Clothes Dryers

A) Types of dryers

Type	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Product Images
Front Load Washer/Dryer (2 in 1)	Washer that can also be used as a dryer Suitable for apartment living or energy-efficient households	2 appliances in one saves space Allows you to wash and dry clothes in the same cycle You do not have to move washed clothes into a different machine	Usually only suitable for drying small loads (less than full load of a regular wash) Drying cycles tend to be longer compared to regular dryers
Vented Dryers	Dryer that vents hot air and moisture into the laundry Suitable for any laundry room that has an exhaust fan or window	Affordable Light enough to wall-mount Easy to use	Can fill a poorly-ventilated laundry with steam and moisture Less energy efficient
Condenser Dryers	Extracts the moisture from your wet clothes and drains it away as condensed water Suitable for apartment living and unventilated laundries	Will not fill the laundry room with steam Some models have drainage tube.  This tube eliminates the need to periodically empty the water tank No ventilation is needed so it can be installed anywhere at home	Too heavy to be wall-mounted
Heat Pump Dryers	A type of condenser dryer that recycles exhaust heat for maximum energy efficiency Suitable for apartments, unventilated laundries and energy efficient homes	Will not fill the laundry room with steam Some models have drainage tube.  This tube eliminates the need to periodically empty the water tank No ventilation is needed so it can be installed anywhere at home Among the most energy efficient dryers available	More expensive than other types of dryers

B) Things to consider when purchasing

• Would you prefer a top load or front load?
• Is your laundry room well-ventilated?
• Make sure that your dryer can fit through the door
• Take into consideration of power cords and hoses
• Look for drying programs that you’re likely to use regularly
• Fast spin speeds give you faster drying times
• Measurement tips
  - Width:  Leave 1” to 3” on the sides and between appliances so air can circulate
  - Depth:  Leave 4” to 6” at the back to accommodate vents, hookups and cords
                Front load dryers will need 21” to 25” for door to swing open

C) Features & Benefits

• Energy efficient
  - Dryers that are energy efficient use less energy which saves money and protect the environment
  - Some have moisture sensors which is an energy saving technology
  - Energy efficient dryers use less heat and reduces wear and tear on clothes caused by over drying
  
  
• Steam
  - In a dryer, steam can relax stubborn wrinkles and reduce static.  Some has refresh setting for clothes that are clean and wrinkly and perhaps smelling a little stale.  While others have steam clean option for non-washable items such as pillows and stuffed animals
  
  
• Sanitization or allergy settings
  - These settings will increase the temperature or use steam to reduce germs, bacteria, and irritants to your clothing or bedding
  - Allergy setting is generally kinder to your clothes than the sanitization feature
  - The sanitization setting is long and hot enough to kill 99.9% microorganisms and has almost no carryover of bacteria into future loads
  
  
• Vibration and noise reduction
  - This feature reduces vibration and noise especially if dryer is near living and sleeping areas
  
  
• Digital displays and touch-screen controls
  - These make it easier for you to use their array of specialized features and settings and some might allow you to save your favorite combinations
  
  
• Express Dry
  - This cycle uses larger blowers for increased air flow so laundry dries faster
  
  
• Smartphone compatibility
  - High-end models might boast built-in WiFi to sync to your smartphone.  This technology will alert you when a cycle has ended

D) Maintenance

• Clean the lint screen regularly
  - Too much lint on the screen might cause fire
  
  
• Avoid putting soiled clothes in the dryer
  - By doing this, you will avoid getting any dirt or unnecessary materials in the dryer
  
  
• Vent cleaning
  - Clean your exhaust vent or duct at least two times every year.  Obstructions in the vent will reduce the air flow to the dryer leading to an increase in drying times and unnecessary use of energy
  - Blocked vents can also cause fire breakouts