The Pros and Cons of a Condenser Dryer

Condenser dryers (or condensation dryers) have been around for generations, and yet they seem to be growing in popularity as the years carry on. These sorts of dryers are ideal for those looking to remove those ugly-looking vents from their laundry room, or for people seeking a more energy-efficient alternative.

With these condenser dryers, the air is heated by the condenser before entering the barrel. Although, as opposed to the air then being vented out, it is instead going back into the condenser to be cooled down, and reheated for the next cycle.

This is the most common style of ventless dryer sold in the U.S. today, and to help enhance your knowledge on the pros and cons of condenser dryers we have outlined the following information below.

What is a Condenser Dryer?

Condenser dryers work in a slightly different fashion compared to other ventless dryers (like a heat pump dryer), with the dryer collecting the moisture from your clothes into a container (reservoir) inside the machine. This container will collect the water, with your only job being to empty it when it fills up.

This can be incredibly beneficial for those who want more flexibility for where they can place the dryer or those who are looking for a more efficient alternative.

Though, condenser dryers also tend to be more expensive, and will also require more attention from the buyer (to remove the water reservoir regularly).

The Pros and Cons of a Condenser Dryer

To help you further break down some of the differences, the pros for condenser dryers are:

Pros

• Easier to install.
• Require less maintenance.
• More energy-efficient

There are a variety of pros for installing a condenser dryer into your home, not the least of which include the increased versatility, and efficiency. Since the ventless dryer will take up a lot less space than its counterpart, and there is no need to punch any holes in the wall to install it.

A condenser dryer can be installed almost anywhere in the home, and all that’s needed is a power receptacle (either 3 or 4 prongs), and adequate airflow surrounding the appliance. As previously mentioned, these types of dryers use far less energy than a traditional dryer, because you are recycling the heat rather than creating it with every cycle. One benefit that often gets forgotten about is the fact that the smaller drum and lower volume of heat mean that the entire process will be much gentler on your clothes.

Cons

However, some of the biggest cons for condenser dryers are:

• More expensive (upfront)
• Longer drying cycle
• Limited space/capacity

While condenser dryers come with a plethora of benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. For example, large families may struggle with the fact that the loads will be smaller, and the drying times will be longer.

Also, while you will most definitely save money over the lifespan of the appliance (due to its increased energy efficiency), it’s going to require more money upfront to haul it in. Its also worth noting that because these dryers are smaller, many people will attempt to fit them into the smallest space possible. While this is doable, it is not advised, because, in tight spaces (or humid environments), the added moisture produced by a ventless dryer can lead to mold or mildew growth quite easily.

Are Condenser Dryers Worth the Money?

Tying into the previous section, whether or not condenser dryers are worth the money will depend entirely on your current living situation and your lifestyle as a whole. On the one hand, condenser dryers are significantly more energy-efficient than a standard vented dryer, and they are also much gentler on your clothes. Since the dryer runs significantly cooler than a vented dryer, your clothes will not become overdried, and ruined over time.

Although, you may live the sort of lifestyle that requires quicker dry times, or larger loads, in which case a traditional dryer may be more worth it. But if you are single, or live in a smaller space that does not require a copious amount of laundry to be done regularly. Then spending the extra buck at the time of purchase can save you a lot of money in the long run, and it will also give you more flexibility moving forward. Since you won’t be tied down to a specific location with a ventless dryer.

Final Thoughts

To finish things off, condenser dryers illustrate another amazing alternative for anyone looking to make an upgrade to their space. These ventless dryers are surprisingly efficient, effective, and convenient, with your only job being to empty the water tank when it gets full. Condenser dryers are without a doubt, one of the most effective designs on the market, and illustrate a wonderful solution for any homeowner.