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Heat Pump Dryers 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, moist air is then vented to the outside. Heat pump dryers don't require vents. This saves energy and reduces the risk of fire caused by lint accumulation in the vents. They also have lower temperatures and are more gentle on clothing, so they might take longer to dry than conventional machines. Learn more about these ventless laundry appliances from Aztec Appliance. Efficiency A heat pump dryer can save you a significant 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. This might not sound like a lot, but in the case of a family that does 20 loads of laundry per week in Massachusetts where electricity prices are some of the highest in the nation, you'll save hundreds over the course of a 12 year lifespan with a dryer that uses a heat pump. A heat pump dryer is similar to a dehumidifier. The heat pump dryer starts with heated air that is then circulated through coils to heat it up even more. During this process, the hot air pulls moisture out of the clothing and is then pumped into the heat exchanger, where it becomes condensed liquid. It then drips into a empty pan or tube that can be connected to drain it. The cooled, moist air is then circulated through the coils of the condenser, to be heated. They don't require an exhaust vent. They can therefore be installed in places where a conventional dryer would not fit. They also are quieter and more versatile, making them ideal for apartments and other spaces with little space. They are also safer than dryers with vents, which could be dangerous if not cleaned regularly. However, because they operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers, it takes longer for your laundry to dry when using a heat pump dryer. In addition, since they function much like a dehumidifier and produce plenty of water during drying, it's important to clean your dryer's heat pump regularly. This is particularly important when you reside in a humid area or if your clothes have lots of moisture in them. You can accomplish this by regularly checking and cleaning the lint screens and the condenser coils. It is also recommended to clean the drain tube regularly. Regular cleaning will keep the evaporator in good working order. Condensation The most common method of drying clothes is to use a fan to blow hot air over the clothes. The air is then vented outside. This method uses a lot energy and requires a vented outside space to vent the venting. Heat pump dryers, also known as ventless dryers re-use the air instead. They make use of the heat to repurpose energy to run the machine. They then condense it into water that drains from the bottom of the drum. They are also smaller than vented dryers, and they can be built into a laundry room or even an attic. The dryers that are heat pump, although popular in Europe and Japan are relatively new on the American market. They're now available in sizes that would fit in the majority of laundry rooms, and they provide significant energy savings as well as other benefits to the climate. Since they don't draw outdoor air, you won't need to clean your venting system or fix any potential issues. Heat pump dryers are similar to the refrigeration system in a refrigerator. They feature a compressor which pressurizes refrigerant through one coil, and then releases heat. The evaporator coils soak up heat from air that flows through. The refrigerant that is heated circulates through another set of coils to help condense the moist air, and that chilled refrigerant is then recirculated back into the original coils, and is reheated to repeat the process. As with other electric dryers like other dryers, a heat pump still needs maintenance to ensure that it is operating at peak performance. Lint can accumulate on the filters and the evaporator coils. It is essential to clean these regularly to prevent excessive wear. They also use refrigerants that have high GWP (Global Warming Potential), so those need to be properly recycled also. They take longer than vented dryers in drying loads. That's because their maximum temperature—about 120degF, is lower than gas and electric resistance dryers. Therefore, they have to tumble for an additional time before they're completely dry. Lint Screens The dryers of heat pumps have a lint filter and venting system that needs to be cleaned regularly. A clogged dryer vent can prolong drying times and create the risk of fire. The exhaust of dryers vented can reach temperatures that can ignite chemical and volatile oils. A heat pump venting system requires an air dehumidifier to remove moisture before the air exits the dryer. A dehumidifier can also reduce energy costs by lowering the temperature of the incoming hot water used to heat the air. The lint filter in the heat-pump dryer is more fine and requires cleaning more frequently than the one in a conventional dryer. The lint trap that is located in the door's opening is an ideal place for lint accumulation, and it should be inspected and cleaned frequently. Heat pump models also have an insulated drum wall which means that the interior of the dryer has to be free of lint fabric softener, dryer sheet residue. The heated drum walls also require regular cleaning and inspection, as they might need to be replaced, as indicated in the user's manual. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the accumulation of lint in the dryer's exhaust pipe is more than just an inconvenience. It's also a fire hazard that causes around 2,900 house fires each year. As explained in this Today's homeowner video cleaning the lint-exhaust pipe of your dryer using the help of a wirebrush or leaf blower. It's better to clean the hose from the outside, since you will avoid getting lint on your eyes. If you're not sure of your ability to clean the duct, you can hire an expert to do it for you. If you are unable to feel air moving in your dryer vent, or if you notice that your dryer is taking longer to dry, it could be that there is a lint blockage deeper in the duct. Choose one day a year to clean the vent system such as Labor Day, the beginning of spring, or at the end or the beginning of daylight savings time – and adhere to it. Installation Drying laundry in modern dryers is one of the most essential options for homeowners. But selecting the right dryer is also an important decision for those who wish to lower their utility bills and make a positive impact on the environment. The heat pump dryer is an excellent option for many. In contrast to traditional vented dryers which 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 repeatedly, pulling the moist air from the clothes and cooling it, allowing it to return to the laundry room, where it can be used again. Heat pump dryers don't require chimneys, ducting or chimneys to vent outside. They can be put in in small rooms such as laundry closets. They're ideal for tiny homes, accessory dwelling units (such a laundry room or apartment above the garage) or even additions. And because sites is a reliable mark of energy efficiency, heat pump dryers are often more efficient than traditional vented models. The dryers of a heat pump can be run on standard 120-volt 15-amp circuits. This can be a real benefit for older homes with older wiring and can reduce the cost of installation. They have lower power compared to other dryers, and therefore take longer to complete a cycle. Since they don't move around like traditional dryers do, big 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 turning off the tumble cycle for short intervals of time during the course of a cycle. Additionally, heat pump dryers need more regular maintenance than other dryers. Lint can accumulate on the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, which requires professional cleaning or periodic vacuuming to keep them operating efficiently. And since dryers that use heat pumps don't vent, they may also collect moisture on the inside of the dryer, causing mold.