What is a ventless dryer?

How does a ventless dryer work?

There are two types of ventless dryers: condensing dryers and heat pump dryers. Though these appliances function differently, they both can be installed without ventilation.

Condensing dryer

Condensing dryers use a heater element coupled with an air-to-air heat exchanger to condense water from the humid air in order to dry clothes. This condensation process uses a secondary air path, known as room air, to cool the primary humid air path via the heat exchanger. This causes the water in the air to condense.

Heat pump dryer

A heat pump dryer utilizes a compressor and heat exchangers and acts as a dehumidifier to condense the humid air through the evaporator heat exchanger. However, the difference in this process is the heat recovery. 

The secondary heat exchanger, called the condenser, is used to recover the heat and apply it to the drying process, which generally makes it more energy efficient.

Where does the moisture go in a ventless dryer?

Since ventless dryers are designed without the ducts that expel hot, moist air from the machine, the appliance condenses moisture from the air in the drum and either collects it in a removable drawer or expels it out of the dryer drum via a drain hose. 

How exactly a ventless dryer removes moisture from your damp laundry varies depending on the make and model of your machine, so consult your product manual for model-specific information.

Do ventless dryers take longer to dry?

Since the mechanics of a ventless dryer differ from standard models, drying times can be longer when using a ventless option. Depending on the model of your appliance, you may be able to get a quicker dry by reducing your laundry load size and selecting the Extra Fast spin speed.

Before purchasing a ventless dryer, it’s important to decide which option best suits your family’s lifestyle. Not sure if a ventless dryer is the best choice? Use these comparison charts for front load and top load dryers.

What is a ventless washer and dryer combo?

Ventless all-in-one washer dryer combinations are exactly what they sound like—a laundry appliance that combines the functions of a washer and dryer. Simply load your clothes and choose your settings; this appliance runs a washing cycle, then transitions to a drying cycle using ventless technology. 

Because they combine two appliances into one, ventless washer dryer combos can be a great choice for families who live in apartments or homes in which space is at a premium. Whirlpool brand offers a ventless washer dryer combo so you can care for your family’s laundry regardless of the size of your space.