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Open air drying is not always possible

Compared with other countries, the penetration of tumble dryers in Spanish homes is limited, although the tendency is on the up. It is not always possible to dry clothes in the open air: in damp, rainy or extremely cold areas, the tumble dryer is a great ally in everyday life and, on many occasions, it is essential.

Boilers, customised efficiency

As for other domestic appliances, tumble dryers include an energy label that classifies their efficiency level from A to G. It is true that the more efficient the appliance, the higher the price. However, following careful analysis, you will see that it is an investment that can be recovered in the medium or long term through reduced consumption. It is suffice to compare the energy consumption data per drying cycle and capacity. Remember there are gas tumble dryers, which are recommended due to their reduced consumption.

Extraction or Condensation

Another important piece of information on the energy label is how the clothes are dried. There are two ways: extraction, which expels heated, damp air to the exterior:  and condensation, which makes this hot, damp air circulate through a circuit that eliminates the water, which is stored in a tank that needs to be emptied regularly. The second system is more efficient.

Heat pump tumble dryers reduce consumption by half

Ever since the condensation system was implemented, tumble dryers have been gaining brownie points in terms of efficiency. For example, the development of personalised programmes for different types of clothes.  However, one feature that has taken a giant leap forward in terms of consumption is heat pumps. Before they came on the scene, tumble dryers used electric resistors for heating, which required a higher consumption. The heat pump, similar to that used in fridges for cooling, reuses the heat generated in the drum, which is absorbed by a cooling liquid.  Therefore many models reduce energy consumption of the most efficient conventional boiler by half.

Efficient Moisture

There are other elements that contribute to making your tumble dryer feel proud of its  efficiency  . If possible, choose appliances with moisture sensors. They are intelligent systems that stop the drying process  when the clothes reach the moisture level desired by the user. This is far more efficient and useful than the traditional timer. For example, if you wish to iron your shirts, it is not advisable to dry them completely and hence make the most of the remaining moisture on ironing.

Efficiency begins with you

How to use the machine is just as important as the appliance itself. Try to use the tumble dryer only when absolutely necessary, either as an emergency or due to weather conditions. Ensure that there is a full load and separate heavy and cotton garments from light clothing, that dry much sooner. Not only will you obtain savings, but you will also look after your wardrobe.  
 
Did you know that...

After spin-drying at a speed of 1,000 rpm, the remaining moisture is 60%? In other words, if the washing machine is loaded with 6 kg of cotton, the clothes contain around 3.5 litres of water at the end of the wash, which needs to be eliminated.  Spin-drying clothes as much as possible is a good way of saving energy during drying.

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