Heat Pump Tumble Dryers

The tumble dryers that use heat pumps make use of hot air to dry your clothes instead of venting it outdoors. This conserves energy, making it a cost-effective choice for your household.

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

Cost

Tumble dryers are fantastic for reducing the need to hang laundry in the sun and to save space for storage, but they also often consume much energy. If you're looking to lower your energy consumption, it might be worth changing to a high-temperature tumble dryer. They are more expensive initially, however they will save you money over time because of their lower energy consumption.

The heat pump tumble dryers function by heating the air that was already warmed up during the drying process, which results in significantly lower energy bills than condenser models vented or vented. This type of tumble dryer typically uses approximately half the electricity as a vented condenser model, and can save you up to PS173 per year on your utility bills.

When you compare the cost of a pump tumble dryer versus other types, the difference is usually minimal. However, it is important to consider the amount of energy that is being used and the frequency you'll use your tumble dryer. It is important to consider the wattage and your electricity bill in determining how much each tumble dryer will cost you.

Vented tumble dryers are more expensive if your budget is tight. They utilize gas to dry your laundry and they are powered by mains gas. They are also less flexible in their installation locations because they need to be placed in a space that has adequate ventilation to let out the humid air.

Condenser dryers take the moisture from your laundry by moving hot humid air into separate units where it is transformed into water. The water is then drained away either into a removable container which needs to be manually empty or be plumbed into your drainage system for continuous removal. This will allow for greater flexibility in the installation places, but you'll need to be prepared for additional maintenance by making sure that the drain pipe is in good condition.

Energy efficiency

If you're worried about your energy costs the tumble dryer heat pump can offer significant savings. The technology requires less energy to heat the air inside the tumble dryer. This enables it to dry clothes more efficiently and at lower temperatures than vented models.

The dryers also utilize an aerator to liquefy the humidity in the air, which is then ejected through the condenser. This means they use less electricity than the traditional vented models. They may take longer to finish your laundry cycle than vented dryers, efficient but your clothes will stay looking and more comfortable for longer due to the lower temperatures for drying.

Typically they'll cost you between $500 and $700 more up front than condenser dryers, but this additional cost is offset by the savings you'll make on your energy bills over the long haul. They're also a heavier investment and should be placed in rooms with adequate ventilation.

As with all electrical appliances, it's essential that any tumble dryer installation is done by an experienced Gas Safe engineer. Ventilated dryers require a flexible, long vent hose that is permanently connected the appliance at one end and a drainage point at the other - the drain or window. The hose should be secured in place and shouldn't be shared with another appliance or used in any manner that could lead to its deterioration.

Condenser dryers operate in a similar way to heat pump dryers. They utilize an electrical element to heat the air, and then release the moisture via the condensation tray. They tend to be heavy-duty dryers with greater capacity for wet loads ranging between 6 and 10kg. They also are quieter to operate. They're 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 evaporate the moisture in your laundry. They are less efficient than vented models. However, they make use of a considerable amount of power as they turn the motor that spins your laundry.

Noise

tumble dryers heat pump dryers generate lots of noise however, the level of loudness is contingent on a variety of factors. The decibel rating will only be one factor. The frequency of the sound also affects the volume at which it sounds. The sound can be amplified if there are resonant items nearby, such as cabinets, work surfaces, or furniture. It could also be affected by a room's acoustics. The sound produced by your tumble dryer could be muffled by carpets or another acoustic absorbent material.

Condenser and heat pump dryers are quieter than vented models, however it's important to remember that they're still noisy. They're more gentle on fabrics, drying your laundry less quickly due to lower air temperatures and a longer time than traditional models. They are less damaging to clothing and less likely to cause colour loss, which is often associated with old-fashioned tumble dryers which use high temperatures.

If you plan to use your tumble dryer primarily together with washing machine, it's important to keep in mind that both appliances should be located close to each other in order to avoid noise and vibrations when they are in use. A stacking washer and dryer kit is available to solve this issue. It can be bought for both types of appliances.

A heat pump tumble dryer needs to have a continuous flow of air in order to function, therefore it's best placed in a well-ventilated space in your home. You'll need to ensure that the vent hose is permanently connected to the appliance and safely positioned out of your home, rather than directed through a door or window.

The condenser tumble dryer, however, does not require a permanent connection to a vent, and can be installed anywhere in your home. It collects the leftover vapour and water in a condensation container that can be manually empty or connected to a drain with a drainage tube which will automatically empty it.

Converting a vented tumble-dryer into condenser dryer can be done by using a conversion kit. However, this will invalidate the warranty provided by the manufacturer and should only by done by a qualified professional. These kits include the parts required to set up the vent and a tiny water pump to eliminate the condensation, which is why they're not inexpensive.

Maintenance

The heat pump tumble dryers operate differently than condenser or vented dryers in that they don't require external venting for the purpose of removing hot air. The warm air that is blown through your clothes is captured and then run through a condenser that is used to separate the hot water from the cold air. Then, it is recirculated in a reservoir of water (sometimes called a tank) within the appliance. You will have empty the tank at some point, but you can keep the dryer in the same location like if you had a vent.

Compared to vented models, the heat pump model uses around 50% less energy. According to Which?, it is also more economical to run. You can save between PS42 and PS51 per year. It's an inexpensive tumble dryer to buy, and you should be sure to budget the initial costs.

A tumbler with a heat pump requires very little maintenance aside from cleaning the lint filters and checking for fluff on the heater unit from time to time. However, you do have to clean the drain for condensation often and it can take longer than a vented dryer to dry your clothes.

If you are looking for a tumble dryer that isn't expensive it is worth taking a look at an automatic model that stops when your laundry is done to prevent drying too long, which can cause damage to your clothes. You'll have to manually program your dryer's drying cycle when you have a large number of different clothes.

You can choose from a variety of tumble dryers from brands such as Beko and John Lewis that utilize heat pumps, condenser or vented technologies. John Lewis offers a free home delivery and a 2-year guarantee. You should always check the warranty information carefully before you purchase any appliance, particularly one that is electrical such as a tumbler, to ensure you're covered in case of breakdowns or faults.