Heat Pump Dryers

A Heat Pump Dryer uses refrigerant to create and evenly distribute warm air, continuously reheating and recycling that same air back into the drum. A Condenser Dryer generates more heat to dry a load faster and uses more power to do so.

Neither require venting to the outside however Condenser Dryers do push some hot air outside the drum, so you'll need fresh air coming through the room they're in. Both Dryer types extract the moisture collected during the drying process, condense and store it as water in a condenser container for emptying, but it can be pushed straight into drainage as well.

Heat Pump Dryers naturally dry at lower temperatures so they’re gentler on clothing, and they also tend to have more programs and options like allergy friendly, woollen cycles and specific drying options for precise results. You can also find larger capacities in the Heat Pump variety.

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 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.