What is a condenser dryer?

The problem of how to dry washed clothes is relevant for many housewives. Laundry hung on heating radiators or special dryers looks unaesthetic. The way out of the situation is to install a drying machine.

The condenser dryer is the most popular appliance. Most housewives prefer these models. Let's look at the main advantages of this type of equipment and tell you about the operating principle of the devices.

What is a condensation dryer?

What is the advantage of this type of equipment? Machines with condensation drying do not need to be connected to a sewer or ventilation system. To operate such dryers, a connection to the electrical network is sufficient. This is very convenient, which is why many buyers opt for condensing units.

Some models can be connected to house communications - then excess moisture will immediately drain into the pipe. This is done if possible and desired and is not a mandatory measure. Initially, the condensing machine only requires a socket to operate.

The design of a machine with a condensation type of drying is quite simple. The unit consists of the following elements:

• drum - wet things are loaded into it;
• drive belt necessary for unwinding the drum;
• engine;
• Heating element - the element heats the air inside the working chamber;
• pump – pumps out condensate;
• fan;
• container - water is poured into it.

Condensation dryers have a container for collecting condensate, so they do not need to be connected to house utilities.

The condensing machine works on the following principle:

• The heating element heats the air;
• due to a special blowing system, hot air enters the working chamber;
• under the influence of high temperature, moisture “leaves” from things;
• the pump pumps condensate into a special container;
• the machine takes in air again and the algorithm repeats.

The functional “filling” of condensation machines can be varied, it depends on the model. The dryers provide the following options:

• easy ironing (due to this function, things practically do not wrinkle);
• delicate drying;
• delayed start;
• express drying;
• drying things to a certain level of humidity (you can dry the laundry completely or leave it slightly wet under the iron);
• drying different types of fabrics (from cotton to wool and silk);
• drying shoes and outerwear.

Condensing machines are as easy to maintain as they are to install. The user only needs to periodically drain the water from the container and clean the filter where lint and dust collect. If the dryer is actively used, this will have to be done once every 1-2 weeks.

The main disadvantage of machines with condensation drying is their high energy consumption. The device needs to constantly generate hot air - due to this, the dryer “eats” many kilowatts. When buying such a unit, you should understand that the amount in receipts for electricity will increase.

There is still a way to achieve optimal energy consumption. Consider condensing dryers equipped with a heat pump. Such machines are more energy efficient. Let's talk about the main features of “advanced” equipment.

Advanced dryer

When choosing drying equipment, you should consider machines equipped with a heat pump. They are based on modern technology Heat Pump, combining two operating principles: condensation and ventilation at the same time. In this case, the initially collected air is not “thrown out” outside the unit, but remains inside and is reused.

Dryers with a pump have a closed heat exchange circuit, which makes it possible to achieve low energy consumption.

After the first “run”, the moist air is not removed from the machine, but passes through the heat pump. The condensate remains in a special tray (or is sent to the sewer if the dryer is connected to communications). The still warm air is slightly warmed up and again “driven” into the drum. Due to this, the device consumes less kilowatts.

Heat Pump dryers consist of the following elements:

• drum;
• engine;
• drive belt;
• evaporator;
• heat pump;
• fan;
• container for collecting condensate.

The operating principle of dryers equipped with a heat pump is as follows:

• the dryer takes in air, which is heated by a pump;
• a hair dryer fan directs a hot air stream into the working chamber;
• under the influence of high temperature, moisture evaporates;
• moist air is directed to the evaporator;
• the condensate remains in a special tray;
• dry air reenters the heat pump and the algorithm repeats.

It should be noted that machines equipped with a heat pump dry clothes more delicately. The air in the drum is heated to a maximum of 40°C, this avoids extreme temperature effects on “capricious” fabrics.

In the evaporator itself, the operating temperature varies from 15 to 20°C. This degree allows you to cool the air and create condensation.The water remains in the cuvette and the air flow is reused.

The air in the evaporator is cooled slightly, to about 30°C. Therefore, reheating of the air flow is carried out much faster, which is accompanied by low energy consumption. The process occurs cyclically until the items are completely dried in the drum.

“Advanced” dryers are more expensive than standard condenser dryers. But they will be able to provide less electricity consumption. This means that the amount in receipts will not be so large.

Which device is better to buy?

When in doubt about which dryer to buy, study all the characteristics of the models you like. By comparing the indicators, it will become clear which device is better. We'll tell you what you should pay attention to, which parameters may differ, and which will be approximately the same.

One of the main characteristics is the maximum drum load. It will vary depending on the model, but both conventional machines and heat pump dryers are available for both 6 and 9-10 kg of laundry. Here you need to look at the needs of your family.

Ease of control and interface. Both machines have standard regulators. There will be buttons on the dashboard, a program selector, and some dryer models are equipped with a display.

Functional "filling". Another important criterion. Before purchasing, it is worth checking what modes are provided in the dryer, whether there is a delayed start option, a delicate drying program, etc. Typically, standard devices have at least 10 different algorithms.

The supported modes do not depend on whether the machine has a heat pump or not.Special programs, for example, drying shoes, outerwear, delicate fabrics, are found in both standard and advanced equipment.

The number of sensors in both the first and second machines is approximately the same. This is a temperature “tracker”, an indicator that controls the level of humidity and the fullness of the container for excess moisture. There may also be a device that informs you that the filter is dirty.

If we talk about installation methods, then the differences here are insignificant. Both standard condensing machines and pump dryers can operate independently, requiring only a power outlet. The first ones can be connected to the sewer system to drain liquid, the second ones - to ventilation, but this is not necessary.

Heat Pump condensing machines are able to provide more delicate drying, since the air inside is heated to a maximum of 40°C.

For some, gentle drying will be a definite plus. However, it is worth understanding that delicate treatment of laundry takes longer, and this will not suit all users. Machines equipped with a special pump cost more, but consume less electricity during operation.

What conclusion can be drawn from the above? Standard condensing machines are suitable for users who have a limited budget for purchasing equipment. Also, such devices will help dry clothes in less time. One of the disadvantages of these units is high energy consumption. When choosing equipment of this type, you can consider the Electrolux EW6CR527P, Electrolux EW6CR428W, Kandy GVS4H7A1TCEX-S, etc.

Machines equipped with a pump are a good option that will help you save not immediately, but in the long term.Yes, they are more expensive, but they consume much less electricity, which significantly reduces the amount on receipts. Such dryers are optimal for users who often wear clothes made from delicate fabrics. You can study the models Bosch WTW85540EU, Siemens WT47Y782OE, etc.

If we talk about the average cost of standard condenser dryers, it is $450-470. The price of machines equipped with a heat pump is already about $550. You can also find cheaper models, but they usually have limited functionality or a small drum load.

In fact, both dryers are capable of efficiently performing the tasks assigned to them. The choice of a condensing machine depends on the budget allocated for the purchase and your preferences for built-in programs.

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