What is it

If you’ve heard of combo washer/dryer units before, you likely aren’t thinking of the newer, more efficient, convenient machines. Still fairly new to the appliance market, heat pump combo washer & dryer units are a great option when it’s time to replace your washer or dryer, to install in your new construction home, or even to add a second laundry area to your home (read on to learn how easy this can be!).

Heat pumps have been around for quite a long time, but the use of them in laundry appliances is much newer technology. These are not only very efficient, but many find them to make getting laundry done much more convenient.

Benefits

  • Because these units don’t require a dryer vent, or 4-prong dryer outlets, setting up an extra laundry area in your home much easier. You simply need a standard 120v outlet, and the water supply/drainage plumbing.

  • The heat pump drying cycle is much gentler on your clothes and linens than a standard dryer

  • Heat pump drying is much more energy efficient than standard drying

  • Safer than standard dryers - because they don’t sue a dryer vent, risk of fire is decreased (dryer vents are one of the leading causes of residential fires)

  • No need to move clothes from the washer to the dryer (so your laundry gets done faster and without risk of forgetting). And, if you purchase two units, you’ll be able to complete 2 full loads of laundry fast and easy.

  • Saved space means you can purchase two units and get double the laundry done

  • These machines are full size, and able to fit large loads, compared with the older non-heat pump combo units

Cost & Options

While one unit is quite spendy, the price has been coming down quickly as the novelty of these machines is starting to fade away. And, now there are more options available with several big name brands offering heat pump models. And, of course the energy savings will add up over time.

Expect to spend between $1500-3000 on the unit.

My two cents

I own one of these machines, which is located at one of my short-term rentals. It is very inexpensive to run (and mine gets used a lot). Because my linens are constantly being washed, I have personal experience with the gentleness of these, and appreciate that my linens do not get warn out with so many cycles. And, I love the reduced maintenance and peace of mind: not worrying about built-up lint in the dryer vent is huge, especially for someone like me who maintains multiple properties.

Although my personal home’s laundry area is set-up with a dryer vent and 4-prong outlet, when my washer and dryer reach their end of life, I plan to replace both with one of these combo heat pump machines. The biggest benefit that I appreciate is not needing to move laundry from the washer to the dryer.