Why is a heat pump needed in a dryer?

Previously, dryers were conventionally divided into two types: condensation and ventilation. Progress does not stand still, and now more technologically advanced machines equipped with a heat pump have appeared on the market. If you believe the advertising, then such models are several times more effective than devices with heating elements.

Let's figure out how the heat pump works in a dryer. What are the advantages of models with modern Heat Pump technology? What is the operating principle of advanced dryers?

How does the new dryer design work?

Generally speaking, heat pump dryers combine the best of condensing and ventilation dryers. Instead of releasing humid air back into the room, the device directs it to a “heating point”. The drops settle and remain in the condensate collection compartment, and the dry air goes back into the drum.

Heat pump dryers use less electricity compared to other models.

The increased energy efficiency of such dryers is explained quite simply. The unit consumes one “portion” of air and uses it several times. Due to this, electricity consumption is reduced by at least 30-40%.

Heat pump machines have in their design:

• evaporator (this is a special chamber where moisture condenses);
• directly the heat pump (the element reheats the previously used air in order to put it back into operation);
• hair dryer (displaces air flows inside the machine).

The operating principle of heat pump machines is quite simple. The device performs a certain sequence of actions.The steps are repeated until the laundry in the drum is dry. During the cycle:

• the pump heats the air;
• the hair dryer sends hot air into the drum, towards the things;
• moisture from the laundry evaporates;
• wet air is pumped from the working chamber and directed to the evaporator;
• moisture condenses and collects in a special container;
• dry air is directed to the pump, where it is reheated.

Actions are repeated in a circle. As soon as the sensors inside the drum detect the desired level of residual moisture in the laundry, the program will stop. Heat pump dryers provide a more gentle drying experience.

Why can drying be called more gentle? The heat pump heats the air to a maximum of 40 degrees, and this is the limit value. This temperature is not capable of harming even the most capricious things.

During condensation, the air cools, but not much. Therefore, the machine can reheat it to 40 degrees in a short time. That is why the energy consumption of heat pump dryers is minimal.

Thus, the main advantages of heat pump dryers can be considered:

• increased energy efficiency;
• more delicate drying of clothes.

Among the disadvantages, one can note only the higher cost of devices with such a device. The price of improved dryers is at least 20-30 percent higher than that of machines with heating elements. But during operation, the amount in receipts for electricity will be significantly less.

What about in a condensing apparatus?

Devices with both a heat pump and a heating element are classified as condensing. To operate, they only need access to an electrical outlet. Connection to the sewer is optional, since moisture is collected in a special container inside the machine.The user only needs to drain the water from the container in a timely manner.

The design of condensation dryers with heating elements includes:

• drum, motor and drive belt;
• a heating element;
• fan (its function is to distribute air inside the machine);
• pump (for pumping condensed moisture);
• tray for collecting condensate.

The drive and engine spin the drum, and the laundry is evenly sprayed with hot air. In general, the operating algorithm of condensation dryers with heating elements is as follows:

• the machine, using a heating element, brings the air received from the outside to the required temperature;
• a hair dryer moves hot air into the chamber, towards things;
• the process of evaporation begins, the air is saturated with moisture;
• the pump pumps moist air into a container where condensation falls;
• the dryer again takes in air from outside and heats it up with a heating element.

Dryers with a heat pump draw in air from outside once, using it repeatedly, while dryers with heating elements draw in air several times, constantly consuming electricity to heat it.

If we talk about the available options, then for machines with heating elements they are approximately the same as for dryers with a heat pump. Standard set of functions:

• programs for drying different types of fabrics;
• drying based on humidity level;
• express mode;
• delayed start timer;
• “Anti-crease” system;
• delicate drying option.

Some models provide special drying programs:

• shoes;
• outerwear;
• bedding;
• children's toys, etc.

The design of condensation dryers with heating elements is quite simple, so their cost is lower than that of heat pump machines. A significant disadvantage is high energy consumption.The increased consumption of kilowatts is explained by the fact that the device has to constantly draw a new batch of air inside and reheat it to the desired temperature.

As for caring for condensing machines, the user is required to:

• Clean the fluff filter promptly;
• Periodically drain the condensate from the container.

The control panel of dryers usually has an indicator that the condensate container is full. Keep an eye on the bulb to avoid overfilling. It is also recommended to clean the heat exchanger of the machine once every couple of months - dust collects there.

What type of equipment is best to buy?

We figured out why a pump is needed in a dryer and what its advantages are. However, in other respects, heat pump devices and machines with heating elements are very similar to each other. Therefore, when choosing a new “home assistant”, in addition to the drying principle, you should focus on the following indicators:

• maximum permissible load. It is advisable that the dryer can hold the same amount of laundry as the washing machine. Then all clean things can be dried at once;
• software "stuffing". The set of modes will depend on the SM model. Modern dryers, both with a heating element and with Heat Pump, have at least 10 algorithms, including intensive, gentle, and express drying. Some devices have special functions “Shoes”, “Ventilation”, “Toys”, etc.;
• set of sensors. It is better that the machine has elements that control the level of humidity of the laundry, indicators of the fullness of the condensate container, lint filter, etc.

There are no differences in the installation method between machines with heating elements and Heat Pump dryers. To operate them, you only need a power outlet. Access to sewerage and ventilation systems is not necessary.The devices can operate autonomously.

If necessary, you can connect condensing machines to the sewer system. Then the moisture will immediately drain into the pipe. This is done solely at the request of the user.

The main difference between machines with heating elements and Heat Pump dryers is a different energy efficiency class. Devices with a pump consume much less kilowatts than devices with a heating element. We can also talk about a significant difference in the price of the models - the cost of heat pump units is higher.

Machines with a heat pump will help you save money during operation; dryers with heating elements will help you save money once upon purchase.

What can be concluded? Condensing machines with a heater are suitable for users who want to purchase a budget model, but without compromising the software and build quality. Such dryers will help dry clothes in the shortest possible time (since the air in the drum can warm up to 60-70 degrees). However, you should understand that you will not be able to save on electricity bills in the future.

Among the popular condensation-type models with heating elements are:

• Hotpoint DSH 725 H;
• Weissgauff WD 6148 D;
• Gorenje DP7B.

Machines with a heat pump are ideal for people who do not want to overpay while using the device. The energy consumption of such dryers is minimal. They also do not heat up during operation, which can also be considered an advantage.

Another plus for heat pump machines is gentle drying, at a maximum of 40 degrees. Even clothes made from delicate materials can be dried in such devices. Among the popular models:

• Candy Smart Pro CSLO4 H7A2DE-07;
• Bosch WTW85540EU;
• Weissgauff WD 599 DC.

Thus, both condensing machines with heating elements and models with a heat pump are capable of efficiently performing their task - drying clothes. The choice of dryer will depend on the preferences and financial capabilities of each individual buyer. It is impossible to say that some devices are definitely worse. Each type of SM has advantages.

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