Heat pump tumble dryers

consumers_revenge

Hey,

We get a lot of condensation in our utility room when our condenser tumble dryer is running. Literally dripping walls. Even with a wall fan in there.

Now the tumble dryer is pretty old and its had a few issues with sensors/front panel so looking at getting another. Its B rated.

My understanding is its might be worth getting a heat pump tumble dryer? seems to be the general consensus is they are much cheaper to run AND because of how they work not much wet air and moisture comes off of these.

Anyone had one and their condensations gone? Do they dry clothes well (understand it takes longer but not much of an issue to be honest) and did anyone notice much in the way of less power usage?

Looking at a bosch a++ or sumsung a+++ currently which seem to get very good reviews.

Thanks. 

secla

power usage is a lot lower but they take longer to dry.

Cant see why condenser was making the room wet as it should have a container to contain it all. 

Doozergirl

We have one, definitely no condensation but we also have it draining properly, not to a reservoir.  It lives in quite a small cupboard, so I've always been a bit concerned about condensation but it is perfectly fine.  

They do cost more to purchase.  I can't really tell you if it's saved money day to day  as our bills have tripled through inflation in the time we've owned it.  

daveyjp

On older condenser dryers the door seals fail due to them drying out from the heat (the door can also warp slightly so the seal isn't effective).  This can then cause steam to escape.

If one is available a new door on your old dryer could be a cheaper option.

My personal experience of a heat pump dryer is it was an expensive decision never to be repeated.

After 4 years of loads taking 2-3 hours to dry the drive belt frayed, wrapped around the motor pulley and caused very expensive consequential damage, it was sent to the tip and replaced with another condenser.

I'd also get into the old machine and see how much lint is between the drum and case, you may be surprised if it has never been cleaned out,

consumers_revenge

people have mentioned warped doors. But the front panel has also been glue to fix so it really is getting on a bit.

seals felt fairly 'rubbery' and not brittle at all

Silvertabby

We considered a heat pump dryer but discounted it largely because techy Mr S reckoned there was more to go wrong (and the extra cost!).

We bought a normal Miele dryer with a water drawer, and can't say that I've noticed any condensation at all in our utility room.  It's much more efficient than our previous 15 year old Bosch (to be expected) and can dry a full load in less than an hour.

That said, we didn't have any excess condensation with our old dryer, either - so perhaps OP has a faulty machine?

wigglygiggly

I have a heat pump dryer. Doesn't cause condensation and does not take hours to dry. Love mine and would never go back.

consumers_revenge

wigglygiggly said:

I have a heat pump dryer. Doesn't cause condensation and does not take hours to dry. Love mine and would never go back.

Mind me asking the model please?

pallyman

If in a utility room maybe a dehumidifier.

consumers_revenge

pallyman said:

If in a utility room maybe a dehumidifier.

Theres a full blown PIV system in there. Place is bone dry unless tumble dryer is on

spo2

We were advised against a heat pump by someone that repairs white goods. The reason being that if the heat pump fails, it is not worthwhile replacing it as it is almost the price of the new machine. He also said that the majority of his callouts were to heat pumps failing and were mostly written off.
We ended up going for a condenser which is less efficient than a heat pump but also very quick to dry a load compared to friends' heat pumps