Problems with Condensing Dryers
CARL SEVILLE
| Posted in Green Products and Materials on
Wondering if anyone has experience with condensing dryers to share. We have a 5 year old Bosch dryer that has had the pump replaced twice, it requires frequent cleaning of the filters that are not very accessible to operate, and we now have another problem that requires a technician to return for a 3rd repair. Trying to figure out if this is just a lemon or if it is systemic with these.
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Is it the heat pump model, or just a condensing dryer? Does yours have the self cleaning condenser?
Condensing, not heat pump.
I'm an American living in France. I have an Indesit model combined washer & condensing dryer, which is Whirlpool's European brand, and I'm guessing it's their lowest of the low brand, though I didn't know it at the time I bought the piece of crap. It's the first time I've had a condensing dryer and if it's representative of the technology then it's a dead end. It literally takes 8 hours for the machine to run through its dry cycle and if there's more than 1 bath towel in it the stuff still isn't dry.
It's disappointing to read that Bosch is problematic as well. I'd hoped that a higher end brand would do better. In 3-4 years I expect to be moving house. If they don't improve I'll be going back to the standard dryer, if they're still allowing us to buy them.
You'll want to review this thread: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/heat-pump-dryer-issue-full-sized-whirlpool-whd560chw0
We've been using the full sized Whirlpool heat pump dryer for about six years now with no issues, other than a recent cleaning (see last few posts in that thread).
I have added a stainless micro mesh screen behind the unit's secondary lint filter which so far is preventing any lint from getting to the evaporator/condenser. If you post a few pics, perhaps I can make a few suggestions. The longest it takes for a full load of towels etc. is about 90 minutes, but 60-80 minutes is typical.
Ah, condensing. That thread I linked will not apply, although the use of the stainless steel micro mesh screen might work as well.
Update - We are replacing the dryer. Our very reliable repair tech said they typically only last 5-7 years and we are in that range. So much for "Durable Goods".
Carl - did your Bosch have the self clean feature for the coils?
I have the Whirlpool WHD560, and am on the fence about it. It is the only full size dryer I could find in the HP/Condensing category, so from that perspective it is the most efficient. I'm not entirely convinced I really needed a full size.
Next time around I will be looking for a model with self cleaning coils...
Whatever you do do not buy a Whirlpool condensing dryer. We have the model WHD560 and it has never work properly. It has been serviced four time. Twice out of warranty and cost us half the price of a new one and it still doesn't work properly. This dryer is only two years old.
The Whirlpool WHD560 is not a condensing dryer - it is a heat pump dryer. Different technology. If you have the WHD560, you may be interested in the thread DennisWood linked above. You state it has never worked properly - what is the specific issue? HP dryers take longer to dry and require a bit more maintenance such as cleaning two filters.
When it has been serviced have the condenser coils been cleaned? I have not found any local tech who knows how to do that, let alone knows what I am referring to when I ask. I'll be doing it myself in a year or two. Note the HP dryers even with clean coils take a bit longer to dry a load, but the clothes come out so much softer. Post your issue over on the other thread and you can probably get some help. The advantage to the WHD560 is it is the only full size HP dryer sold in the US.
I'm ready to buy on my new build and decided on this comb0.https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-Profile-4-8-cu-ft-Capacity-UltraFast-Combo-with-Ventless-Heat-Pump-Technology-Washer-Dryer-PFQ97HSPVDS
Let us know how that goes. I was very tempted to buy a similar LG 2 in 1 with HP dryer, both for the convenience of not needing to move the loads and the space saving. In the end I decided the 2 in 1 technology was probably too recently re-introduced, and if one or the other function (wash/dry) broke, I'd have to spend as much as the cost of a new single getting it fixed, and would still have an older piece of equipment. Also LG reliability and parts availability is not great. So I decided against it this time but sure hope this option is available at my next purchase.
Things really do go full circle. When I was a small child we had a Bendix 2 in 1. Being a 1950's appliance, it was relatively simple and entirely mechanical. I remember it being taken apart in the garage for repairs numerous times. It finally bit the dust when parts were not available, and by then everyone had separate washers and dryers, so it was replaced with one of each....
I bought one of these a couple of months ago and it works great ( so far). Washes and dries a load in 2-3 hours. I also love not needing to move wet clothes from washer to dryer. It even notifies my phone when it's done.
I have a Samsung HP dryer. Been happy so far. Takes less than 2 hours a load. Only negative is it is smaller capacity than the washer, so we do 2x dry loads per wash.
Sorry to hear about the ongoing troubles with your Bosch dryer. Dealing with frequent repairs can be frustrating. I know it on my own skin. I've come across similar issues before. Sometimes, specific models can have recurring problems. It might be worth checking forums or communities where others have shared their experiences with the same dryer. In case you're looking for more information or potential solutions, I stumbled upon a website that offers appliance repair services, including for brands like Bosch. You might find some helpful insights here: https://fixappliances.ca/dacor-appliance-repair/.