blow dry, hot air into the drum to eliminate moisture, heat pump dryers reuse the same air over and over, pulling the moist air from the clothes and cooling it, allowing it to return to the laundry area, where it can be used again.

They do not require chimneys, ducting or a chimney to vent outside. They can be placed within small spaces, such as laundry closets. This makes them perfect for small homes, accessory dwelling units (such as laundry rooms in the basement or an apartment over the garage) or even additions. And because the energy STAR label is a reliable mark of energy efficiency, heat pump dryers are often more efficient than traditional vented models.

Contrary to the majority of clothes dryers, which need a dedicated circuit, the majority of heat pump dryers are designed to run on regular 120-volt, 15-amp electrical circuits. This is a major benefit for older homes that have older wiring and can reduce the cost of installation.


They have lower power than other dryers, so they take longer to complete a cycle. They also don't have the back-andforth motion that is typical of dryers, large objects like towels and sheets may wad up into laundry sausages that are difficult to remove. Some manufacturers attempt to address this issue by reversed tumble cycles for brief periods during the cycle.

In addition, heat pumps require more frequent maintenance than other dryers. Lint can accumulate on heat exchanger coils as well as the evaporator coils, requiring periodic cleaning or vacuuming to ensure they are running at a high efficiency. Heat pump dryers do not vent, so they can retain moisture inside the dryer. This can lead to mold.