Heat pump dryers are newest trend in laundry. LG and Whirlpool are actively marketing a full size unit. Blomberg just introduced their compact dryer last week in New York at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show (read more here).
After looking at heat pump technology for 6 months, It is a product you should consider. For builders, it should almost be the number one choice.
I'll explain why but first, let's review:
What is a Heat Pump Dryer?
Let's explain the science behind the heat pump dryer.
Heated air circulates inside the drum and picks up humidity from garments. Hot air is extracted from the drum and moves to the heat exchanger.
The heat exchanger drops the humidity and condenses it to water. Water is collected at the base tank and automatically pumped out. Dry air is reheated at the back of the exchanger and moved back inside the dryer drum.
What are the Benefits of a Heat Pump Dryer?
Builders do not have to plan and cut holes for vented dryers. That’s huge. Most buildings in Boston uses straight condenser dryers.
Heat pumps are unbelievably efficient. This machine will use less than 4 amps. The average machine uses a 30 amp line. The Electrolux dryers, for example, use 25 amps. The difference with a heat pump is 50-70% greater efficiency.
Most people are now placing laundry on a second or third floor, in a closet or mudroom. You do not have to lug laundry up and down stairs.
The main advantage for a homeowner is faster drying times. Because the dryer is self contained, you do not have heat emission like a straight condenser dryer.
- Flexibility - Builders and designers can place dryers anywhere in the home.
- Energy Efficient - Energy Star qualified and most efficient in their class.
- Compact Size - Designed with small spaces in mind, its compact size can fit in any home.
- Fast Drying - Faster drying due to self venting, includes 14 different drying cycles.
Blomberg Ventless Heat Pump
W/DHP24400W - (pricing unknown at time)
Features
- 4.1 cu. ft.
- 14 drying cycles
- LED digital display
- OptiSense Automatic sensor drying
- Bi-directional drum action
- Auto anti-creasing cycle
- Aquawave structured stainless steel drum
- Clean filter indicator light
- Child lock
- Reversible door
- Automatic direct drain
- Energy star qualified
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 33 1/4 x 23 3/8 x 23 3/4 in
Final Thoughts
I am typically skeptical of new products. There are always a disproportionate amount of service and issues. Heat pump technology, however, has been available in HVAC for awhile. We sold Friedrich heat pumps in the 1990s.
In terms of efficiency, this unit is better than any other machine. It really combines the advantages of not running a vent without the emissions.
The dryer allows you to place the laundry pair anywhere.
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Additional Resources
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