Heat Pump Tumble Dryers

Heat pump tumble dryers recycle the hot air they use to dry your clothes, rather than venting it outside. This is a cost-effective option for your household as it saves energy.

John Lewis has a range of tumble dryers, which include condenser and vented models as well as heat pump tumble dryers. Find out more in our guide to tumble dryers.

Cost

Tumble dryers are fantastic for eliminating the need to hang laundry outside in the sun and for saving space for storage, but they are prone to using lots of energy. If you are looking to cut down on your energy costs you might want to considering switching to a heat pump tumble dryer. Although these machines have a higher initial cost, they can save you money in the long run due to their lower energy consumption.

The heat pump tumble dryers operate by heating the air that was warmed up during the drying process. This results in lower energy bills than models that are vented or condenser. This type of tumble-dryer uses half the electricity as condenser or vented models, which can save you up to PS173 on your energy bills every year.

When you compare the price of a heat pump tumble dryer against other types, the difference is usually minimal. It is important to consider the amount of energy consumed and the frequency you use your tumble dryer. It is important to consider the wattage as well as your electricity bill when calculating how much each tumble dryer will cost.

Vented tumble dryers can be more expensive when you're on a tight budget. They utilize gas to dry your laundry, and they're powered by mains-gas. The installation options are limited as they must be placed in a room that has adequate ventilation for the humid air.

Condenser dryers eliminate moisture from the laundry by transferring hot air into an individual condensing unit where it's converted to water. The water is then drained away, either into a container that needs to be manually emptied or can be plugged into your drainage system for continuous removal. This allows for greater flexibility when it comes to installation places, but you'll have to be prepared for any additional maintenance by ensuring that the drain pipe is in good condition.

Energy efficiency

If you're worried about your energy bills, a tumbler heat pump can provide significant savings. The technology uses less power to heat the air inside the tumble dryer. This lets it dry clothes more efficiently and at lower temperatures than vented models.

The dryers also use an aerator to liquefy the humidity in the air, which is then ejected through the condenser. This means they consume less power than traditional vented models. The dryers may take a little longer to finish your laundry cycle compared to vented models, but your clothes will feel and look better for longer because of the lower temperatures.

Typically they'll cost between $500 to $700 more upfront than condenser dryers, but this extra expense is easily offset by the savings you'll earn on your energy costs in the long run. They are also more expensive and require adequate ventilation.

Gas Safe engineers are required to install tumble dryers similar to any other electrical appliance. A vented dryer requires an extended, flexible vent hose that's permanently connected to the appliance at one end and the drainage point - which could be a drain or a door or window at the other. The hose needs to be secured in place and cannot be shared with another appliance or used in any manner that could cause it to degrade.

Condenser dryers operate similarly similar to heat pump dryers. They employ an electric element to heat the air before releasing the moisture through a condensation tray. They're usually heavy-duty dryers that have higher capacity for wet loads, which range between 6 and 10 kg. They also operate more quietly. They're more expensive to purchase than tumble dryers with heat pumps and cannot be set up without an permanent 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. However, they do still make use of a considerable amount of power as they turn the motor that rotates your laundry.

Noise

The sound produced by tumble dryers is quite loud, but the volume depends on several variables. The decibel rating will only be one of the many variables. The frequency of the sound can also impact how loud it sounds. The sound may be amplified if there are resonant items nearby such as cabinets, work surfaces, or furniture. It could also be affected by the room's acoustics. The sound from the tumble dryer can be dampened by acoustic absorbent material like carpets, or it can be drowned out by other appliances operating within your home.

Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers are quieter than vented models, however it's worth bearing in mind that they're still loud. They are more gentle on your clothes and dry your laundry faster with lower air temperatures. They also have longer cycles. They're less damaging to clothes and less likely to cause loss of colour that is typically associated with old-fashioned tumble Dryers Heat Pump that use high temperatures.

If you're planning to use your tumble dryer primarily together with washing machine it's important to keep in mind that the two appliances must be placed close to each other to prevent the noise and vibrations that occur when they are in use. A stacking washer and dryer kit is available to help avoid this issue, which can be purchased for all types of appliances.

A heat pump tumble dryer needs to have an uninterrupted 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 connected to the appliance and securely positioned out of your home instead of being redirected through a window or door.

The condenser tumble dryer, however does not require the permanent connection to a vent and can be put in any place in your home. It collects the water and vapour left over in a container that can be manually emptied or connected to a drain using an drainage pipe that will automatically empty it.

It's possible to turn an unventilated tumble dryer into a condenser model by using a conversion kit, but it will void the manufacturer's warranty and Dryers Heat pump should only be done by a certified professional. The kits include components to set up vents, aswell as a small pump to remove condensation.

Maintenance

Heat pump tumble dryers work differently than condenser or vented dryers in that they don't require venting outside to extract hot air. Instead the warm air that is passing through your clothes is collected and absorbed inside the appliance, which then runs it through a condenser in order to separate the hot water from the cold air and store it in a tank (sometimes called a reservoir) inside the machine. This means that you'll need to empty the tank at some point but it also permits you to store the dryer in less space than if you had to install a vent in the machine.

The heat pump model is around 50 percent more energy efficient than vented models. This makes it cheaper to run, which means you'll save around PS42-PS51 per year according to Which? and it's also much more sustainable for the environment. It's a cheap tumble dryer to buy and you need to ensure you can afford the initial costs.

In general, a tumble dryer that is powered by a heat pump needs minimal maintenance, other than cleaning the lint filter, and checking for any dust particles around the heater unit every now and then. You'll have to clean your condensation drain more often and it takes longer to dry your clothes than dryers with vented vents.

Think about a sensor-controlled tumbler if you're looking for a low-cost model. The sensor will stop the machine immediately after your laundry is done to prevent over-drying and damaging your clothes. However, you'll have to programme the drying cycle and this could be a pain when you have a lot of different clothes in your wardrobe.

You can choose from a variety of tumble dryers from brands such as Beko and John Lewis that use heat pumps, condenser or vented technology. John Lewis offers a free home delivery service and a two-year warranty. Always check the warranty details carefully before you purchase an appliance, especially an electrical one such as a tumbler, Dryers Heat Pump to ensure that you're covered in case of breakdowns or malfunctions.