A closed-loop heat pump dryer heats air to remove moisture from items and reuse it. A heat pump dryer removes moisture without losing heat by sending warm, humid air through an evaporator instead of a dryer vent to the outside. With a refrigerant, less power is needed to create heat.
Heat pump dryers employ heat exchanger techniques and are more performance-efficient than vented or condenser dryers. Several manufacturers now provide nine- or ten-star efficiency ratings, compared to two stars for vented dryers. While all dryers push hot air across wet space, heat pump dryers differ from vented or condenser dryers, so some factors must be considered.
Working of a Heat Pump Dryer
Fundamentally, your traditional vented dryer is a sheet metal box with a heater, motor, timer, and fan. Because of its simplicity, your 1982 Hoover is likely still handling your tasks since it's not easily fragmented. In contrast, heat pump dryers use assorted components and cutting-edge technology to maximize energy efficiency, but they might be expensive.
Your heat pump dryer uses refrigerant. A remarkable material, refrigerant must boil and condense at certain temperatures and pressures to work as a heat pump. It's true that tetrafluoroethane (R134A), the refrigerant in heat pump dryers, is not flammable and does not deplete the ozone layer. However, you must handle it carefully while fixing or recycling one of these appliances. It renders end-of-life disposal more difficult. A vented drier uses air as its only gas.
How It Differs from Counterparts
Their closed-loop heat exchange technique renders heat pump dryers more energy-proficient than vented and condenser dryers. Heat pump dryers recycle hot air, unlike vented and condenser dryers, which exhaust hot air outdoors or transform it into water, requiring manual emptying. Reheating the air after moisture extraction reduces energy usage in this recycling process.
Moreover, heat pump dryers run lower temperatures (about 50 °C) than condenser dryers (70-75 °C). It limits heat damage and improves object care. The energy savings and gentle drying of heat pump dryers make them more efficient and sustainable. Furthermore, heat pump dryers, like condenser versions, do not need external venting. It allows for additional installation options.
While they have longer drying times, heat pump tumble dryers are technologically groundbreaking and environmentally friendly, thanks to their higher energy efficiency.
Considerations of a Heat Pump Dryer
The following are the factors to consider before getting and using a heat pump dryer.
Electricity
Installing a heat pump dryer needs a 240-volt outlet if you previously used a gas dryer on 120-volt. If new wiring isn't possible, some manufacturers may also provide 120-volt variants. Nevertheless, most traditional electric dryers already need 240 volts.
Sizing
Dryers often have two sizes. Standard dryers hold 6 or more cubic feet, whereas compact dryers hold 4. Heat pump dryers come in compact, full-size, and hybrid types. Remember, according to a field study, compact dryers can accommodate 95% of full-size dryer loads.
Operating
Space moisture determines drying time. A heat pump dryer takes longer to dry the usual load. Heat pump dryers are friendlier on targeted items since they extract moisture at a lower temperature, reducing wear and tear. Heat pump dryers don't exhaust air outside, so all the heat stays in your space. It warms the area somewhat more than a vented dryer, particularly in a compact, confined environment. It should be considered before placing the dryer in your location.
Maintaining
Heat pump dryers are simple to maintain. The dryer has a lint trap and filters to protect the delicate coils from recirculated air lint. It is simple to clean and has to be cleaned after a few cycles. It would help if you cleared the dryer tray every cycle to remove moisture. But you may skip this step by attaching a dryer line to drain water into a sink or floor drain. Cleaning condenser coils monthly may be necessary. It is easy with a brushed vacuum head. Like any equipment, periodic upkeep can keep your heat pump dryer running smoothly and extend its usefulness.
FAQs about Heat Pump Dryers
In this part, let's discuss some of the frequently asked questions about heat pump dryers.
Do Heat Pump Dryers Reverse Tumble?
Because the drum and fan are powered by the same motor in heat pump dryers, reverse tumbling is not an option. Turning the drum around would also turn the fan in the opposite direction. It would force hot air out of the dryer (and maybe ruin it) and move cold air onto your objects.
Massive goods might become a ball or sausage if you don't use reverse tumbling. It prevents them from drying correctly. To resolve this issue, manufacturers try to disentangle their contents by reversing the drum momentarily, like 30 or 90 seconds. However, this may not be enough to unwind the sausage. You might have to flip it over halfway through the cycle manually.
How Long Is A Heat Pump Dryer Cycle?
Heat pump dryers can't heat air as well as vented dryers. Less heat is better for objects. Thus, sensor drying technology prevents items from drying out crispy and singed.
The average complete load takes longer, say 240 minutes, to dry compared to vented dryers. That's still shorter than a washer-dryer combo's several hours, say 6-7 hours, of drying time. Nonetheless, it's essential if you're drying numerous loads each day. Since heat pump dryers are more complicated than vented dryers, they may provide additional features.
Heat Pump Dryers Consume How Much Energy?
The main perk of heat pump dryers is energy savings. They utilize about 30% less energy than traditional dryers, which impacts your energy cost. The average 10-year operating cost for heat pump dryers might be around $600, compared to over $1500 for vented dryers. It's with one run each week. Heavy dryer users will save more and quickly justify the increased purchase price.
Yet, there is a flip side to this coin. Heat pump dryers are costly, and you'll get your money's worth from the energy savings if you use your dryer frequently. So, before you commit to a particular dryer technology, think about how often you use your dryer and the total cost of ownership.
About AIM Heat Pump
China-based AIM Heat Pump has 15 years of heat pump dryer manufacturing expertise. They provide a cabinet, bucket, drying chamber, conveyor, and grain drying tower heat pump dryers. Meanwhile, they create technologies for food dehydration and industrial drying. Remarkably, their heat pump dryers save up to 75% more energy than typical drying techniques. Their trademarks include high efficiency, delicate drying, configurable settings for different materials, and WiFi control for drying monitoring. Contact AIM Heat Pump for further information.