How does tumble dryer work?
Often, the issue of drying washed items raises doubts among housewives. Of course, if the apartment is equipped with a balcony or is at least spacious enough, then problems with drying can be avoided by simply hanging things outside or in a remote room. What to do if there is a catastrophic lack of space in the house and the absence of a loggia? Washing and drying equipment will help get rid of headaches. Let's figure out how drying in a washing machine works, talk about the advantages and disadvantages of such equipment.
How does it work?
The 2-in-1 equipment does an excellent job of not only washing clothes, but also drying them quickly. Washing-drying machines take up almost the same amount of space as conventional washing machines, but they completely solve the problem of further caring for wet things.
The operating principle of the machine drying function is extremely simple. Behind the drum there is a second heating element, the main task of which is to heat the air. Warm air currents are directed onto the laundry, causing moisture from the fabric to evaporate. During the process, the drum rotates slightly, which leads to shaking of the products and, as a result, uniform drying. Afterwards, the heated air, supersaturated with steam, undergoes a cooling procedure. The moisture condenses and pours into a separate tank.
Once drying is complete, you can remove completely or almost dry items from the machine, lightly smooth them if necessary, and put them in the closet.
Specific settings?
Some models of modern washer-dryers allow the user to customize the drying process.The owner can optimize the procedure, focusing on his own preferences and wishes. The adjustment is made according to one of the criteria.
- By time. Involves setting the duration of the process before starting the program. When the timer signals the end of the allotted time, the equipment will stop working. The main disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of determining the time required for optimal drying. By setting the wrong number of hours and minutes, there is a high chance of getting wet or, on the contrary, overdried clothes.
- Based on residual moisture. A more preferable setting option is in which the user himself decides to what condition to dry the textiles. By starting drying, the housewife sets the optimal level of residual moisture in the clothes, and the intellect carries out the task.
For the convenience of users, some models of 2 in 1 machines, instead of standard values of residual humidity (3-10-15%), have indicators that everyone can understand: “Into the closet”, “Very dry”, “For further ironing”, etc.
Advantages and disadvantages
Today, only a few housewives choose washing and drying equipment instead of the usual automatic machines. Despite the visible advantages of combined models, there is an opinion among buyers that they are unreliable. In fact, there are not many disadvantages to 2 in 1 machines. During use, the following disadvantages are revealed:
- If the drum is fully loaded, it will not be possible to dry all the laundry at once. You will have to transfer some of the clothes into a basin and run the drying mode twice. This measure increases the consumption of electrical energy;
- low energy saving class. Combined devices “eat up” much more kilowatts than single-tasking washing machines.When choosing washing and drying equipment, focus on the energy consumption class, it is better that it is higher than group “B”.
In fact, there are only two obvious disadvantages of washing machines with a drying function. The advantages of owning and using equipment are many times greater:
- eliminating the need to hang laundry from the drum, looking for unoccupied places in the apartment. Having bought a car, you can forget about laying out laundry on the balcony, a bulky dryer, etc.;
- saving the owner's personal time. Owners of dryers do not have to wait for their favorite outfit to dry. The machine will only need a little over an hour to dry;
- no need to install separate meters for the dryer. 2 in 1 appliances fit perfectly into the space previously reserved for the washing machine;
- preventing excess humidity in living rooms.
Soberly evaluate all the pros and cons regarding the purchase of washing and drying equipment. If you live in a tiny one-room apartment without a balcony, buying equipment can be a salvation in solving the problem of lack of drying space.
The myth about the high cost and unreliability of such equipment
In most cases, frightening stories from friends and colleagues become an obstacle to housewives purchasing a dryer. This makes it difficult to make a decision to purchase a unit.
- High price. Washer-dryers are more expensive than their automatic brothers, by about 50%. However, when comparing a 2 in 1 machine and stationary drying chambers, it is better to make a choice in favor of combined equipment;
- Unreliability. Service center technicians hear this argument more often than others. Hybrids can actually break down much faster than their counterparts.
If you operate the unit correctly and maintain it on time, you can ensure long-term and maintenance-free operation of the equipment.
When choosing a model, be sure to delve into all the details of using washing and drying equipment. Understand the functionality of the unit, think about whether it meets the requirements of your family. Analyze how adequate the cost of the device is.
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2 reader comments
They didn’t remind you of one important argument from the minuses. Over time, the drum, fan, condenser, and heating element become clogged with lint. All this rots and after drying the laundry smells rotten.
How to collect dust that forms after drying? The whole drum is covered in dust.