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 heat-pump tumble dryer dryers, including both vented and condenser models as well as heat pump tumble dryers. Find out more about them in our guide to tumble dryers.

Cost

Tumble dryers are great for reducing the need to hang laundry in the sun, and also for saving space for storage, but they tend to use quite a lot of energy. If you are looking to cut down on your energy bills, it may be worth trying an energy-efficient tumble dryer. Although these dryers do have a higher upfront cost, they will save you money in the long run due to their lower energy consumption.

Heat pump tumble dryers work on the basis of heating air that has already warmed up during the drying process. This results in significantly lower energy bills than vented or condensation models. This kind of tumble dryer uses only half the energy as condenser or vented models, which can save you up to PS173 on your monthly utility bills.

When comparing heat pump tumble dryers to other types, there's usually a negligible cost difference. But, it's crucial to take into consideration the amount of energy is being used and the frequency you'll be using your tumble dryer. You'll need to factor in the wattage of the machine as well as your electricity rate which will affect the amount you pay for each tumble dryer.

Vented tumble dryers make use of gas to dry laundry and are powered by gas mains which means they are an expensive option when you're on a strict budget. They are also less flexible in their installation locations because they need to be placed in a room with appropriate ventilation to expel the damp air.

Condenser dryers eliminate the moisture from your laundry by moving hot humid air to an additional unit where it is converted to water. The water is then drained away, either into a container that must be manually empty or be piped into your drainage system for continuous removal. This gives you more flexibility in the installation places, but you'll have to be prepared 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 washer dryer pump could provide substantial savings. The technology requires less power to heat the air inside the tumble dryer, which enables it to dry your clothes more efficiently and at lower temperatures than vented models.

They also employ a cooling agent that disperses the air's humidity and then ejects it out through the condenser, meaning they use less power to operate than traditional vented models. They may take a little longer to finish your laundry cycle than vented dryers, however your clothes will remain looking and feeling better for longer due to the lower drying temperatures.

Typically they'll cost you between $500 to $700 more upfront than condenser dryers but the extra cost is offset by the savings you'll make on your energy costs over the long term. They're also more expensive and require adequate ventilation.

As with all electrical appliances, it's crucial that the installation of a tumble dryer is completed by an Gas Safe engineer. A vented dryer needs a long, flexible vent hose that is permanently connected the appliance at one end and a drainage point at the other - the drain, window or door. This hose cannot be shared or used in a way that could cause damage to it.

As with heat pump dryers, a condenser works by heating the air by using an electrical element, and then expels the moisture via the condensation tray. They are usually heavy-duty dryers, with greater wet load capacities, ranging from 6kg - 10kg. They also run more quietly. They're more expensive to purchase than heat pump tumble driers and aren't able to be mounted without an ongoing wall connection. They're also more expensive to run than heat pump dryers because they require plenty of heat to evaporate the water from your laundry. Additionally, they aren't as efficient as vented models. They still use electricity to turn the motor which turns your clothes.

Noise

Tumble dryers generate plenty of noise, but the volume they emit is contingent on a variety of variables. The decibel rating can only be one factor. The frequency of the sound also affects how loud it sounds. The sound may also be amplified by resonant objects in the vicinity, such as work surfaces, cabinets or furniture, and may be affected by the room's acoustics. The sound from the tumble dryer may be slowed by acoustic absorbent material such as carpets, or it can be drowned out by other appliances that are operating in your home.

Condenser and heat pump models are quieter than vented dryers however, they're still noisy. They're more gentle on fabrics, drying your laundry more slowly with lower temperatures and a much longer cycle than traditional models. This means they're less damaging to your clothes and are less likely to cause loss of color that is often associated with high temperature old-fashioned tumble dryers.

It's important to remember that when you intend to use your tumbler dryer in conjunction alongside a washer both appliances must be placed close to each other to prevent vibrations or noises during operation. To avoid this problem it is recommended to use the washer and dryer stacking set is available for both types of appliances.

Heat pump tumble dryers need a constant flow of air in order to work, therefore they must be located in a location that is well ventilated in your home. It is essential to ensure that the vent hose is permanently connected to the appliance, and it's securely routed out of your home, rather than redirected through a window or door.

Condenser tumble dryer on the other hand, does not require the permanent connection to a vent and can be installed anywhere in your home. It stores the water and vapour left over in containers that can be manually emptied or connected to a drain via a drainage pipe which will automatically empty it.

Converting a vented tumble-dryer into condenser dryer can be done with an conversion kit. However, this could invalidate the manufacturer's warranty and should only be done by a certified professional. These kits include the parts required to set up a vent and a small water pump to eliminate the condensation, therefore they're not inexpensive.

Maintenance

Heat pump tumble dryers work differently from condenser or vented dryers in that they don't need external venting for the purpose of removing hot air. The warm air that passes over your clothes is absorbed and then passed through a condenser that is used to separate the hot water from the cold air. It is then collected in a reservoir of water (sometimes called a tank) inside the appliance. You will have to empty the tank at some point however, you can store the dryer in the same location as if you installed vents.

The heat pump model is approximately 50% more energy efficient than vented models. According to Which? it is also cheaper to run. It can save you between PS42 and PS51 per year. However, it's not an inexpensive tumble dryer to purchase and you must make sure you can afford the upfront costs.

A tumble dryer with a heat pump requires very little maintenance aside from cleaning the lint filter and checking for a buildup of dust on the heating unit once in a while. However, you will need to clean the condensation drain regularly and it will take longer than a vented tumbler to dry your clothes.

Consider a sensor-controlled tumble dryer if you're looking for an affordable model. The sensor heat pump tumble dryers will stop the machine automatically after your laundry is done by preventing excessive drying and harm to your clothes. But, you'll have to manually program the drying cycle, and this can be a hassle when you have a lot of different fabrics in your wardrobe.

Brands like Beko and John Lewis provide tumble dryers that utilize condenser, heat pump or vented technology. John Lewis offers a free home delivery service and a two-year guarantee. It is important to read the warranty information carefully before you purchase any appliance, particularly one that is electrical like a tumbler to ensure you're covered in the event of faults or breakdowns.