Making your dryer more energy efficient

summertime2006

16 years ago

I have a 9 month old electric dryer with a moisture sensor. I keep the lint screen clean also and I have a HE front loading washer. But the dryer still uses a lot of energy.

I just wanted to see if anyone knew of ways to improve the efficiency of a clothes dryer?

Thanks

Jim

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Comments (6)

regus_patoff
16 years ago
Depending on where you live, and the gas/electric rates...or availability of propane...

Here in Milwaukee Wisconsin, the cost of ANY electric heating cost 3x the cost of natural GAS heating.

We use a natural GAS dryer.
mc_hudd
16 years ago
I've heard before to throw a dry towel in w/ a load of clothes & that's supposed to make them dry faster. I've tried it a couple of times, but couldn't tell if it really worked.
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To increase my electric dryer system efficiency, I am thinking of adding a heat exchanger and positive intake and output ducting. Maybe a heat exchanger like this: http://www.americanaldes.com/HRVRes.html They are made for air exchange, but I think it would do a lot to recover the waste heat and increase the system efficiency. Here are my assumptions: 1) Up-front dollars do not matter. This is an experiment. 2) I'll have to filter the lint very well to avoid plugging the heat exchanger. 3) I'll have to modify the dryer so it takes in all its air at one location (this may be problematic). I may try to enclose the dryer a bit, or open it up and see if I can run a duct to the fan intake. 4) The dryer will no longer suck warm, room temperature air (that I have paid to heat with expensive propane) and force it outside the house. 5) In the winter, I would hope to see something like this: ____ a) outside air is 0 F ____ b) dryer output air is 130 F ____ c) heat exchanger warm outlet (input to dryer) should be at around 100 F ____ d) exhaust air to outside should be around 30 F ____ e) air coming into the dryer would be very "dry" since it has been heated in the exchanger (please note, I have not done the math, I'm just shooting from the hip) 6) The condensation is handled in the heat exchanger, it has a drain tube. 7) In extreme cold weather, the condensation in the heat exchanger might freeze up. There might have to be switchable a warm air (from inside the house) inlet if this proves to be an issue. 8) In the summer time I am worried that the intake air to the dryer (warmed up by its exhaust) might be too hot. OK, so there is my idea. Pile it on. ref: http://www.google.com/search?q=heat+exchanger+clothes+dryer+-patent http://www.homeenvy.com/db/5/405.html http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7213349.html http://www.laundrysystems.electrolux.com/Files/pdf/Heat%20recovery%20pipes.pdf http://www.rototherm.net/art_01.html http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Dryer_20Heat_20Recapture
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chipshot
16 years ago
Are you certain that airflow through the duct and its outlet are completely unobstructed?
sparky823
16 years ago
If you use softener be sure you wash your lint screen ever so often with warm soapy water, rinse and dry. Also take a cotton ball and some alcohol and wipe the metal sensor bars off also. If they have build up on them it will cause it to run long/take longer to dry.
I read an article in my local paper once where someone wrote in complaining about having dingy whites. The lady that does the column gave several tips and one of them is never to dry white clothes on a temp higher than medium that this can make them look dingy over time. Since then I just dry everything on "Ultra Care" which is the lowest temp mine has. I think this saves power cause it doesn't heat up as hot for as long and I really haven't noticed any difference in the length of the cycle. If it is any longer it is very little. Also clothes rinsed in warm water dry faster but then you have to pay to heat the rinse water. Just make sure your vent to and at the outside of your house is clean. The metal vent also helps save power cause the air flow goes through better. Hope some of this helps.
dadoes
16 years ago
There's nothing specific can be done to make a dryer more efficient assuming its already operating properly ... other than ensure the vent is unobstructed and short as possible, and the lint screen kept clear. They're all virtually the same, which is why dryers aren't rated with an Energy Label.
sylvia55
16 years ago
Hi - I do use a dryer occasionally in bad weather but mainly I have a very efficient dehumidification device that causes moisture loss through centrfugal force, solar power and natural airification (ie the wind).

It is called aN OUTSIDE ROTARY CLOTHES DRYER, set up costs minimal and running costs FREE. Benefits - zero pollution, a little light exercise in the fresh air, and lovely smelling laundry (unless you live in a very dusty/polluted area of course).

All the rage for tens of thousands of years all over the world - apart from SOME who seem to think they are too good for the Creator's free gifts of sun and wind.

Making your dryer more energy efficient

Comments (6)

regus_patoff

mc_hudd

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