Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

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

They also utilize the lower temperature which is gentler on clothing. Continue reading to find out more about this cutting-edge technology for washing.

1. Energy Savings

They're not just used to cool and heat homes and offices, but they're also used to dry clothes. A heat pump dryer that is ENERGY START-certified consumes less electricity than a conventional dryer, which will save you money on your electric bill. They operate at a lower temperature, which can reduce wear and tear on your clothes as well as the environment.

Heat pump washer-dryers recycle the air that is used in the washing process. However, it is cooled and warmed by a condenser coil located within the evaporator. The warm air is moved into the drum in order to continue drying clothes. A heat pump dryer doesn't require exhausting humid air, like vented dryers do.

Because the laundry process consumes substantial amounts of energy It's worth attempting to make your existing appliances as efficient as possible. The best way to do this is to pair an efficient washer with a heat pump dryer. This will to maximize efficiency and begin saving on energy costs right away.

Check out our selection of ENERGY STAR certified dryers and washers to get started. You can filter results by model, energy consumption, wash cycles or spin speed. Be sure to check the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance costs to run every year.

Combined washer-dryers are another great option for households that can't afford two separate machines or don't have enough space to accommodate them. These units are plugged directly into an outlet that is 120 volts, and do not require a 240-volt venting or hookup. They're ideal for apartments and condos, as they'll fit in a closet or underneath the counter.

2. Reduces Noise

Most traditional clothes dryers use an electric or hot gas coil to heat the air which evaporates the moisture in your laundry. The air then escapes out of your home, taking the conditioned air you pay to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your house will have to work overtime in order to replace the lost conditioned heat by pulling the replacement air through gaps and cracks between walls and doors.

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 which aren't large enough to accommodate the additional air flow. It is also possible to put in dryer and washer combinations in areas where venting dryers would not be suitable like under the stairs. This will not affect the efficiency of the energy or performance.

All-in-one machines have many advantages however, they also have some drawbacks. All-in-one units require longer time to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers and therefore it is important to set aside enough time for each load. Additionally the combination of two appliances in one can reduce the amount of laundry you're able to do at once, heat pump washer dryer as it takes about an hour longer for whites and colors to dry than they would in separate machines.

Thankfully, many manufacturers are beginning to address these issues by offering simple solutions. LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo is one example. It has an option to prop the door slightly open when it is running to prevent water pooling and drying the drum. A lot of LG models, such as our top pick, feature a tiny drainage hole in the bottom of the laundry tub that allows water to drain instead of accumulating. You can also purchase sound blankets that fit comfortably over your heat pump to minimize its sound.

3. Reduces wear and tear

The heat pump dryers don't warm the air, like traditional dryers. They just remove the moisture from clothes. This is kinder on the fabric. This also saves energy because it doesn't have to waste the energy needed to heat the air for the drying process.

However, they do require a bit more maintenance than standalone dryers since the condensate drain tube has to be cleaned regularly to prevent obstructions. This is not much different from cleaning a regular machine.

The biggest difference is that heat pump washer-dryer combos don't vent, meaning they can be used in a home without cutting through the wall exterior to run ductwork. This is great for those who live in apartments as well as college students and others who don't want to spend more money or modify their living space.

Since they don't get as hot, they take longer to dry clothes than traditional models. Many people were reluctant to use them due to the fact that they didn't attain the same temperature. However manufacturers have stepped up their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA, a heat pump dryer that is among our top dryers, has typical drying times of 37 to 70 min.

The most important thing to reduce drying time is to not overdo the amount of detergent, which could create excessive suds, which can delay drying cycles and leaves a slimy residue on clothes (readers send us emails all the time about this issue). Use the recommended amount high-efficiency detergents, and make sure to clean the dispenser drawer frequently. This will ensure that the machine is operating at its best and not wasting your time and money.

4. Reduces Lint

A heat pump dryer makes use of less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or electric dryer. This is because it does not blast hot, humid air into your laundry, but instead, it extracts vapor at room temperature from the air surrounding your clothes. The vapor is then heated by your washer and then used to evaporate water from your laundry.

Due to this efficiency it is true that a heat-pump washer dryer isn't as heavy as a conventional vented gas or electric dryer, but it still weighs in the vicinity of 88 lbs. That can make a difference if you intend to mount it on the wall or use it in a closet that might not be large enough to accommodate a vent.

Lint build-up is an issue for all dryers. However, the lower temperatures of the heat pump dryer limit the amount of lint that can block the exhaust and prevent your clothes from reaching their full drying potential. This also reduces the possibility of fire threatening the dryer, or in its exhaust. This can occur when flammable solvents and oils from your laundry are able to enter the dryer's vent or evaporator.

To prevent the build-up of lint, be sure to clean your dryer duct at least once a year (more often if you have pets or kids). You can make use of a leaf blower or wire brush to remove any lint that has accumulated between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's safer to clean it outside than inside.

To prevent drying out, be sure to use a detergent with low suds and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to set your water level. Separate your laundry into fabric type and wash delicates such as silk with heavy cottons as well as linens. That way you won't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much, and the sensors for moisture will have better chances of being able to tell when your laundry is fully dry to end the cycle.

5. Saves Space

The dryers that use heat pump use less energy because they recycle and reuse hot aer. This can help you save money on your utility bills, but also on energy costs to heat or cool your house.

This process is gentler on fabrics and lessens shrinkage which is a huge benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also eliminates the need to clean vents that are blocked by lint, and also reduces the energy used by conventional dryers in order to warm the air in the room prior to entering the dryer. This helps keep your heating costs low.

Finally, heat pump washer-dryer combos are designed to tuck into spaces that don't allow for a separate laundry center--like in closets or kitchens. These all-in-one machines require only two inches more space than vented front-load washers. Plus, they're ventless so you can place them wherever you have water and an outlet with 120-volts.

These appliances are simple to use, too. All you have to do is select the dry and wash cycle that's right for your load and let them do the work. When your clothes are ready take them off.

These efficient, energy-efficient machines allow you to clean your laundry without breaking the budget. Go online or visit the an exquisite Aztec Appliance showroom today to find the perfect washer-dryer combo that is a perfect fit for your home. We offer the best discounts, prices, rebates and financing specials to make your laundry space more affordable. We're here to assist you select the right dryer with a heat pump that fits your needs and lifestyle!