Heat Pump Tumble Dryers
The tumble dryers of a heat pump recycle the hot air they use to dry your clothes instead of venting it out. This is a cost-effective option for your household as it helps conserve energy.
John Lewis offers a wide variety of tumble dryers. They include heated and vented models. Learn more about the options in our guide to tumble dryers.
Cost
Tumble dryers can be great for saving space and making it less necessary to dry laundry in the sun, but they tend to use a lot of electricity. If you're looking to lower your energy costs and save money, consider switching to a heating-pump tumble dryer. While these machines do have a higher upfront cost, they'll save you money in the end thanks to their lower energy consumption.
Heat pump tumble dryers work on the principle of reheating air that was already warmed up during the drying process. This results in lower energy costs than vented or condensation models. This type of tumble dryer typically consumes up to half as much electricity as a vented or condenser model, and could save you up to PS173 per year on your energy bills.
When it comes to comparing the cost of a pump tumble dryer against other types, the price difference is usually minimal. However, it's important to consider the amount of energy that is being used and how frequently you'll be using your tumble dryer. You'll have to consider the wattage of your machine and also your electricity bill, which will influence how much you pay for each tumble dry.
Vented tumble dryers use gas to dry the laundry and are powered by gas mains and are therefore more expensive for those on a tight budget. The installation options are also limited because they need to be installed in a space with enough ventilation to the damp air.
Condenser dryers remove moisture from the laundry by moving hot air into a separate condensing unit, which is then converted into water. The water is then drained away, either into a removable container that needs to be emptied manually or be plumbed into your drainage system to ensure continuous removal. This will allow for greater flexibility when it comes to installation areas, however you will need to prepare for extra maintenance by ensuring that the drain pipe is in good working order.
Energy efficiency
If you're worried about your energy costs, a tumbler heat pump can provide significant savings. The technology requires less power to heat the air inside the tumble dryer. This enables it to dry clothes more efficiently and at lower temperatures than vented models.
The dryers also use a coolant to liquefy the humidity in the air, which is then ejected through the condenser. This means they consume less energy than traditional vented models. They may take a little longer to finish your laundry cycle than vented dryers but your clothes will stay looking and more comfortable longer due to the lower drying temperatures.
Typically they'll cost between $500 to $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 term. They also cost more and require adequate ventilation.
Gas Safe engineers are required to install tumble dryers similar to any other electrical appliance. A vented dryer requires a long, flexible vent hose that is permanently connected the appliance at one end and a drainage hole at the other - a drain, window or door. This hose must be properly secured in place and cannot be shared with other appliance or used in any way that could cause it to degrade.
Condenser dryers function similarly as heat pump dryers. They utilize an electric element to heat the air before releasing the moisture via a condensation tray. They are typically heavy-duty performers with larger capacities for wet loads that range from 6kg to 10kg, and are quieter to operate. However, they're more costly than heat pump tumble dryers to buy and aren't appropriate for installations that do not have a permanent connection to the wall. The cost of running them is also higher than heat pump dryers, as they have to generate more heat to dry out the moisture in your laundry. They're also less efficient than vented models. However, they do still use a fair amount of electricity as they spin the motor that spins your laundry.
Noise
The noise generated by tumble dryers is quite loud, however the volume is influenced by a variety of factors. The decibel rating will only be one of many factors. The frequency of the sound can also impact the volume at which it sounds. The sound can also be amplified if there are any resonant objects in the vicinity such as cabinets, work surfaces, or furniture. It can also be affected by the room's acoustics. The sound produced by your tumble dryer may be obstructed by carpets or other absorption materials.
Heat pump and condenser tumble dryers are quieter than vented models, but it's important to remember that they're still noisy. They are more gentle on fabrics and dry your laundry faster with lower air temperatures. They also have a longer cycle. They're less damaging to clothes and less likely to cause colour loss, which is often associated with tumble dryers of the past that make use of high temperatures.
If you plan to utilize your tumble dryer together with a washing machine, it's crucial to remember that both appliances need to be located close each other to prevent the noise and vibrations that occur during operation. A stacking washer and dryer kit can help avoid this issue, which can be bought for both types of appliances.
Heat pump tumble dryers need continuous flow of air to work, therefore they should be placed in a location that is well-ventilated in your home. tumble dryers with heat pump needs to be permanently connected to the appliance, and routed securely outside your home.
The condenser tumble dryer, however isn't requiring the permanent connection to a vent and can be installed anywhere in your home. It collects the vapour left behind and water in a condensation container that can be manually empty, or connected to a drain with a drainage tube which will automatically empty it.
Converting a vented tumble-dryer to condenser dryer is feasible by using an conversion kit. However, it will invalidate the warranty of the manufacturer and should be done by a qualified professional. The kits come with parts to install vents, as well with a small pump to remove condensation.
Maintenance
The heat pump tumble dryers operate differently than condenser or vented machines because they don't need external venting for the purpose of removing hot air. The warm air that flows through your clothes is captured and then passed through a condenser that separates the heated water from the air. It is then collected in a reservoir of water (sometimes called a tank) inside the appliance. You'll need to empty the water tank eventually however, you can keep the dryer in the same place like if you had vents.
Compared to vented models, the heat pump model consumes approximately 50% less energy. According to Which?, it is also more economical to run. You can save between PS42 and PS51 per year. It's not cheap to purchase a tumble dryer, therefore you should be able to pay for the initial cost.
In general the tumble dryer with a heat pump requires only minimal maintenance, besides clearing the lint filter, and checking for any dust particles around the heater unit every now and then. However, you need to clean the drain of condensation frequently and it will take longer than a vented tumble dryer to dry your clothes.
If you are looking for a cheap tumble dryer, it might be worth looking into an automatic model that ends when laundry is finished to avoid over-drying that can damage your clothes. You'll need to manually program your dryer's drying cycle in case you have a lot of different clothes.
Brands such as Beko and John Lewis provide tumble dryers that utilize heat pump, condenser, or vented technology. They all come with a two-year warranty and John Lewis has excellent customer reviews and free home delivery. Make sure you read the warranty information prior to buying an appliance, especially an electrical one such as a tumble dryer. This will ensure that you are covered in the event of a fault or breakdown.