While most dryers have vents to the outside, these are not always possible in every living situation. People who live in high-rise apartments or rental properties may prefer ventless dryers, as they require less work to install. If you’re considering getting a ventless dryer for your home but are not sure how it works, we’ve got you covered! We’ll break down everything you need to know about getting a ventless dryer, including when to choose one and the different types available.
Ventless dryers are an alternative to the more common vented dryers, which means you can dry clothes without using an external vent. This makes them the ideal choice for certain living situations, such as apartment buildings that don’t already have a vent installed. Because they’re designed for urban living, they’re often smaller than traditional dryers and have good energy efficiency ratings.
Because ventless dryers are not able to expel the moist air outside, they need to recirculate the air and reuse the moisture. They still operate by tumbling the clothes with heated air, like traditional dryers, but the difference lies in what happens to that moist air afterward.
As the clothes are heated and the moisture is released into the air inside the dryer, a moisture removal process then has to occur. The water is condensed into a tank that will need to be emptied after the dryer cycle is finished. In some models, the air is repeatedly heated and cooled to cause the condensing process, while in others the warm air is recycled.
There are two main types of ventless dryers—heat pump dryers and condenser dryers. While they both work via a similar mechanism, heat pump dryers tend to be more energy efficient.
Heat pump dryers are a type of condenser dryer, but they operate a little more efficiently. They use a heat pump to warm and cool the air, which condenses into water. A heat pump dryer tends to run at a lower temperature than other types of dryers, which is gentler on your clothes. Although they’re more expensive than other dryers to purchase upfront, they are highly energy efficient and save money long term. One downside is that thanks to the lower temperatures, they take longer to dry clothes, which can be an issue if you’re in a hurry!
Condenser dryers also extract water from warm air, but they don’t reuse heat, making them less energy-efficient than heat pump dryers. They collect water in a tank that can then be emptied or drained. They dry clothes faster than heat pump dryers and operate at higher temperatures, although they do have a higher energy consumption.
As with any appliance, ventless dryers have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break this down.
If you do choose to purchase a ventless dryer, it’s crucial to do regular maintenance to get the most out of your purchase.
Use automatic settings: Many condenser dryers automatically detect when a load of laundry is dry, which helps them not to run for too long.
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