Are Heat Pump Tumble Dryers Any Good?
Tumble dryers are a staple in the household, and help us get our laundry dry without having to wait for the sun to come out. But have you heard of heat pump tumble dryers ?
They work at lower temperatures, are less harsh on your clothes, and can save you money over the long term. But are they worth the extra cost up front?
They're more efficient
Heat pump dryers are a great option if you want to cut down on energy. Unlike vented or condenser machines that work by blowing hot air through your wet clothes to evaporate the moisture then storing it in a tank of water at the back of the machine The models with heat pumps have an integrated heating element that can help warm the air before it is circulated through your laundry. They are also able to make use of the warmth that is extracted from the air during the drying process, which helps to conserve energy and money for the household.
This is a much more efficient method of drying clothes than traditional methods which involve using the use of a gas or oil burner to create heat, and then blowing the heated air over the damp clothes in order to evaporate the moisture. It is important to keep in mind that, despite being more energy-efficient than other types of tumble dryers, heat pump machines tend to take a bit longer to dry your laundry. This is because they operate at lower temperatures, which allows them to shield your delicate fabrics and help to keep them in perfect condition.
Heat pump tumble dryers can be quicker than hanging your clothes on the line, especially when you choose the quick cycle settings. They can reduce drying time by as much as 30 minutes. They are also more energy efficient than other tumble dryers when it's time to dry a full load.
They are less expensive to run, despite the fact that they take longer to dry your clothes. According to Which? According to Which?
If you're looking for a more affordable method of getting your laundry dry, we would suggest investing in a fabric softener and adding dryer balls to your tumble dryer to maximise the flow of warm air through your clothes and prevent them from being damaged by heat. It's also a good idea to regularly clean your lint filters too, as a clogged one could block airflow and decrease effectiveness.
They're cheaper to operate
As we all know that energy bills are significant and making sure that your appliances are as efficient as they can be can really help. Tumble dryers with heat pumps are more efficient than vented and condenser models, consuming as much as 50% less power per cycle. This is a lot of money saved!
This is because they recycle the warm air instead of heating it from scratch, like conventional machines. They also run at a lower temperature which isn't just more cost-effective but is better for your clothes. The heat can shrink fabrics and cause necklines to become unevenly shaped. Therefore, you should keep your laundry at a lower temperature to make it easier on it.
With energy prices being at their highest in many years, it's important to take every chance to save as much as you can on your energy bills. A heat pump tumbler can help you achieve this and more. It's estimated that the typical vented tumble dryer costs PS1,928 to run, while an energy-efficient model will cost about PS59 per year!
Additionally, heat pump tumble dryers don't require a vent in order to function. They can therefore be used in any area in your home, even when you don't have an external wall or a gas connection close by. Vented and condenser tumble dryers should be located near an outlet to allow the hot air they emit to escape. This makes it difficult to locate them and even harder to move them if you decide to move house.
It's true that heat-pump tumble dryers are more expensive upfront than other types of tumble dryer, but the energy savings they generate over their lifespan quickly recoup the initial investment. It's worth investing in a tumbler with a heat pump in the present, as prices are dropping steadily with the increased production.
They're quieter
The technology used in these tumble dryers doesn't convert warm air into water like vented models, so it's quieter than other types. Because they're sealed, they also do not require vents to let the damp air out, which makes them a perfect choice for homes in small spaces where venting isn't easily accessible.
This also means they're less noisy when they're running. This could be a huge advantage for anyone looking to keep laundry day as silent and stress-free as they can!
Another thing to note is that drying can take up to 50% longer than a conventional tumble dryer, it will be due to your clothes being dried at an lower temperature. This won't affect the quality of your clothes, but it might take a bit longer to arrive home and find a pile of clean laundry in your hallway.
Another thing to keep in mind is that since the tumble dryers that use heat pumps don't reverse the direction of the drum during the drying cycle and you may encounter that larger items (such as duvet covers) can come out a little scrunched up if your machine isn't suited to their shape. This is usually resolved by adding dryer balls to the cycle because they can help reduce the tangle and improve the circulation of warm air around your clothing, which should help them to dry efficiently.
Heat pump tumble dryers are a great choice for anyone who wants to reduce their energy bills or reduce their carbon footprint, but they're not the best choice for all. If you're looking to purchase a traditional model, we offer a variety of condenser and vented tumble dryers that will help you achieve great results without spending a fortune. Our expert sales advisors can assist you in finding the right tumble dryer for your needs and budget whether in-store or over the phone - why not give us a call to learn more?
They're also more eco-friendly.
Unlike vented or condenser tumble dryers, which require an external vent for hot air to escape to the outside world Heat pump models draw in warm air from the room they're in and then re-heat it meaning less energy is required. This is why they are more environmentally friendly. They reduce the carbon footprint of your home and reduce your energy costs.
We believe that they're a great investment for both your home and the environment. They are also better for clothes because they dry at lower temperatures and are less likely to cause shrinkage of garments and necklines that are not properly shaped, or degrade prints on your clothes.
They can be placed wherever you want. They don't require plumbing and the moisture they absorb is absorbed into an easily accessible reservoir that you can empty. For instance, you may like to have yours in the garage or utility room and they're ideal for use in holiday homes as well.
Although they're not as quick to get your laundry dry, that's because they re-heat the circulating warm air rather than creating it from scratch each time. This means they'll be more efficient than vented and condenser dryers in most instances, but with a much less impact on your energy bills compared to either type of tumble dryer.
Therefore they can save you up to PS42 or PS51 per year when compared to vented tumble dryers, as per Which? - making them an excellent choice for households of all sizes. They're also kinder to the environment, using up to 50% less power than condenser or vented models, so you can feel good about doing your part to help the planet when you're washing your laundry.