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You could probably save money in the long run by purchasing a combo washer/dryer that dehumidifies the laundry and uses a heat pump. Watch for possible rebates starting next year.
I've yet to read a positive review of a combo washer/dryer, but I've admittedly only done a little bit of research. What model would you recommend?
Heat pump water tanks are amazing, especially in warm climates - its like air conditioning, but instead of moving heat from inside your house to outside, it puts that heat into your hot water tank.
I've never seen a heat pump dryer IRL. They must be new technology, and that makes me wonder if existing models are reliable?
If you're worried about the combination which to be fair honestly I also would be I can at the very least recommend the Miele heat pump dryer. At this point I've had mine for several years and also convinced three other people to get it and all of us love it. The only thing that takes a little bit longer is particularly thick towels and even then it's only maybe an extra 15 to 20 minutes.
When you first get it I promise you that you will think your laundry is not fully dry when it's done, but it is. Humans are actually really really bad at sensing moisture our brain estimates it based on temperature and a heat pump dryer uses dry air and condensation from the cold side to not need anywhere near as much heat which is how they are able to use 1/4 the amount of power of a standard electric.
This is way better for your clothes it's a lot gentler on them it'll help them last longer especially shirts with designs on them they won't become a cracked and damaged anywhere near as quickly. But it takes getting used to because it's not going to be anywhere near as hot as your brain is used to dry laundry being so it'll feel like it's slightly damp but if you simply take it out of the dryer and allow it to cool fully then it'll feel dry again because it's back to what you're used to for cooled down dry laundry.
A trick that my grandmother taught me because she would air dry laundry a lot and it has that same problem is to touch the laundry to your lips as your lips are significantly more sensitive than your hands and they will give you a better feeling for if it's actually wet or not
Lowering relative humidity by condensing water out on the cold side instead of strictly by increasing air temperature is a neat trick.
I can't speak to combo washer/dryers, but heat pump dryers have been around for several years. We got an LG one a few years ago because our old one vented into the garage and there was no practical way to extend the vent outside.
We're very happy with it. It does take slightly longer to dry clothes, and the capacity is slightly smaller than our old electric one, but they're also gentler on clothes. We haven't had a single issue with it yet over the years.
That's an interesting point I hadn't considered. If the heat pump dryer is condensing water vapor and draining it via plumbing, and collecting lint in a filter, then there is no need to run an exhaust line through the exterior wall.
Yep, that's exactly what it does, and it's great. Ours technically supports drain line, a removable water tank, and conventional venting, but the drain line is so convenient I'm going to use it going forward in my next place even if there is a vent. So much less hassle to set up and maintain without lint building up.
I don't know what conditions they rate them at, but the 2 I have used (vacation rentals) took twice as long as the screen says.
Maybe they rate them with a single sports jersey in Montana, but on the Carolina coast you're looking at 3 hours for a load.
I considered getting a washer that dries but was NOT the heat pump type when I moved to Japan (where most people do not have dedicated clothes driers except in the more inclimate places). The reviews all turned me off. I've heard good things about heat pump driers in general, so I'll maybe consider things again when my current washer dies (hopefully no time soon).
I haven’t bought one yet, but I’m planning to next year. There’s an LG and GE that have gotten decent reviews on Costco and occasionally go on sale there. Some models include a longer warranty. Samsung has one that pops open the door a bit when it’s finished to prevent front loading washer odor and to let out the last bit of humidity — but I’ve had bad experiences with Samsung in the past.
The advantage is you’re not pumping out as much heat in your home during the summer and the front loader uses less water. The disadvantage is it takes much longer to wash and dry the clothes (similar to how modern dishwashers taking longer to clean and dry).
Some of these still require a 240v drop and some run on a regular household outlet so you have to check the specs. They’ve evidently had them for a while in Europe.
I suggested it because if the gas line doesn’t work out for the OP, it might be another option.
Makes sense that it takes longer to do multiple loads of laundry with once device compared to having two devices running at the same time.