Condenser tumble dryers with heat pump - any opinions?

[sleepyhead]

Are they worth the extra money?

We used to live in a tenement flat with high ceilings, gas ch, good ventilation (draughty ) and outdoor drying space, so dried clothes on a pulley rack, rads, or outside and had no use for a tumble dryer.

Our new place is modern, electric only, no outside washing line, and much better insulated so I'm worried about damp if we dry all our clothes inside. We've got space for a dryer in the hall cupboard so it needs to be a condenser.

I'm attracted by the energy ratings of the heat pump models but they are generally £££ compared to a standard Condenser. I reckon with roughly 3 loads a week it could take a few years to see any financial saving. Or am I underestimating the cost?

I didn't buy one for the reasons you say. It would take years to recoup the extra cost. If the thing didn't last that long, or if heat pump machines came down in price after a few years, I would remain out of pocket. It you were to take out an extended warranty, the extra cost might make it even less economic.

For the most economic option, get a vented drier (cheaper and simpler than a condensor, so less to go wrong) and get a handy person to use a Core Drill from a hire shop to make a neat round hole in a wall for the duct. they can drill for extractor fans or cooker hoods on the same day if they feel like it. You do need to be quite strong and understand safety precautions as it is a big heavy powerful tool.

oops, didn't notice that there is nowhere except under the stairs. Are you sure? They can be stacked on top of washing machines, or you can run a duct to the nearest outside wall.

No, there's definitely no room in the kitchen or anywhere else with easy access to an outside wall. This cupboard has been previously used as a sort of study, so has a power point and would seem the ideal place.

I think we'll save our money (for the electricity bill) and just go for a standard condenser.