These days, heat pump dryers have become more and more popular. They've gained a reputation for being energy-efficient, convenient, and easy to install since they don't use vents to work. With that last feature, you may wonder if you can mount them on the wall to save space. We've done extensive research to discover the answer to this question.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to wall-mount heat pump dryers. This is because they typically weigh above 110 lbs (50 kg), which makes them too heavy to be mounted on brackets and hung securely on the wall. However, you can place it on top of a washing machine to save space.
If you're still deciding on whether to purchase a heat pump dryer for your home, keep reading! We've got more information below about where you can put a heat pump dryer, how it works, whether they're worth investing in, and more answers to your relevant questions about this type of appliance.
Can you put a heat pump tumble dryer anywhere?
While it's not possible to wall-mount a heat pump dryer, the good news is that you can place it anywhere! Because these don't need plumbing and they don't require an exhaust hose to remove moisture, you can put them in any spot that's the most convenient and space-saving for your basement or laundry room.
How do heat pump tumble dryers work?
Specifically designed to conserve energy, a heat pump dryer uses and reuses hot air in a closed-loop system instead of releasing it through a dryer vent. How does it do this?
First, the dryer heats the air to extract moisture from your clothes. Then, this hot air goes through a series of filters, then eventually to the evaporator coil within the refrigerant system to get rid of the moisture.
During this time, the air will cool down a bit, so it will go through a condenser that will heat it back up. Once the hot air is produced, the dryer will push it back into the drum to repeat the cycle once again.
The moisture removed from your clothes is collected into a built-in water tank. To drain water from your dryer, you will need to drain this tank every two cycles or use a drain hose to accomplish this task.
Does a heat pump dryer take longer to dry?
One of the downsides of heat pump dryers is that they take longer to dry clothes than traditional vented dryers since they don't release hot air and go up to a maximum of 122°F. The average load of laundry will take about 241 minutes or approximately four hours to dry in a heat pump dryer, whereas it would take 167 minutes or two hours and 47 minutes to dry in a traditional vented dryer.
However, slower drying can actually be good for your clothes! Because heat pump dryers dry clothes at lower temperatures, they provide more protection and lengthen the life of your clothing.
Do heat pump dryers work in cold weather?
A heat pump dryer needs a temperature of at least 50°F to function properly. Otherwise, it won't be able to heat up. This means you need to keep it in a relatively warm area. It's usually not recommended to place your heat pump dryer in your garage, especially in the winter.
Are heat pump dryers worth the extra money?
It's true that heat pump dryers cost more than their traditional counterparts. Heat pump dryers cost around $600 to $700, while low-budget electric dryers cost around $200 to $400.
However, there are plenty of advantages to having a heat pump dryer. It may be worth the extra money for certain kinds of consumers. You might be willing to pay a heftier price upfront for this type of dryer if:
1. You're looking to reduce your monthly energy bills
Heat pump dryers use 33% to 50% less energy than traditional dryers! This means it can give you more savings on your monthly bills. With this dryer, you can dry blankets, towels, and other large and thick items without worrying about excessive expenses.
2. You have large loads of laundry
If you live alone or have a two-person household, a heat pump dryer might not be worth the splurge for you. But if you have a big family, then it's definitely worth investing in.
Because you go through large loads of laundry, you're likely to have soaring energy bills. A heat pump dryer will help cut down on these bills, so you don't have to fret about your family budget.
3. You want to make your home more environmentally friendly
Since heat pump dryers use a lot less energy than traditional dryers, you can do your part in caring for our environment while ensuring you have dry and fresh clothes. If being eco-friendly is especially important to you, then getting a heat pump dryer is ideal for you.
4. You want a dryer that's gentle on clothes
Traditional dryers use very high drying temperatures that can be quite harsh on your clothing. Heat pump dryers, on the other hand, use lower temperatures so they're much gentler on fabric. This means your clothes are handled with more care and protected from shrinkage and overdrying.
Which is better: condenser or heat pump dryer?
Condenser dryers remove moisture from clothes and convert warm air from them into water, then collect the condensed water into a reservoir. Unlike heat pump dryers, condenser dryers use high heat to dry clothes and require ventilation with a continuous supply of cool air.
Both these types of dryers have their advantages and disadvantages. Deciding which one is better suited for you will depend on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the pros and cons of each dryer:
Pros of heat pump dryers:
- Energy-efficient; saves on energy bills
- Environmentally friendly
- Gentle on fabrics
- No need for ventilation
Cons of heat pump dryers:
- Up to $200 more expensive than condenser dryers
- Lower load capacity
- Slow drying time
Pros of condenser dryers:
- Cheaper price upfront
- Larger load capacity
- Fast drying time
Cons of condenser dryers:
- Less energy-efficient, leading to higher energy bills
- Can be harsh on clothes
- Require ventilation
If you want to save on energy bills in the long run and if you're looking for a dryer with gentle drying cycles, then a heat pump dryer is right for you. However, if you prioritize drying speed and large load capacity due to your busy schedule, then it's best to go with a condenser dryer.
In Closing
A heat pump dryer cannot be mounted on the wall. However, it can easily be stored in any spot or stacked above a washing machine to save space.
This type of dryer is designed for energy efficiency, so it's perfect for anyone who wants to have a more environmentally friendly appliance or anyone who wants to save on energy bills.
It's also a great choice for individuals who are concerned about the effect of high heat on their clothes and want something more gentle on fabric. However, you can also consider a condenser dryer if the slow drying time and the expensive upfront price of heat pump dryers is not suitable for you.
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