STACK #203 Sep 2021

FEATURE LIFE TECH

Get Pumped Up!

still first load the dryer, of course) from work, or if the clothes aren’t quite dry, extend the cycle. From the app, you can also monitor energy consumption to keep an eye on those electricity bills. Some smart dryers have in-built sensors that weigh the load, identify fabric types and moisture levels, and then apportion the right amount of heat to complete the dry. And if you’ve vowed never to use a tumble dryer again after your favourite dress went from a size 14 to a size 6, fear not. Sensors will measure humidity and temperature to prevent the clothes from being overheated. Two’s Company

H eat pump technology has been around for over ten years and it’s become the dryer of choice for many Australian homes. Why? It’s the most energy-efficient dryer on the market with ratings of up to 9 stars on some models. Conventional vented dryers are expensive to run, and unless they’re ducted externally, they release the hot humid air during use, turning the house into a sauna. Heat pump dryers use a different technology; warm air is passed through the clothes, stripping them of the moisture which is collected in a condenser. The condenser leads to a removable tank, or the dryer can be plumbed directly into an outlet hose. The remaining air is reheated, and the process begins again and cycles continuously until the clothes are dry; the warm air is never heated to the point that it will damage clothing. Heat pump dryers are by far the most economical dryer you can buy – the trade-off is they take a little longer to dry clothes. Clean Considerations Shopping for a new washing machine?These are some things to consider:

5. Water savvy Choose a machine that will only use the amount of water necessary for the clothes in the load. This is good for the environment and your running costs. 6. Look to the stars Picking a washing machine – and dryer – with a good energy rating will save you in the long run. It might cost more initially, but the benefits will come over time. It’s the same when it comes to water usage; opt for the most efficient model. 7. Check, measure

1. Capacity matters The size of your family should influence the size of the washer you need. Bigger family = bigger capacity. And what size bedding do you have? If you’ve got a king-size bed, a bigger drum for both washer and dryer will be required. 2. Spin doctor Different fabrics require different care while being laundered,so search for a washing machine with variable spin speeds. 3. Get with the program Look for a machine with programs that fit your family. Need a quick wash? Look for a fast cycle option. Do you have children? Then a pre-wash program could be advantageous. Do you own clothes that need a little TLC in the drum? You’ll want a delicates setting. 4. Set the timer Being able to set the washing machine to start during off-peak times will help the household budget.

Some brands can even connect between devices so while a washer is busy completing its cycle, it will relay the information via Wi-Fi to the dryer. Once notified, the dryer will adjust the settings accordingly to dry the incoming load. All you have to do then is unload the washing, throw it in the dryer, and let it do its thing!

Whenever you’re replacing a washing machine or tumble dryer, measure the space before you buy – all models will differ slightly in size. If space is limited, opt for a front loader, and stack the tumble dryer on top.

Hot Tips For The Perfect Tumble

1. Whether you’re using a vented or a heat pump dryer, always read the labels on the garments you’re going to dry – most clothes will withstand a dryer but some, like silk, should be avoided. 2. Sort your clothes into fabric types before drying – it will help

reduce the time they’re in the dryer. 3. Don’t overload the tumble dryer – you want air to circulate to dry the clothing as quickly as possible. 4. Untangle jeans and shake out sheets from the washing machine

before placing them in the dryer to speed up the drying process. 5. Don’t forget to clean the lint from your filter. It doesn’t take long to build up and can affect the performance of the dryer (and it's a strangely satisfying task).

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