High-end models are typically more energy-efficient than their budget counterparts, leading to significant savings on your electricity bills in the long run. This factor alone can offset the initial cost difference between high-end and budget models over time.
Air-vented dryers draw air from the room in which they are installed, heat it and lead it through the humid clothing in the drum to evaporate the moisture. The humid air is then expelled to the external environment. Air-vented dryers thus require an exhaust to the outside, making them less practical.
It's possible to look at the long-term savings that comes with buying an energy-efficient model. Saving $1.10 per month over a year is $13.20. If you keep your dryer for 10 years, you could save a combined $132 on your energy bill.
Energy use
We've previously found condenser dryers to not be very energy efficient. Along with older vented varieties, they use around three times more energy to dry a load than their heat pump counterparts. This means vented and condenser dryers cost more to run in the long term than a heat pump.
A vented tumble dryer will be more cost effective than a condenser in both the purchase and running stages, if you are able to find somewhere to run the hose externally. It will also dry your clothes more quickly than a condenser dryer, as it is not required to spend time converting the hot air into water.
When it comes to durability and longevity, expensive dryers often stand out. They are typically built with high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship, ensuring they can withstand regular use for a longer period.
For example, if your current dryer is more than 15 years old, it's probably best to replace it since this is about the time when most dryers reach the end of their serviceable lifespan (both gas and electric unit).
Although vented tumble dryers are energy efficient, heat pump tumble dryers are the most energy-efficient dryers on the market.
The average lifespan of a tumble dryer
On average a tumble dryer should last 10 to 15 years. This depends on factors such as maintenance, ventilation, and quality.
Energy efficiency stands out as the most significant difference. Heat pump dryers typically use considerably less energy than condenser models, leading to lower running costs despite their higher purchase price. Energy Efficiency Ratings: Heat pump: A+++ to A+ energy rating.
Utilising the space under the stairs is a clever way to integrate a tumble dryer into your small house. However, before doing so, assess the available space and access to ventilation. If there's enough room and proper ventilation can be ensured, this can be an excellent option.
Tumble dryers at the affordable end are less energy efficient, so could cost you more in the long-run. Heat pump tumble dryers are more expensive up-front, but don't require so much electricity to generate heat, making them more energy efficient and cheaper in the long-run.
As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan of 10 to 13 years, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, it may be time to think about replacement.
Replacing the rollers in a dryer averages $100 to $150. The rollers sit behind your dryer's back panel and hold the drum in place to rotate smoothly. Most machines require two rollers. If they break or wear down, you may hear unpleasant noises coming from the appliance.
Dryers generally cost between $800 and $1,200, with factors like dryer size, dryer depth, and dryer capacity influencing the price. Washer-dryer combo units fall within the $1,200 to $1,700 range, offering a space-saving built-in laundry solution.
If you can't avoid using your dryer all year round, opt for one with a high energy efficiency score or a heat pump condenser dryer. They cost more to buy but are cheaper to run so they can save you money in the long run. The more you use your dryer, the better an option this becomes.
For a family of four, a washer with a capacity of around 4.0 cubic feet and a dryer with a capacity of about 7.0 cubic feet should be sufficient to handle the weekly laundry load effectively while being mindful of energy use.
Condenser Tumble Dryers
They actually take longer to dry clothes making them less efficient and can be more expensive than a vented dryer to purchase. And you'll need to empty out the water tank regularly.
The answer depends on the type of dryer you have. Vented and standard condenser dryers don't require any plumbing. However, some condenser and heat pump models offer a direct drain option, which requires a connection to a nearby drain pipe.
Dryer vents assist in creating a suction force that removes lint from clothes and allows air to circulate more effectively. The exhaust of the dryer vent should be directed outdoors where warm air, gases, and lint are expelled away from the home.