Technology, Measures & Innovation
Heat pump dryers: Laundry day, the smarter way
Looking for a home upgrade with a big payoff? Meet heat pump clothes dryers—a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional vented dryers. Unlike conventional gas or electric models, heat pump dryers use a closed-loop system. That means these ventless systems can be installed anywhere with electricity and water. The best part? They use a fraction of the energy so you can keep your electric bills and emissions down.
How do heat pump dryers work?
Heat pump dryers run like air conditioners in reverse. Air gets pulled through a heated coil before entering the machine’s drum. Next, the hot air absorbs moisture from your clothes and gets pushed through another coil to drain. Once that’s done, the same warm air gets put back through the compressor to restart the process. Essentially, these dryers move heat instead of creating it, which saves you loads of energy.
Why we love them
Energy-efficient
Heat pump dryers are highly efficient compared to conventional dryers. According to ENERGY STAR®, they can lower your electric use (and bills) by 28–60%.
Easy, space-saving installation
Because heat pump dryers don’t have vents, you can install them in any space with water and electricity. There are also tons of space-saving models, making them an ideal choice for smaller homes.
Gentle on your clothes
Heat pump dryers operate at a lower temperature than traditional models. Translation? Your clothes stay in better shape and don’t shrink as much.
Already sold? Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a heat pump model
Keep these points in mind:
Electrical requirements
There are 120V heat pump dryer models on the market that work with standard home outlets, but many models require 240V. That means if you’re switching from a gas dryer, you may need to work with an electrician to upgrade your electric outlet. If you’re switching from an electric dryer, you probably won’t need electrical updates since these usually already run on 240V outlets.
Maintenance
Because heat pump dryers don’t release moisture through ducts, they do use an extra lint filter to protect the coils. They also have removable trays to collect the moisture, which you’ll need to empty every cycle or set up a hose to drain.
Features
With so many models to choose from, you can find a dryer that lowers your energy bill and makes your life easier. Look out for dryers with moisture sensors, anti-wrinkle settings, smart settings, and even remote smartphone controls.
Ready to make the switch? The DCSEU can help.
Upgrade your appliances for less with these offers.
Rebates
Rebates are available to all District residents who manage their own home appliances. Visit our Residential Electrification Rebates page to make sure the dryer you’d like is a qualifying model. Just apply for your rebate after you’ve made your purchase and had it installed.
Affordable Home Electrification Program (AHEP)
If you're an income-qualified District homeowner or renter in a single-family home, you can upgrade gas appliances to efficient electric equipment for free. That’s right—get a heat pump dryer on us. We'll even provide a contractor to help you make the switch. Visit our Affordable Home Electrification page to learn more.