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Energy Efficient Heat Pump Washer Dryer

The heat pump washer dryers are poised to become household staples with new federal incentives as well as impressive laboratory test results. These all-in one machines are more efficient in washing and dry and they don't pull conditioned indoor air outside to vent.

The clothes are also treated at less heat. Read on to find out more about this exciting laundry technology.

1. Saves Energy

The use of heat pumps isn't limited to cooling and heating homes, they're now being used in clothes dryers too. A energy STAR certified heat pump dryer consumes 28 percent less energy than a conventional dryer, and could save you money on electric bills. They operate at the lower temperature to lessen wear and tear and damage to your clothes.

Heat pump washer-dryers recycle the air used during the washing process. However, it is cooled and warmed by a condenser coil that is located inside the evaporator. Then the warm air is then pushed back into the drum to continue drying the clothes. This means that a heat pump dryer will never need to exhaust the moist air like vented dryers.

It's worth making your appliances as energy-efficient as you can, since laundry processes consume lots of energy. This can be achieved by combining a washer and a dryer that uses a heat pump. This will lock in maximum efficiency and begin saving on energy costs as soon as you can.

Take a look at our selection of ENERGY STAR-certified washers and dryers to begin. You can filter results by model or Washers And Dryers model, energy consumption, wash cycles, or spin speed. Be sure to examine the yellow Energy Guide Label to see how much each appliance will cost to run for the year.

Combination washer-dryers can be an ideal option for households that cannot afford two separate machines or don't have the space. They plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and do not require a venting device or a special 240-volt hookup. They're great for apartments and condos, because they can be tucked away inside a closet or beneath a counter.

2. Reduces Noise

The majority of traditional clothes dryers heat the air by using an electric or gas coil. This helps to evaporate the moisture from your clothes. This air is then vented out of your home, bringing along the conditioned air you pay to cool in summer and warm in winter. Your home will need to work overtime to replace the conditioned heat by pulling the replacement air through cracks and gaps around walls and doors.

Heat pump washer dryers transfer humidity from one place to another, rather than heating the air and venting it. This is a great option for homeowners who have houses that are too small to accommodate the additional air flow. It is also possible to install washer/dryer combinations in places where a vented dryer would not be suitable for instance, under stairs. This won't affect the efficiency of the energy or performance.

All-in-one machines have many advantages However, they also have some drawbacks. All-in-one units take longer to complete their cycles than traditional dryers and washers, so it's important to allot plenty of time for each load. Combining two appliances can reduce the amount of laundry you can do in one go since it takes a longer time to dry colors and whites than they would when they were separate machines.

Most manufacturers have started to address these issues by offering simple solutions. For instance LG's top-rated washer and dryer combo comes with a feature that lets you prop the door slightly open while the machine is running to stop the water from pooling and drying out of the drum. Many LG models like our top choice, have a small drain hole at the bottom of the tub to let the water flow out instead of pooling in the drum. You can also purchase compressor sound blanket wraps that fit comfortably over your heat pump to minimize the noise it makes.

3. Reduces wear and tear

When a heat pump dryer functions, it doesn't warm up the air like a traditional dryer. It only extracts the moisture from the clothes which means it's much more gentle on clothing than a traditional model. This is a great way to save energy, since it doesn't have to use energy to heat up the air for the drying process.

The dryers that use heat require more maintenance than standalone machines since the condensate drainage tube has to be cleaned regularly to prevent blockages. This isn't much different than cleaning a standard machine.

Combinations of heat pump washer and dryer do not vent. This means you can use them within your home without cutting into the wall outside for ductwork. This is ideal for people who live in apartments as well as college students and other people who don't wish to spend more money or modify their living space.

These dryers dry clothes more slowly than traditional dryers due to the fact that they don't get nearly as hot. Many people were hesitant to use them due to the fact that they didn't attain the same temperature. However, manufacturers have improved their technology and the LG Signature LUWM101HWA heat pump dryer that's on our list of best dryers, comes with a typical drying time of 37 to 70 min.

The most important thing to reduce drying time is to not overdo the detergent, which can result in excessive suds that can prolong cycles and leaves an oily residue on clothing (readers send us emails frequently about this problem). Use the recommended amount high efficiency detergents, and keep the dispenser drawer clean. This will ensure that the machine is operating at its best and will not waste your energy and money.

4. Reduces Lint

A heat pump dryer uses less air to dry your clothes than a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. It's because it doesn't push hot, humid air into your clothes, but instead draws room-temperature vapor from the air around your clothes. This steam is then heated by your dryer to evaporate the moisture out of your clothes, making this type of dryer much more energy-efficient.

A heat pump washer dryer weighs 88lbs. It's not as heavy as a vented gas dryer or an electric dryer. This can be a big issue if you intend to put it on the wall or use it inside a closet which may not have enough space to accommodate vents.

Lint build-up can be an issue for all dryers, but the reduced temperatures in the heat pump dryer limit the amount of lint that can block the exhaust, preventing your clothes from reaching their maximum drying potential. This also reduces the risk of fire in your dryer, or its exhaust. This could happen if flammable solvents and oils from your laundry get into the dryer's vent or evaporator.

Clean your dryer's ducts at least every month to prevent lint accumulation (more often if there are children or pets living in the house). You can make use of a leaf blower or wire brush to remove any lint in between the ridges of the accordion hose. It's safer to clean this outside rather than inside.

Use a low-sudsing detergent and follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to set your water level to avoid drying out too much. Also, separate laundry by different types of fabric and wash delicates like silk with heavy linens or cottons. You won't overdye or shrink your delicates, and the moisture sensor will detect when your laundry is dry enough to end the cycle.

5. Space Savings

Since heat pump dryers reuse and reuse hot air, they use less energy than vented dryers. This means they can save you money in a variety ways--not just on utility bills but also by cutting down on the amount of energy used to heat pump tumble 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 eliminates the need to replace lint-clogged dryer vents and reduces the energy use that conventional dryers expend to warm up room air before it enters the machine which helps keep your cooling and heating costs down.

The combination of heat pump washer and dryer is designed to fit into small areas, like closets and kitchens. These units are compact and just take only the space of a few inches more than the best vented washers. They're not vented, so they can be placed anywhere you have electricity and water.

The all-in-one appliances are simple to use, too. All you have to do is choose the wash and dry cycle that's best for your needs and let them do their job. Then, simply take your clothes out when they're ready.

These energy-efficient, multi-functional machines allow you to wash your clothes without breaking the bank. You can shop online or go to an Aztec Appliance showroom to find the right combination of washer and dryer that is perfect for your home. We have the best prices, promotions, rebates and financing specials to help make the process of upgrading your laundry room more affordable. And we're here to help you select the ideal dryer that meets your needs and lifestyle!