Heat Pump Dryer
Save Energy and Money and Protect the Climate With Heat Pump Dryers
Heat pump dryers that have earned the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient recognition offer the biggest advantage to consumers with high clothes dryer usage and high electricity rates.
WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP DRYER?
A heat pump dryer works as a closed loop system by heating the air using it to remove moisture from the clothes and then reusing it once the moisture is removed. Rather than releasing warm, humid air through a dryer vent to the exterior of the home as a conventional dryer does, a heat pump dryer sends it through an evaporator to remove the moisture without losing too much heat. Making use of a refrigerant as part of this process means less electricity is used to generate heat.
HEAT PUMP DRYER ADVANTAGES
- Easy to install since they don’t require ventilation
- Can reduce energy use by at least 28% compared to standard dryers
- Dries laundry at low temperatures, so they are gentler on clothes
Watch this video to see a heat pump dryer in action
CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEAT PUMP DRYER MODEL
Start by considering where in your home you plan to do laundry, the size of the laundry loads you’ll be doing, and the features that best meet your needs. ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryer models are available from brands including Asko, Beko, Blomberg, LG, Miele, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
FROM SMALL SPACES TO LARGE LOADS
Compact models can be installed in tight spaces and even stacked with a compact washing machine. And since these models don’t require a vent, they can be installed in any room with electricity and a water source — making them a great choice for tiny homes, accessory dwelling units (e.g., apartment over the garage), and additions. Dryers with larger drums, which can also earn the ENERGY STAR label, offer greater capacity.
IF YOU WANT SMART FEATURES
All ENERGY STAR certified dryers come with moisture sensors, which can help save time and energy and prevent over drying. But the features don’t stop there — take a look, and you’ll find models with anti-wrinkle technology, smart settings, and even remote smartphone control.
WATER DRAINAGE
A heat pump dryer’s evaporator removes moisture from the air during the drying process, resulting in water that needs to be drained. Potential solutions include manually draining the water tank, using a drain hose (provided by the manufacturer) to discard the water automatically in a nearby sink or drain pipe, or installing a device that allows a heat pump dryer to use the clothes washer drain to remove the water.
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HEAT PUMP DRYER
These tips will ensure you’re making the most of your new ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryer.
- Pair your dryer with an ENERGY STAR certified front-load washer, which removes significantly more water from your laundry during the final spin cycle, for maximum efficiency
- Use the sensor setting to stop your dryer as soon as your laundry is done
- Your heat pump dryer already uses relatively low heat compared to a standard electric dryer — using the lowest heat setting makes it even more efficient
- Regular maintenance, including cleaning the filters, keeps your dryer running efficiently and improves its lifespan