The functional and aesthetic complications of where to put a unit washer and dryer pose a significant challenge for multifamily builders, designers, and remodelers alike, since the number of places in which you can install these appliances is limited due to the structural needs of each machine.
However, your design options have increased exponentially because of an innovation that is transforming the laundry market in the United States. Dryers that rely on a ventless heat pump design make it possible to install the appliance without a dryer vent.
Ventless innovation provides an immediate cost benefit to builders. Without the need for dryer vents, builders save on the cost of installation and maintenance while the design and construction process is simplified. These flexible installation options mean that the dryer can essentially be placed anywhere in a building.
The energy efficient design, which reduces energy consumption by as much as 73 percent (When compared to pre-2004 traditional dryers paired with a matching washer, normal cycle, electric only), means cost savings for building residents. It even allows users to more precisely control their energy usage. Residents also will appreciate the aesthetically pleasing design, high-quality construction, and dynamic drying options.
Whirlpool® ventless dryers come in three sizes:
- Whirlpool® 4.3 cu. ft. 24" Compact, Front Load Compact Dryer, which fits perfectly into most small spaces in multifamily dwellings and will be released in late 2016 or early 2017.
- Whirlpool® Closet Depth Front Load Washer & HybridCare™ Dryer, which is small enough that it can be tucked away behind closed doors. It won a 2016 Consumer Electronics Show Innovations Honoree Award in the Eco-Design and Sustainable Technologies category.
- 7.3 cu ft. HybridCare™ Ventless Duet® Dryer with Heat Pump Technology, which is Energy Star® certified and easily installs in more places thanks to the HybridCare™ true ventless heat pump technology. It was a Best of Innovation award winner at CES 2015.
The Whirlpool® HybridCare™ Dryer utilizes a refrigeration system to dry and recycle air, while any water exits through the connected washer drain. This innovative heat pump design condenses moist air into water vapor and the air is then recycled into the drum, eliminating the need for a vent. The heat pump also contains a 1,300-watt heating element to speed along the drying process when needed.
Today’s renters and buyers are well-informed advocates of sustainable design. They want to be involved in the decision-making process and are extremely interested in customization. Prioritizing environmentally friendly and flexible appliances caters to the demands of savvy renters and buyers, from Millennials to Baby Boomers. This type of purposeful innovation is a win-win for builders and building residents and contributes to a more sustainable future.
