Clothes Drying
The clothes dryer typically uses the least gas among a home’s major appliances. Heat pump dryers are an electric alternative that don't require an outside vent, which gives more flexibility in where they can be installed.
How It Works
A heat pump dryer works on the same principle as a heat pump water heater. Instead of heating air with gas or an electric element and venting it outdoors, it circulates warm air through the drum, removes moisture from it, and reuses it. The collected water drains through a hose or collects in a reservoir that is emptied periodically. Because it doesn't need an outside vent, a heat pump dryer can be installed in a closet, an interior laundry area, or a garage without a vent.
Heat pump dryers dry at lower temperatures, so cycles typically take longer than with a conventional dryer, and the lower heat is gentler on fabrics. Some models operate on a standard 120-volt outlet, so replacing a gas dryer may require capping the gas line but no new electrical work.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Identifying a replacement option before your current dryer needs replacing gives you time to compare models.
- Check whether the model you are considering runs on 120 volts or needs a 240-volt circuit.
- Review cycle times, particularly if your household often runs several loads in a row.
- Capping a gas line typically requires a permit. Confirm requirements through TO/24.
