What is a Heat Pump Dryer?

All clothes dryers work by blowing hot air through wet linen to dry the items. However, rather than using gas or electricity to generate heat, heat pump dryers transfer air from outside the machine to inside the machine, using a heat pump, much like a refrigerator in reverse. Once the hot air has moved through the wet linen, the air circulates back through the machine again, using an evaporator to extract the moisture either into a tank or a drain. For these reasons, heat pump dryers are much more energy efficient, reducing as much as 60% or more of energy consumption compared to other dryers. While this will ultimately save a lot on energy bills throughout the years, heat pump dryers are a lot more complex in design with more moving parts, pushing up their upfront price tag.

How Does a Heat Pump Dryer Work?

In basic terms, a heat pump pulls the heat out of one area and pushes it into another (contained) area. Heat pump clothes dryers use a refrigerant to absorb the heat, the air is pushed through a compressor to increase its heat even further, and then sent through the dryer, drying the linen. Instead of pushing the moistened air out of the machine like conventional dryers, heat pump dryers reuse the air, extracting the moisture through an evaporator and condenser. The moisture is either sent to a tank or down the drain.

How are Heat Pump Dryers Different From Conventional Dryers

In essence heat pump dryers are the same as conventional dryers in terms of being able to dry clothes within a similar time frame and using the same methodology. What sets them apart is the technology they use, and with that comes some additional differences. Heat pump dryers:

• Recycle the air that they use, sending it around in a closed circuit; whereas conventional dryers expel the moistened air
• Are 60%+ more efficient than other commercial dryers
• Do not require ducted venting
• Do not emit as much heat as other commercial dryers, making the laundry room much more pleasant
• Have a higher price tag
• Provide flexibility on location because they do not require ducting
• May require nearby drain access
• Are available in capacities 9kg through to 17.3kg

Benefits of a Heat Pump Dryer

There are many good reasons to choose a heat pump dryer for your business. Their popularity has increased more recently thanks to their energy efficiency, which is both beneficial to the planet and the bottom line. They also benefit the planet because they do not use an additional heat source, such as gas, to generate heat. Heat pump dryers recycle the air they use rather than expelling it, meaning they discharge less heat into the laundry room, making it a much cooler environment to work in. This may also help in reducing air conditioning bills. Because they don’t require any ducted ventilation, they also save money on any maintenance and set up costs in this area.

What Industries is a Heat Pump Dryer Suitable for?

Commercial heat pump dryers can be used in any business that has a laundry. Keep in mind that their capacity doesn’t go any higher than 18kg, they may be less suitable for industrial sized laundries, such as those found on cruise ships, large hotels, resorts, and commercial laundries. They’re perfect for those businesses that are looking to reduce their energy costs, as well as their carbon footprint, teaming nicely with a solar powered building for the ultimate eco-friendly laundry.

The IPSO Heat Pump Dryer Range

Aqualogic supplies heat pump dryers available in 3 different capacities from the IPSO brand, 12.5kg, 14.3kg, and 17.3kg. They have many of the same features as IPSO’s other commercial dryers, including a combination of radial and axial airflow, easy-to-use user interface, galvanised drum with a large diameter, and a large door opening for easy loading and unloading. If you’re interested in knowing how your business could benefit from a heat pump dryer, get in touch with the laundry experts at Aqualogic on 1300 222 119 or make an online enquiry. You can see our full range of commercial dryers here.

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Aqualogic have been leading the commercial laundry industry for over 50 years. We love helping our customers bring out the best in their laundry by sharing our knowledge and expertise. Check out our other blog posts for more helpful guides in optimising your laundry operations.