Dryer types and how to care for them

A dryer is an appliance that compliments washing machines by removing moisture from your clothes after washing. Although there are different types of dryers, they all use one or more combinations of heat, air, and motion to dry your clothes. Check out this article to learn more about how dryers work.

Types of dryers

All-in-One Washer Dryer

This is the most common type of dryer found in most homes. For this type, the washing machine and the dryer are a single appliance. Some models of Thermocool Top Load Automatic and Front Load washing machines, serve this dual purpose of washing and drying. However, for this type, you have to still spread your clothes for them to properly dry, as this type of dryer does not produce heat.

Standalone Dryer

This type of dryer is a separate appliance. This means you require two appliances, one for washing and the other for drying. Although there is an additional cost of running both appliances, dryers generate enough heat to get your clothes dry in no time. It is commonly seen at laundry service companies. However, to make the best use of your space, it is advised to stack dryers on top of the washing machine, as far as the measurement of both appliances is the same.

Washer and Dryer Set

For some home appliances, the dryer comes along with the washer. They are usually sold together and let you do your laundry more effectively. As a result of their efficiency, these sets are better used in commercial laundry service centres, as they can take up much higher laundry loads.

How much electricity do dryers consume?

Has there been any time you looked at your electricity bills and you said to yourself “how many things do I have in this house that I’m spending so much?” We have all been there! Although the total number of appliances in your home can cause your electricity bills to “skyrocket”, some appliances use up much more electricity than others.

Dryers have become a more common household appliance. A dryer consumes a lot of electricity because it requires a huge amount of heat to dry clothes. The exact amount of electricity consumed depends on the type of dryer, the number of times you use it, and the duration of every drying cycle.

If you need to know for sure, this easy-to-use energy calculator can help you gauge the electricity consumption of dryers and other appliances.

Ways of maintaining dryers

Like every other appliance, your dryer needs maintenance to function properly and last longer. Here are easy ways to maintain them both at home and in commercial locations.

1. Avoid putting messy clothes in dryers. If your clothes are messy, it is best to wash them first in the washing machine, then you can put them in the dryer.
2. It is important to remove lint residue from the lint trap.
3. Dust could get behind the dryer and on the part of the floor where the appliance is placed. This dust could affect performance. So, clean the wall and floor behind your dryers.
4. Your dryer might not be well balanced, and as such, it could cause it to shake causing damage to parts of the appliance.

Is having a dryer the best option for your home or business? This article can help you make an informed decision.