Clothes Dryers

Dollars & Sense

• You can save an average of $330 per year compared to a standard electric dryer.
• Take advantage of rebates — some households can save up to 50% of the costs.
• Heat pump clothes dryers can be cheaper to install because they don’t need to be connected to vents.

Benefits & Considerations

• Savings: Heat pump clothes dryers use almost 30% less energy than conventional clothes dryers.
• Gentler: These dryers operate at a lower temperature and use moisture sensors to detect when clothes are dry, reducing wear and tear on clothes.
• Convenience: Because they are ventless, heat pump dryers can be installed in various locations in your home. If your home does not already have an existing vent, a heat pump dryer can reduce your installation costs because you will not need to put in a vent first.

Questions to Ask

The following questions can be worth asking your installer or appliance retailer when you purchase your heat pump clothes dryer:

• Do I have the correct electrical wiring for this appliance?
• What settings do you recommend using for the most efficiency and the best treatment of my clothes?
• Can you show me how to properly clean the filters?
• Are there any other maintenance tasks I should be aware of?
• What will you do with my old dryer vent? Are you able to cap it for me and dispose of it?
• Is there a warranty available on this appliance?
• Who do I call for service?
• What is the average lifespan for this clothes dryer?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do heat pump clothes dryers work?

Heat pump dryers extract moisture from clothes and linens by acting as a powerful dehumidifier and recycling warm air through the dryer tumbler. Instead of blowing warm air and moisture out through an exhaust vent like a normal dryer, heat pump dryers use refrigerant and a condenser — just like the heat pump that warms your house — to efficiently dry your clothes.

What model should I use?

Start by considering where in your home you plan to do laundry, the size of the laundry loads you’ll be doing, and the features that best meet your needs. Compact models can be installed in tight spaces and even stacked with a compact washing machine, making them great for tiny homes and apartments. Dryers with larger drums for bigger loads of laundry are also available.

There are also combo washer and dryer units that can efficiently wash and dry your clothes all in one machine.

How does the performance of heat pump clothes dryers compare to standard models?

ENERGY STAR® certified dryers come with all of the advanced smart features of standard models, including motion sensors, which can help save time and prevent overdrying. Heat pump clothes dryers are gentler on clothes than standard dryers, making them last longer and stay softer. They also come with all of the same advanced smart features many homeowners have come to expect from standard models, including automatic timing, anti-wrinkle technology, and even remote smartphone controls.

What maintenance is required for heat pump clothes dryers?

Heat pump dryers are easy to use, but there’s some maintenance to keep in mind for optimal efficiency. Models typically have a second lint trap to protect the dryer coils from any dust or fragments in the recirculated air. These need to be cleaned out after a few cycles just like a standard dryer. Periodically cleaning the condenser coils with a dryer cleaning brush or brushed vacuum head is recommended to maintain air flow and performance.