Heat Pump Dryers Save Energy and Eliminate Potential Fire HazardsConventional dryers heat air with gas or electric resistance and blow it over clothing that is tumbling and then vent the warm, humid air outside. The dryers that use heat pumps don't need vents, which can save energy and reduce fire hazards resulting from lint accumulation in the vents.They also operate at lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothes, so they can take longer to dry than traditional machines. Aztec Appliance has more information about these ventless washers.EfficiencyA heat pump dryer can save you a substantial amount of money every year on your electricity bill. It uses up to 28% less energy than a traditional clothes dryer, according to Energy Star. That may not sound like a lot but if your family does 20 loads of laundry each week in Massachusetts where electricity costs are some of the highest in the nation and you'll save hundreds over the course of a 12 year lifespan with a heat pump dryer.A heat pump dryer is similar to a dehumidifier. The heat pump dryer starts with heated air that is then sent through coils to heat it up further. In this process, the hot air draws moisture from the clothing and into the heat exchanger, where it becomes condensed. It then drips into a empty pan or a tube that can be connected to drain it. The moist, cooled air is then circulated through the coils of the condenser to be heated.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 more quiet and flexible and are ideal for apartments or other areas with little space. Additionally, they are more secure than dryers with vents, which can be an fire hazard if they are not cleaned regularly.However, because they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it takes longer for your laundry to dry with a heat pump dryer. It's also important to clean the dryer regularly since it functions as a dehumidifier and creates plenty of moisture during the drying process. This is especially important when your clothes are damp or you reside in a humid region. You can do this regularly by cleaning and inspecting the lint screen and the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube regularly. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator in good shape.CondensationThe most common method of drying clothes is to use a fan to blow hot air onto the laundry. The air is then blown outside. This method consumes a lot of energy and requires venting outside space to vent the ducting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless drying machines, recycle the air. They heat the air that is coming in by reusing the energy that goes to power the machine, and then condense the resulting moisture into water that drains out the bottom of the dryer drum. They are also smaller than vented dryers and they can be fitted in a laundry room or even an attic.The dryers with heat pumps, while popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new on the American market. They're now available in sizes that will fit in most laundry rooms, and they offer significant energy savings and other benefits to the climate. And because they don't exhaust indoor air to the outdoors, you don't have to clean out your venting system often or deal with possible issues that could arise with a dirty one.Heat pump dryers are similar to the refrigeration system of a refrigerator. They have a compressor which pressurizes refrigerant into one set of coils, releasing heat. The evaporator coils soak up warmth from air passing through. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through two coils to help condense the moist air, and that cooled refrigerant then flows back into the first set of coils and is reheated to repeat the cycle.Heat pump dryers require maintenance like other electric dryers to ensure their performance is at its best. Lint can accumulate on the 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 issue to be considered is the fact that heat pump dryers usually take longer than vented ones to complete a load. It's because their maximum temperature of 120degF is lower than electric and gas resistance dryers, which means they have to tumble for some time before they're dry.Lint ScreensHeat pump dryers come with venting and lint trap system which need to be regularly cleaned. A clogged vent can significantly extend drying times, and poses a fire risk. The exhaust of a vented dryer can reach temperatures high enough to ignite volatile oils and chemical on clothing.The vent system of a heat pump requires a dehumidifier in order to remove moisture from the air prior to it exits the dryer. A dehumidifier can also reduce energy costs by lowering temperature of the hot water used to heat the air.The lint filter inside a heat-pump dryer is finer and needs to be cleaned more frequently than those in traditional dryers. The lint trap inside the door's opening is an ideal spot for lint to accumulate and must be cleaned and cleaned regularly.The models with heat pumps also have heated drum walls which means that the inside of the dryer needs to be free of lint fabric softener, dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls might also need to be cleaned and inspected regularly, as they could need to be replaced, as indicated by the user's manual.Lint buildup in the dryer's exhaust hoses isn't just a nuisance; it's a serious fire hazard that causes an average of 2,900 home fires every year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean the dryer's lint exhaust the hose every year using a wire brush or use a leaf blower from the exterior to clear lint from the inside of the hose as this Today's Homeowner video provides. Our Web Site to do this from outside, as you can avoid getting lint in your eyes. If you're not sure of your ability to clean the duct, get an expert to handle it for you.If you are unable to sense air movement in the dryer vent, or if your dryer takes longer to dry, it could mean that there is a lint blockage within the vent. Pick a day in the year to clean your vents--Labor Day, the beginning of spring or the beginning or the end of daylight saving time--and stick to it.InstallationDrying laundry with modern dryers is among the most important conveniences available to homeowners. But picking the right dryer is essential for those who wish to lower their utility bills and also have a positive effect on our environment. Heat pump dryers are an excellent option for many. Heat pump dryers are different from vented dryers like traditional ones that utilize gas combustion or electricity for heating air, and then blowing the hot, dried air into the drum to remove moisture. They reuse the air, pulling out the humid air and cooling it, permitting it to be returned to the laundry area where it can be used again.Heat pump dryers don't require ducting, chimneys or chimneys to vent outside. They can be placed inside small spaces like laundry closets. They are perfect for small homes, accessory dwelling units (such a laundry room or apartment above the garage) or even for additions. Additionally, since the energy STAR label is a reliable mark of energy efficiency, dryers with heat pumps are typically more efficient than vented models that are more traditional.Unlike most other types of dryers for clothing, which need a dedicated circuit, the majority of heat pump dryers are made to operate on standard 120-volt, 15-amp electrical circuits. This is a benefit for older homes with older wiring, and can save you money on installation.Heat pump dryers have a lower power than other dryers, which means they take longer to complete the cycle. Because they don't move between the two like conventional dryers do, large items like sheets and towels could become a laundry sludge which is difficult to unwind. Some manufacturers attempt to resolve this issue by changing the tumble cycle for short intervals of time during a cycle.In addition, heat pump dryers require more frequent maintenance than other dryers. Lint can accumulate on heat exchanger coils as well as the evaporator coils, and require regular vacuuming or professional cleaning to ensure they are running at a high efficiency. Heat pump dryers do not vent, and therefore they may retain moisture within the dryer. This can cause mold.