www.washersanddryers.co.uk are set to become household staples with new federal incentives and impressive laboratory test results. These all-in one machines are more efficient in washing and to dry, and they do not draw conditioned indoor air to vent.
They also have a lower temperature, which is gentler on clothes. Continue reading to learn more about this cutting-edge technology for washing.
1. Saves Energy
Heat pumps aren't only used for cooling and heating homes and offices, but they're also used to dry clothes. An ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryer uses 28% less energy than a traditional dryer, and could save you money on electric bills. They use less heat to minimize wear and tear and damage to your clothes.
Heat pump washer-dryers recycle air used during the washing cycle. However it is cooled, then warmed by a condenser coil that is located within the evaporator. The warm air is transferred to the drum to continue drying clothes. This means that a heat pump dryer will never have to exhaust the moisture-laden air like vented dryers.
It's important to make your appliances as energy-efficient as you can, since the process of washing clothes consumes a lot of energy. The best way to do this is to combine an efficient washer with a heat pump dryer. This will enable you to maximize efficiency, and start saving energy costs immediately.
To get started to get started, take a look at our collection of ENERGY STAR certified dryers and washers. You can filter your results based on model, energy usage, wash cycles, and spin speed. Make sure to look over the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance will cost to run each year.
Combination washer-dryers are an ideal option for households that cannot afford two separate units or do not have the space. They are plugged into a 120-volt standard outlet and do not require a venting device or special hookups of 240-volts. They're great for condos and apartments since they can be placed in a closet or underneath a counter.
2. Reduces Noise
The majority of traditional clothes dryers utilize an electric or hot gas coil to heat the air which evaporates the moisture in your laundry. The vaporized air is then blown out of your home, bringing with it the conditioned air, which you pay to cool in summer and warm in the winter. Your house will have to work overtime in order to replenish the lost heat by pulling the replacement air through cracks and gaps around doors and walls.
Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one place to another, rather than heating it and venting it. This is great for homeowners with homes that are too small to allow for an additional flow of air. It is also possible to install washer/dryer combinations in places that vented dryers might not be suitable, such as under stairs. This won't affect the efficiency of the energy or performance.
All-in-one machines have many advantages, but they also have a few drawbacks. All-in-one units require longer time to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers, so it's important to set aside enough time for each load. Combining two appliances into one will also reduce the amount of laundry that you can complete in a single load because it takes an hour longer to dry whites and colors than if they were separate machines.
Thankfully, the majority of manufacturers have started to tackle these issues with simple solutions. For example, LG's top-rated washer-dryer combo features a feature that lets you prop the door open slightly when it's running to prevent the water from accumulating and drying out the drum. A number of LG models, like our top pick, have a tiny drainage hole in the bottom of the laundry tub that lets water drain instead of pooling. Finally, you can purchase compressor sound blanket wraps that fit comfortably over your heat pump to minimize its sound.
3. Reduces Wear and Tear
When a heat pump dryer functions it doesn't heat the air like a traditional dryer--it only removes moisture from the garments and is therefore much gentler on fabrics than a traditional model. It also conserves energy because it doesn't have to waste the energy required to heat up the air for the drying process.
Heat-pump dryers require more maintenance than standalone dryers, because the condensate drainage tube has to be cleaned regularly to prevent obstructions. This is not a lot different from cleaning a conventional machine.
The combination of washer and dryer from heat pumps does not vent. This means that you can use them within your home without having to cut into the exterior wall to install ductwork. This is great for apartment dwellers as well as college students and others who don't want to spend more money or alter their living space.
The drying time of clothes dried by heat-pump dryers is slower than traditional models because they don't get nearly as hot. This is a reason why many people have been reluctant to adopt them, however manufacturers have made improvements to the technology over time, and a heat-pump dryer on our top dryer list --the LG Signature LUWM101HWA has typical drying times of 37 to 70 minutes.
It is essential to not overdo the detergent. This could result in excessive suds that can prolong the process and leaves a slimy film on your clothes. (Readers frequently contact us regarding this issue). Make sure you're using the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergents, and wash the dispenser drawer on a regular basis. This will ensure the machine is operating at its best and not wasting your money and energy.
4. Reduces Lint
When you're drying your clothes, a heat pump dryer uses much less air than vented gas or electric dryers. It's because it doesn't push hot, humid air into your clothes, but instead draws the vapor of room temperature from the air around your clothes. The vapor is then heated by your dryer to evaporate the moisture out of your laundry, making this type of dryer much more energy-efficient.
A heat pump washer weighs 88 pounds. This isn't as heavy as vented gas dryers or electric dryer. This could be a significant difference if you plan to place it on a wall or put it in a space that may not be large enough to accommodate vents.
Lint build-up is a concern in all dryers. However, the heat pump dryer's lower temperatures reduce the amount of lint that can clog up the exhaust and prevent the clothes from drying to their maximum potential. This reduces the chance of fire in your dryer, or its exhaust. This could happen if flammable solvents and oils from your laundry are able to enter the dryer's vent or evaporator.
Clean your dryer ducts at least every month to prevent the accumulation of lint (more often if there are pets or children in the home). You can make use of a leaf blower, or a wire brush to get rid of any lint in between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's better to clean it outside than inside.
Make sure you use a detergent with low sudsing and follow the guidelines of the manufacturer on how to set up your water level to prevent drying out too much. Separate your laundry by the type of fabric and wash delicates such as silk using heavy cottons and linens. So you don't overdye your delicates or shrink them too much. Likewise, the sensors for moisture will have better chances of being able to tell when your laundry is fully dry to stop the cycle.
5. Space Savings
The dryers that use heat pump use less energy because they reuse and recycle hot air. This will help you save money on your energy bills, and also on the energy cost to heat or cool your home.
This method is gentler on fabrics and lessens shrinkage which is a major benefit when dealing with expensive clothing. It also reduces the need to clean out dryer vents that have become clogged with lint and reduces the energy consumption that conventional dryers use to warm air before it can enter the dryer, helping to keep your cooling and heating costs lower.
Finally, heat pump washer-dryer combos are designed to tuck into spaces that don't allow for a separate laundry room, like in closets or kitchens. These all-in-one machines just take only the space of a few inches over the top vented washers. They're ventless, which means you can place them anywhere with electricity and water.
The all-in-one appliances are simple to operate, too. All you have to do is choose the wash cycle and dry cycle that's best for your load and let them do their job. When your clothes are dry you can simply take them off.
With these energy efficient, versatile machines, it's now easier than ever before to do your laundry without costing you a fortune. You can shop online or go to an Aztec Appliance showroom to find a washer-dryer combination that is a perfect fit for your home. We offer the most competitive prices, promotions, rebates and special financing to help make the process of upgrading your laundry room more affordable. We're here to assist you select the right dryer that meets your requirements and lifestyle!