Heat Pump Tumble Dryers
The tumble dryers that use heat pumps make use of hot air to dry your clothes instead of letting it out into the outdoors. This is a low-cost option for your family, since it conserves energy.
John Lewis offers a wide range of tumble dryers. These include both heated and vented models. Learn more about tumble dryers in our detailed guide.
Cost
Tumble dryers are useful for reducing space and reducing the need to dry laundry in the sun however, they do use a lot of electricity. When looking to reduce your energy bills it might be worth considering switching to the use of a heat pump tumbler. They're more expensive at first, but they will save you money over time because of their lower energy consumption.
Heat pump tumble dryers work by heating the air that was already warmed up during the drying process, which results in significantly lower energy costs than condenser models vented or vented. This type of tumble dryer typically consumes about half the electricity as a vented or condenser model, and can save you up to PS173 per year on your utility bills.
When comparing heat pump tumble dryers to other types, there's generally a small cost difference. It is important to consider the amount of energy used and how frequently you will use your tumble dryer. You'll need to factor in the wattage of your machine and also your electricity tariff which will affect the price you pay for each tumble dry.
Vented tumble dryers make use of gas to dry the laundry and are powered by gas from the mains, so they can be an expensive option if you're on a tight budget. The installation options are also restricted because they have to be installed in a space that has adequate ventilation for the humid air.
Condenser dryers eliminate the moisture from your laundry by moving hot humid air to separate units where it is converted to water. The water can be removed into a container that has to be manually emptied, or it can be pumped into your drainage system to remove it continuously. This allows you to set up the system in a variety of places. However, you'll need to conduct additional maintenance on the drain pipe.
Energy efficiency
A tumble dryer heat-pump will help you save money on your energy bills. The technology requires less electricity to warm the air in the tumble dryer, allowing it to dry your clothes more effectively and at a lower temperature than vented models.
They also use a coolant that disperses the humidity in the air and then releases it through the condenser. This means they require less electricity to operate than traditional vented models. They might take a bit longer to finish your cycle of laundry than vented dryers but your clothes will be looking and more comfortable longer due to the lower temperatures of drying.
Typically, they cost between $500 and $700 more upfront than condenser dryers. However, this additional cost is offset by the savings you'll gain on your energy bills over the long haul. They're also a larger investment and should be placed in rooms with adequate ventilation.
As with all electrical appliances, it's vital that any tumble dryer installation is completed by an experienced Gas Safe engineer. A vented dryer requires an extended flexible vent hose permanently connected to the appliance at one end, and a drainage point - either a drain or a door or window - at the other. The hose can't be shared or used in a manner that could cause damage.
Similar to heat pump dryers, a condenser is a type of dryer that heats the air with an electrical element and then expelling the moisture through a condensation tray. They're usually heavy-duty dryers that have higher capacity for wet loads, which range between 6 and 10 kg. They also operate more quietly. They are more expensive to purchase than tumble dryers that use heat pumps and aren't able to be mounted without an ongoing wall connection. The cost of running them is also more expensive than heat pump dryers as they have to generate more heat to dry out the moisture in your laundry. They're less efficient than vented models. However, they use a fair amount of power as they spin the motor that rotates your laundry.
Noise
Tumble dryers make lots of noise however the level of loudness is contingent on a variety of factors. The decibel rating is just one of them, but the frequency of the noise can determine how loud it is. The sound can be amplified if there are resonant items nearby, such as work surfaces, cabinets or furniture. It can also be affected by the room's acoustics. The sound produced by the tumble dryer can be dampened by acoustic absorbent material like carpets, or it can be drowned out by other appliances operating in your home.
Heat pump and condenser models are quieter than vented dryers but they are still noisy. They're gentler on your fabrics, and dry your laundry faster due to lower temperatures of air and a longer cycle than traditional models. They are less damaging to clothes and less likely to cause color loss that is typically associated with tumble dryers of the past that use high temperatures.
It's important to remember that if you plan to use your tumbler dryer primarily alongside a washer both appliances should be placed near to each other to prevent vibrations or noises during operation. A washer and dryer stacking kit can help solve this issue. It is available for both types of appliances.
A tumbler with a heat pump needs to have an ongoing flow of air to function, which is why it's best placed in a well-ventilated area in your home. You'll need to ensure that the vent hose is connected to the appliance, and it's safely positioned outside your home, rather than directed through a door or window.
The condenser dryer does not require a permanent connection to vents, and can be placed wherever within your home. It collects the vapour and water leftover in a container that is manually emptied or connected to a drain through an drainage pipe that will automatically empty it.
Converting tumble dryer with heat pump vented tumble-dryer into condenser dryer is feasible using an conversion kit. However, it will end the manufacturer's warranty and should only be performed by a trained professional. The kits contain the components required to install the vent and a tiny water pump to eliminate the condensation, therefore they're not cheap.
Maintenance
A tumbler with a heat pump differs from condenser or vented models because it doesn't require venting outside to extract the hot air. The warm air that flows over your clothes is collected and then passed through a condenser, which is able to separate the heated water from the air. It is then collected in a water reservoir (sometimes called a tank) inside the appliance. This means that you'll need to empty the water tank at some time but it also permits you to keep the dryer in smaller spaces than if you needed to put in a vent for the dryer.
The heat pump model is around 50 percent more energy efficient than vented models. This makes it more affordable to run, saving you PS42-PS51 a year on average according to Which?, and it's also more sustainable for the environment. That said, it's not a cheap tumble dryer to buy and you need to ensure you can afford the initial costs.
A tumble dryer with a heat pump requires very little maintenance other than cleaning the lint filter and checking for a buildup of dust on the heating unit every now and then. However, you need to clean the drain for condensation often and it can take longer than a vented dryer to dry your clothes.
If you are looking for a cheap tumble dryer it is worth considering a sensor model that automatically stops when the laundry is finished to avoid over-drying that can damage your clothes. You will need to manually programme your dryer's drying process if you have a lot of different fabrics.
Brands such as Beko and John Lewis offer tumble dryers that use heat pump, condenser, or vented technology. All models come with a 2-year warranty and John Lewis has excellent customer reviews and free home delivery. Check the warranty details before purchasing an appliance, particularly one that is electrical like a tumble dryer. This will ensure that you are covered in the event of a malfunction or breakdown.