I’d had trouble with my conventional electric clothes dryer for many years. After several complicated and costly repairs, as well as ongoing hassles getting the dryer vent cleaned since it was three stories up, I decided in 2022 to replace my stacked washer and dryer with a new water-saving, front-loading washing machine and a heat pump clothes dryer.

The change has made a big difference. There’s significant water savings. And while the new dryer has a smaller drum capacity and takes a bit longer to dry, it uses dramatically less energy, costs much less to operate, and is gentler on my clothing. All heat pump-equipped appliances produce condensate, which is the water byproduct of extracting heat from air, but my new heat pump dryer’s condensate drains directly into my home’s plumbing.

So I never have to empty a water reservoir. It’s just simple and convenient to use. And heat pump dryers eliminate the need for outdoor venting. So my previous outdoor vent is now completely sealed and weather-tight, thereby eliminating another previous source of draftiness in my home.