A vented dryer is usually cheaper to buy than a condenser model, however it does need to be installed in a suitable location for venting. They are more eco-friendly and low maintenance, so if you're wanting a machine that doesn't require any extra work then this is for you.
Energy Efficiency: Generally, vented dryers are more energy-efficient than condenser dryers. They tend to have lower running costs because they can dry clothes faster and use less energy.
They're also more economical to run than a condenser dryer. A few disadvantages include the susceptibility to breaking down. Delicate vent hoses and fixtures can easily become loose or damaged, and the location is limited due to the wall and window requirements. And useful features and functions are often unavailable.
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.
Longer Drying Times: A dryer without proper venting struggles to remove moisture effectively. This means your clothes take longer to dry, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage from over-drying.
Cheaper to replace: 8.5–9 years (heat pump dryer) 6–7 years (vented dryer)
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.
They cause up to 15 percent more than vented dryers, however the majority of models now come with heat pump technology that has credible energy ratings. Condenser dryers are slightly more expensive than vented dryers, but, they offer convenience which many people want when it comes to the washing!
Rigid Metal Ducting: Rigid metal ducting, such as aluminum or galvanized steel, is widely considered the gold standard for dryer vent systems. These materials are non-combustible and can withstand high temperatures, reducing the risk of fires.
Although vented tumble dryers are energy efficient, heat pump tumble dryers are the most energy-efficient dryers on the market.
A ventless dryer is a type of electric dryer that doesn't require a vent to the outdoors. Traditional dryers use a vent to release warm air outside, but ventless dryers operate differently, relying on a heat exchanger or heat pump instead. They typically come in two types: condenser and heat pump.
As mentioned, one of the main benefits of buying a condenser tumble dryer is the fact you can place it anywhere in your home or garage, since they don't require a hose to remove the moisture. This is hugely beneficial if you need a tumble dryer but have little choice in where you place the machine.
Vented dryers are available in a range of drum sizes and styles, with a model to suit every budget, so are an ideal choice option for making laundry day easier.
For even more savings, consider ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryers - they use almost 30% less energy than a conventional clothes dryers. Consumers with high clothes dryer usage and high electricity rates have the potential for large energy and cost savings.
By 'recycling' the warm air, they use less energy and are cheaper to run. According to Ideal Home, a 9kg condenser tumble dryer uses 5.2 kWh for a full load. That's a cost of £1.46 per cycle and £172.76 annually – almost as much as a vented model. In contrast, a 9kg heat pump tumble dryer uses 2.16 kWh for a full load.
For this reason, you will need to install it near a window, door, or have a vent fitted through an external wall to allow the condensation to be released. There is more freedom regarding where you position your condenser dryer because it does not require a hose.
You should clear out the filter and empty the water tank after every cycle. As for a deep clean, including washing the drum and condenser unit, it depends on how much you use your dryer. If you use it every day, monthly is enough. If you use it more than once a day, clean it every one to two weeks.
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.
Don't place the tumble dryer on carpet: The dryer will get hot and fluff can catch in the carpet pile which is a fire risk.
It depends on how much you use your dryer. The more loads you run, the more lint that accumulates. That said, we typically recommend a professional dryer vent cleaning once or twice a year.
The condenser model has an energy rating of B and a drying time of 145 minutes. The heatpump condenser model has an energy rating of A++ and a drying time of 178 minutes. With heatpump dryers however energy saving is significant.
Condenser dryer: not energy-efficient
This example is also based on a dryer that lasts up to 10 years on average, depending on its usage.