What is a heat pump tumble dryer?

What is a heat pump tumble dryer?

Conventional vented dryers use resistance heating elements to heat the air. They then dump moisture, and heat, out through a duct to the outside. A heat pump tumble dryer works similarly to a condenser tumble dryer, just with a slight difference. In a condenser dryer, the hot air that passes through the wet clothing in the drum is then passed through a condenser, which takes out the moisture, and stores it in a water reservoir. A condenser dryer then expels the leftover hot air.

In a heat pump tumble dryer, hot air passes through the drum of the machine, absorbing moisture from the wet clothing. After this, it passes through several filters where it is partially cooled to remove the moisture it collected, the water is then deposited into a water tank (using the same process as a condenser dryer). During this process, the warm air is then heated up again and sent back to the machine drum to start the cycle again until all the moisture has been collected and the clothing has been fully dried.

As the hot air is being reused, the energy is kept within the machine, instead of being allowed to escape. This drastically reduces the energy required to operate the machine, making it by far the most efficient type of tumble dryer available in the market and thus reducing operating and energy costs.

Many models of heat pump dryers offer two methods of removing the collected moisture. First, water can be pumped through a drain hose into the washer drain, a nearby sink, or a floor drain. Second, a built-in collection tray can easily be pulled out and emptied after each load.

Heat pump tumble dryers are a relatively new type of machine that is different from the traditional vented type. Widely used for the past thirteen or more years in Switzerland and Germany, the technology used in heat pump dryers was produced to help conserve energy. Instead of releasing hot air after use like most conventional models of tumble dryers, heat pump technology works to conserve and reuse it, thereby saving energy. 

The cost of heat pump tumble dryers

Heat pump tumble dryers generally have a higher initial outlay cost with an average purchase price of around £350, although cheaper models have begun to emerge, as well as some models over £1700.

Why are they a good idea?

There are a few main reasons why this type of tumble dryer is a good idea for use in your home. Not only are they cheaper to run but also have a lower energy consumption rate, making them better for the environment and your wallet. They also only use half of the energy of a conventional tumble dryer to run, making them incredibly efficient, despite the slightly longer running time. They are generally quieter than a regular dryer as it is a predominantly sealed unit. Furthermore, your clothes receive better protection as the temperature inside the drum is lower than that of conventional machines.

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Reduced energy bills: 

Heat pump dryers are champions of energy efficiency. Unlike conventional dryers that expel hot air, heat pumps capture and reuse it. This closed-loop system translates to significant savings on your electricity bill. The blog mentions that heat pump dryers use up to half the energy of vented dryers. Let's put that into perspective. Imagine cutting your drying costs in half! Over time, these savings can add up considerably, making a heat pump dryer a worthwhile investment.

Eco-Friendly choice:

By choosing a heat pump dryer, you're not just saving money, you're also making a positive impact on the environment. Traditional dryers contribute to greenhouse gas emissions due to their high energy consumption. Heat pump technology, on the other hand, drastically reduces energy use, leading to a lower carbon footprint.  The blog states these dryers can use up to 50% less energy than vented models. This translates to less reliance on fossil fuels and a greener future for all.

Improved indoor air quality: Breathe easy at home

Vented dryers expel moisture-laden air outside, which is great for drying clothes, but not so great for your indoor air quality. This excess moisture can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, especially in homes with poor ventilation. Heat pump dryers, however, operate in a closed loop, capturing the moisture from your clothes and collecting it in a water reservoir. This prevents the release of excess moisture into the air, leading to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. This is particularly beneficial for those with allergies or asthma who may be sensitive to airborne irritants.

The pros and cons of heat pump tumble dryers

Here are some of the advantages of heat pump dryers:

• They’re cost effective – Heat pump technology reuses warm air, so you can expect your electricity bills to be about half of those of vented or condenser dryers. 

• They’re environmentally friendly – In some cases, these dryers use as much as 50% less energy than vented or condenser models, meaning the reduced energy consumption also has a positive effect on the environment.

• It’s convenient and sometimes faster – If you have a large household or no outdoor space, then this type of dryer is often ideal for getting through considerable amounts of laundry as fast as possible. 

• You can always dry your clothes – You don’t need to rely on good weather to get your clothing dry. With a good and efficient dryer, you don’t need to wait for it to stop raining.

• It’s better for your health and hygiene – Leaving your laundry to dry indoors adds extra moisture inside the home. This can have negative effects on people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Additionally, this can also lead to the growth of bacteria or dust mites in your house. So having a good tumble dryer can help you avoid all of this. 

• It protects your clothes – Heat pump dryers don’t need to reach a massively high temperature to dry your clothes, which keeps them looking fresh for even longer.

• You can install it anywhere – You don’t need to plumb this dryer into your drains, because all the moisture can be stored in a water reservoir tank that can be manually emptied. This means you can install it anywhere in your home. 

Here are some disadvantages of heat pump dryers:

• They’re more expensive to buy – You can expect an average of £350 for a new one, which is around double the price of a conventional one.

• They are slower during the drying process – They tend to take an additional 5-15 minutes to dry clothes, depending on the model you buy. This is due to the lower temperature.

• They need regular emptying – You will need to empty the water reservoir, ideally after each load, unless you plumb them into your drains. 

FAQs

Q: Are heat pump dryers more expensive than vented dryers?

Yes, heat pump dryers generally have a higher upfront cost compared to vented dryers. The blog mentions an average price of around £350, although prices can vary depending on features and brand. However, the energy savings you achieve over time can offset the initial cost.

Q: Do heat pump dryers take longer to dry clothes?

Heat pump dryers operate at a lower temperature than vented dryers. This can result in slightly longer drying times, typically around 5-15 minutes more per cycle.

Q: How often do I need to empty the water tank?

The water tank in a heat pump dryer collects moisture extracted from your clothes. You'll need to empty it ideally after each load.  Some models offer automatic draining options that connect directly to your plumbing, eliminating the need for manual emptying.

Q: Can I install a heat pump dryer anywhere in my house?

A major advantage of heat pump dryers is their flexibility in placement. Unlike vented dryers that require an external vent, heat pump dryers are self-contained. This means you can install them anywhere in your home,  making them ideal for apartments or homes without dedicated venting for traditional dryers.

Q: Are heat pump dryers noisy?

Heat pump dryers tend to be quieter than vented dryers because they operate in a more sealed environment. This can be a plus if you're looking for a dryer that won't disrupt the peace in your home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, heat pump tumble dryers are a useful and efficient addition to your home appliances, reducing the amount of space needed to dry your clothing when the weather is bad or if you do not have any outdoor space available, as well as reducing energy consumption and running costs. 

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With this cover, if your appliance stops working as the result of an unforeseen event, a trusted engineer will be sent to you. If the appliance is deemed beyond economical repair, you will be provided with a like-for-like replacement.