If you are looking to get a new tumble dryer, you will come across different types and different drying methods. Two terms you will see most often are “heat pump” and “condenser”; here are the main differences between the two.
How Heat Pump Dryers Work
In simple terms, heat pump dryers work by using a heat exchange to recycle the hot air produced during the drying process. Unlike conventional dryers that constantly produce heat, heat pump dryers go down the route of recycling.
As the heat passes through the wet clothes, it absorbs the moisture and condenses it. It is then drained away, the heat is recycled back through the clothes, and then the process continues until the clothes are dry.
How Condenser Dryers Work
On the other hand, condenser dryers work by heating the air inside the drum. The hot air then absorbs the moisture in the clothing, and then this air is passed through the condenser, where it is cooled, and water droplets are formed and collected.
The water collection is the same as a heat pump dryer, but a condenser dryer needs a flow of cool air, meaning it is best to buy one if it is going in a laundry room or an area with the space for air to flow.
Drying Temperatures
One of the key differences between a condenser and a heat pump dryer is the drying temperature, and, therefore, the amount of power they use. Heat pump dryers typically operate at lower temperatures compared to condenser dryers.
This means that condenser dryers do dry your clothes quicker, but they use more energy. On the other hand, heat pumps dry slower, but they are more energy efficient.
Drying Time
Building on the last point, it is clear that condenser dryers are faster and more efficient at drying clothes. However, while this is a positive for those who need their clothes dried fast, there is a downside.
The lower drying temperature of heat pump dryers may be slower, but they are more gentle on your clothes, meaning the longevity of the item is extended, instead of potentially shortened.
Noise
Noise is another consideration when it comes to a dryer. In short, heat pump dryers are typically quieter due to how they dry your clothes. Condenser dryers use fans to produce and expel hot air, making them louder than a heat pump.
However, most modern-day dryers, whether they are heat pumps or condensers, are fairly quiet.
Moisture Removal
Moisture removal is another factor that you need to consider when choosing a dryer. Considering excess moisture can damage the paint on your walls, damage the walls themselves, and cause mold to grow, choosing a machine that removes it correctly is essential.
However, while heat pump dryers and condensers work in different ways, they are both very good at removing, and not spreading moisture.
Installation Options
One issue that you could face when it comes to choosing between these two options is how you can install them. Wall mounting is incredibly popular, but heat pump dryers and condensers shouldn’t be wall mounted.
Both contain components that are heavy, and, therefore, require a strong frame and mounting point so that they don’t rip off the wall. Secondly, if you are mounting it above your dryer, you need to mount it upside down to make it easier to reach the controls.
However, this comes with another issue, as mounting it upside down will affect the water storage tank, and it will either leak, become completely ineffective, or, most typically, both.
Cost
One of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to choosing a dryer is the cost. More often than not, condenser dryers are cheaper to buy, but the costs add up because they use more power as they operate at a higher temperature. This can be off-putting for buyers, especially those with large families who will be using it often.
On the other hand, heat pump dryers are more expensive initially, but the lower temperatures they operate at mean they use less power, and therefore they pay themselves off far quicker than a condenser dryer.
Which is Better?
When it comes to which one is better, there is no outright winner, as both heat pump and condenser dryers have their pros and cons. If price and running costs are the most important factors for you, the more expensive heat pump dryer is a much better financial option in the long run.
For installation, both are perfect for small and enclosed spaces, as well as laundry rooms. While a condenser dryer does need a small amount of airflow, both can be used in enclosed spaces with little to no difficulty.
Finally, with regards to usage, if you are going to be using the machine frequently, a heat pump dryer will be cheaper to use, but the slow drying process can be a problem for you if you need to get large batches of laundry done quickly.
However, if you are only going to use the machine a few times a month, or once a week, the cost to run a condenser dryer won’t be a problem.
