Heat Pump Tumble Dryers
Heat pump tumble dryers reuse the hot air they use to dry your clothes instead of venting it out. This helps save energy, making it a cost-effective choice for your household.
John Lewis has a range of tumble dryers, including condenser and vented models as well as heat pump tumble dryers. Learn more about the options in our guide to tumble dryers.
Cost
Tumble dryers are excellent for reducing the need to hang laundry in the sun, and also for saving space when it comes to storage, but they also are prone to using much energy. If you're looking to cut down on your energy consumption and save money, consider changing to a high-temperature tumble dryer. These machines are more expensive initially, however they can save you money over time due to their lower energy consumption.
They work on the principle of heating air that has already warmed up during the drying process. This results in lower energy bills than vented or condensation models. This type of tumble dryer typically uses up to half as much energy as a vented or condenser model, and can save you as much as PS173 per year on your utility bills.
When comparing heat tumble dryers with pumps versus other models, there is usually a negligible price difference. It is crucial to take into consideration the amount of energy consumed and the frequency you use your tumble dryer. You'll need to take into consideration the wattage of your appliance and your electricity bill in determining how much each tumble dryer will cost.
Vented tumble dryers are more costly if your budget is tight. They use gas to dry your laundry, and they're powered by mains-gas. The options for installation are restricted because they have to be placed in a room with adequate ventilation for the damp air.
Condenser dryers take moisture out of the laundry by moving hot air into a separate condensing unit, which is then converted into water. This water can be removed into a container that has to be manually empty or piped into the drainage system to remove it constantly. This will allow for greater flexibility when it comes to installation areas, however you will have to be prepared for any additional maintenance by ensuring the drain pipe is in good working order.
Energy efficiency
A tumble dryer heat-pump can help you save money on your energy costs. The technology requires less power to heat the air inside the tumble dryer, allowing it to dry your clothes more effectively and at a lower temperature than vented models.
The dryers also make use of an aerator to liquefy the air's humidity and then discharge it through the condenser. This means they use less power than traditional vented dryers. They might take a bit longer to finish your laundry cycle than vented dryers, but your clothes will stay looking and more comfortable longer due to the lower temperatures of drying.
They cost an extra $500 to $700 upfront however the energy savings will easily make up for this. They're also a larger investment and must be put in rooms that have adequate ventilation.
As with all electrical appliances, it's essential that any installation of a tumbler is completed by an Gas Safe engineer. Ventilated dryers require an extended flexible vent hose that's permanently connected to the appliance at one end and an outlet point - whether the drain or a door at the other. The hose needs to be secured in place and cannot be shared with another appliance or used in any manner that could cause it to deteriorate.
Similar to heat pump dryers, a condenser is a type of dryer that heats the air with an electrical element and then dispersing the moisture using a tray for condensation. They are usually heavy-duty dryers that have higher wet load capacities, ranging from 6kg - 10kg. They also operate more quietly. However, they're more expensive than heat pump tumble dryers and aren't appropriate for installations that do not have a permanent connection to the wall. They're also more expensive to operate than heat pump dryers since they require lots of heat to evaporate the moisture from your laundry, and are not as efficient as vented models. However, they make use of a considerable amount of electricity when they spin the motor that rotates your laundry.
Noise
Tumble dryers make plenty of noise however, how loud they are is contingent on a variety of factors. The decibel rating is just one of them, but the frequency of the noise can affect how loud it sounds. The sound may be amplified by nearby resonant objects such as work surfaces, cupboards or furniture, and may be affected by the acoustics of the room. The sound of the tumble dryer can be slowed by acoustic absorbent materials like carpets, or be drowned out by other appliances in your home.
Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers are quieter than vented models, however it's important to remember that they're still noisy. They are less harsh on fabrics and dry your laundry faster due to lower temperatures of air. They also have longer cycles. This means they're less damaging to your clothes and are less likely to cause the loss of colour that's often associated with high temperature, old fashioned tumble dryers.
If you're planning to use your tumble dryer primarily together with washing machine, it's important to remember that both appliances should be placed in close proximity to each other to prevent vibrations and noise during operation. A stacking washer and dryer kit is available to help avoid this issue, which is available for both types of appliances.
Heat pump tumble dryers need continuous flow of air in order to perform, and therefore must be located in an area that is well ventilated in your home. The vent hose should be permanently connected to the appliance and then routed safely outside your home.
The condenser dryer doesn't need to be permanently connected to vents, and can be put anywhere in your home. It stores the vapour and water into a condensation container that can either be manually empty or connected to a drain via an drainage tube, which will automatically empty it.
It is possible to transform a vented tumble dryer into a condenser model by using a conversion kit, but this could void the manufacturer's warranty and must be performed by a certified professional. The kits contain the components needed to install the vent and a tiny water pump to eliminate the condensation, which is why they're not inexpensive.
Maintenance
Heat pump tumble dryers work differently from vented or condenser machines as they don't require external venting for the purpose of removing hot air. The warm air that is blown through your clothes is captured and then passed through a condenser that is used to separate the heated water from the air. Then, it is recirculated in a water reservoir (sometimes called a tank) inside the appliance. This means you'll have to empty the tank at some time, but it also allows you to keep the dryer in a smaller space than if you had to put in a vent for the dryer.
The heat pump model is around 50% more energy efficient than vented models. According to Which? tumble dryer with heat pump is also less expensive to run. You can save between PS42 and PS51 per year. It's not cheap to purchase tumble dryers, so you should be able to pay for the initial cost.
In general, a tumble dryer with a heat pump requires minimal maintenance, other than cleaning the lint filter, and checking for any dust particles around the heater unit every now and then. However, you have to clean the condensation drain often and it can take longer than a vented dryer to dry your clothes.
If you're looking for a tumble dryer that isn't expensive, it might be worth looking into a sensor model that automatically stops when the laundry is finished to avoid over-drying that can damage your clothes. You will need to program the drying cycle of your dryer when you have a large number of different types of fabrics.
Brands such as Beko and John Lewis offer tumble dryers that utilize condenser, heat pump, or vented technology. All come with a two-year warranty and John Lewis has excellent customer reviews and free home delivery. Be sure to read the warranty terms prior to purchasing an appliance, and especially one that is electrical like a tumble dryer. This will ensure that you are covered in the event of a problem or breakdown.