Heat Pump Dryers

Heat pump dryers use refrigerant technology to generate and distribute warm air, continuously reheating and recycling it rather than expelling heat. This closed-loop system extracts moisture from clothes, condenses it into water, and stores it in a removable container.

Air passes through an evaporator where cooling causes moisture to condense out. The dried air then moves through a heat exchanger for reheating before returning to the drum. No external venting is required, allowing installation in cupboards or rooms without windows.

Condensed water either drains directly into plumbing or collects in a tank requiring manual emptying after each cycle. Lower temperatures mean gentler fabric treatment but extended cycle times, typically adding 30-60 minutes to standard cotton loads compared to condenser models. Heat pump technology prioritises efficiency over speed.

Condenser dryers generate significantly more heat using electric elements that consume substantially more power than heat pump technology. Both collect moisture in condensation containers, but condensers push warm air outside the drum during operation.

Rooms with condenser dryers need adequate ventilation to prevent humidity build-up, whereas heat pump models maintain room temperature without releasing heat. Heat pump versus condenser choice depends on priorities between speed and running costs.

Comparison points:

• Heat pumps use 50% less energy than condensers

• Condensers complete cycles 30-60 minutes faster

• Heat pumps operate at lower temperatures

• Condensers require room ventilation, heat pumps don't

• Heat pumps cost more initially but save long-term

Larger drum capacities are more readily available in heat pump varieties, with 10kg options common compared to condenser models typically maxing at 8kg or 9kg. Best heat pump dryers balance capacity, features, and budget requirements.

For some households if relying on a dryer regularly during the cooler months and having wet clothes or towels strewn across the house is not an option, you’d want a Dryer that keeps energy consumption to a minimum. That’s where a Heat Pump Dryer comes in. The energy efficiencies gained from how they dry can’t be compared and their initial higher outlay is offset by the bill savings made over time.

You can also place a Heat Pump Dryer virtually anywhere because it won’t expel any hot air, so it’ll be fine in a room without ventilation even in a cupboard. Just remember to empty out the condensed water if it’s not set up to be drained. Heat Pump Dryers can also take longer to dry but they’re softer on clothes as a result.

Not only in Tumble Dryers, this energy saving technology is also found in Drying Cabinets from ASKO, Samsung and LG which is worth considering if Ironing is not a chore you love or you frequently have multiple smaller items to dry at once.

Heat pump dryers suit households running multiple loads weekly when outdoor line drying isn't practical during cooler months. Superior efficiency offsets higher purchase prices within a few years for regular users wanting minimal energy bills.

Placement flexibility allows installation in cupboards, garages, or internal spaces without external venting or specific room conditions. No heat expulsion or moisture issues occur regardless of location.

Longer drying times require consideration if you need clothes dried quickly for immediate use. Full cotton cycles take 2-3 hours compared to 90 minutes in condensers, though gentler treatment protects fabric quality.

Suitable if you:

• Dry 3+ loads weekly year-round

• Want lowest possible running costs

• Have limited laundry room ventilation

• Need large capacity (9-10kg) options

• Require fabric protection for delicate clothing

Space-constrained laundries can stack heat pump dryers above front-loading washing machines using manufacturer-specific stacking kits. Budget-conscious shoppers should weigh initial costs against long-term savings.

Heat Pump Dryers can either be stacked above a Front Load Washing Machine using a Washer Dryer Stacking Kit (sold separately) or they can sit on the floor. They can’t be wall mounted and neither can a Condenser, you’ll need a Vented Dryer for compact laundries.

This is due to Heat Pumps being too heavy and their inability to be mounted upside down, as their condensation trays won't flow or be able to be emptied otherwise.

Stacking can also be used to save space in pre-existing laundries provided that fixed cupboards don’t get in the way. Remember that a Heat Pump Dryer doesn’t need ventilation, so it doesn’t have to sit in your laundry if your existing space or layout is restricted and you have your heart set on one.

Heat Pump Dryers draw on very little electricity due to their unique drying method, which is why they’re the least expensive way to tumble dry clothing, linen and towels. Always wring out as much moisture as possible first by using the max spin speed on a Washing Machine to help cut down on Drying time.

They’re particularly economical to run considering several models in the large 8 to 10kg range have an 8, 9 or even 10 Star Energy Ratings. If you’re putting yours to use fairly regularly and making good use of the drum, you’ll reap the benefits at bill time.

Remember to compare Dryers of the same capacity to gauge what the energy efficiency is like and to be able to estimate what the average annual running cost will be. Refer to the Australian Government’s Energy Rating website which says to multiply the kWh on the energy label by the cost of electricity in your area.

Modern heat pump dryers include Wi-Fi connectivity for monitoring cycle progress and receiving completion notifications through smartphone apps. Remote start functions allow cycle initiation whilst away from home.

Sensor technology automatically adjusts drying time based on detected moisture levels, preventing over-drying and reducing energy waste. LED displays show remaining time, selected program, and maintenance alerts including filter cleaning reminders.

Smart features:

• App control for remote operation and monitoring

• Energy consumption tracking and reporting

• Maintenance scheduling and alert systems

• Delay start timers for off-peak electricity hours

• Interior drum lights for improved visibility