Heat Pump Tumble Dryers
The tumble dryers that use heat pumps make use of hot air to dry your clothing, instead of venting it outside. This is a cost-effective option for your household, as it saves energy.
John Lewis offers a wide range of tumble dryers. They offer heated and vented models. Find out more about them in our guide to tumble dryers.
Cost
Tumble dryers are excellent for reducing the need to hang laundry outside in the sun and for saving space for storage, but they also often consume lots of energy. If you're looking to reduce your energy consumption, it may be worth trying a heat pump tumble dryer. These machines are more expensive initially, however they can save you money over time due to their lower energy consumption.
They work by reheating air that was already warmed up during the drying process. This results in lower energy bills than models that are vented or condenser. This type of tumble dryer typically uses approximately half the electricity as a vented or condenser model, and as such can save you as much as PS173 per year on your utility bills.
When comparing the performance of heat pump tumble dryers to other types, there is usually a negligible cost difference. But, it's important to keep in mind the amount of energy is being used and how frequently you'll use your tumble dryer. It is important to take into account the wattage of the machine and also your electricity bill which will determine the price you have to pay for each tumble dry.
Vented tumble dryers are more costly in the event of a tight budget. They utilize gas to dry your laundry, and they're powered by mains-gas. They are also more limited in their locations of installation because they require a room with appropriate ventilation to let out the damp air.
Condenser dryers remove moisture from the laundry by moving hot air into an individual condensing unit which is then converted into water. The water is then drained away either into a removable container which needs to be manually empty or be piped into your drainage system for continuous removal. This will allow for greater flexibility in the installation places, but you'll need to prepare for any additional maintenance by ensuring the drain pipe is in good condition.
Energy efficiency
If you're concerned about your electricity bills, a tumble dryer heat pump can offer significant savings. heat-pump tumble dryer uses less power to heat the air inside the tumble dryer. This allows it to dry clothes more efficiently and at lower temperatures than vented models.
The dryers also use cooling fluid to reduce the humidity in the air, which is then ejected through the condenser. This means they use less energy than traditional vented models. Dryers may take a bit longer to finish your laundry cycle compared to vented models, however the clothes will feel and look better for longer due to the lower temperatures.
Typically they'll cost you between $500 and $700 more upfront than condenser dryers but this additional cost is offset by the savings you'll earn on your energy costs over the long term. They're also a larger investment and should be placed in rooms that are well-ventilated. ventilation.
Gas Safe engineers are required to install tumble dryers just as they do with any other electrical appliance. A vented dryer needs a flexible, long vent hose that is permanently connected to the appliance at one end, and a drainage point at the other - a drain or window. The hose should be secured in place and cannot be shared with other appliance or used in any manner that could cause it to deteriorate.
Like heat pump dryers, a condenser works by heating the air with an electrical element before expels the moisture via a condensation tray. They're typically heavy-duty dryers that have higher capacity for wet loads, ranging between 6 and 10 kg. They also operate more quietly. They are more expensive to purchase than tumble dryers with heat pumps and cannot be set up without an ongoing wall connection. The cost of running them is more expensive than heat pump dryers, because they require more heat to dry out the moisture in your laundry. They're also less efficient than vented models. They still use electricity to turn the motor that rotates your clothes.
Noise
The sound produced by tumble dryers can be quite loud, but the volume of the sound is dependent on a number of variables. The decibel rating will only be one of many factors. The frequency of the sound can also impact the level of loudness. The sound can also be amplified by resonant objects in the vicinity, such as cabinets, work surfaces or furniture, and it may be affected by the acoustics of the room. The sound of the tumble dryer may be slowed by acoustic absorbent material such as carpets, or it can be drowned out by other appliances operating in your home.
Heat pump and condenser tumble dryers are quieter than vented models, however it's important to keep in mind that they're still noisy. They're more gentle on fabrics, drying your laundry more slowly with lower temperatures of air and a longer cycle than traditional models. They're less damaging to clothing and less likely to cause loss of colour which is usually associated with old-fashioned tumble dryers which use high temperatures.
If you're planning to use your tumble dryer mostly together with washing machines it is crucial to remember that the two appliances must be placed close each other to prevent vibrations and noise during operation. To prevent this issue, the washer and dryer stacking set is available for both types of appliances.
A tumbler with a heat pump requires a continuous flow of air to operate, so it is best to place it in a well-ventilated space in your home. It is essential to ensure that the vent hose is permanently connected to the appliance and that it's safely positioned outside your home, rather than redirecting it through a window or door.
The condenser tumbler, in contrast isn't requiring an ongoing connection to a vent, and can be installed anywhere in your home. It collects the leftover vapour and water into a condensation container that can be manually emptied or connected to a drain by a drainage tube which will automatically empty it.
Converting a vented tumble-dryer into condenser dryer is feasible with an conversion kit. However, this will end the warranty provided by the manufacturer and should only be done by a qualified professional. These kits include the parts needed to install a vent and a small water pump to remove the condensation, so they're not cheap.
Maintenance
The heat pump tumble dryers operate differently than condenser or vented machines because they don't require venting outside in order to extract hot air. The warm air that is blown over your clothes is collected and then run through a condenser, which is used to separate the water from the heated air. Then, it is recirculated in a water reservoir (sometimes called a tank) within the appliance. It is necessary to empty the tank eventually however, you can keep the dryer in the same place as if you installed vents.
The heat pump model is about 50% more energy efficient than vented models. According to Which?, it is also less expensive to run. You can save PS42-PS51 per year. It's a cheap tumble dryer to purchase, and you should ensure you can afford the upfront costs.
In general, a tumble dryer with a heat pump requires only minimal maintenance, besides clearing the lint filter and checking for any fluff around the heating unit every now and then. You will need to clean your drains for condensation more frequently and it takes longer to dry clothes than dryers with vented vents.
Consider a sensor-controlled tumble dryer If you're looking for an affordable model. This will stop the machine after your laundry is done to prevent over-drying and damaging your clothes. You will need to program your dryer's drying cycle when you have a large number of different fabrics.
You can find a range of tumble dryers from brands like Beko and John Lewis that utilize heat pumps, condenser or vented technology. John Lewis offers a free home delivery and a 2-year guarantee. Make sure you read the warranty information 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 fault or breakdown.