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Goodbye conventional washing machine: Washer and dryer with “heat pump” promises savings on electricity bills and less wear on clothes

Written by Ruth Rodrigues
Published on 13/05/2026 at 18:56
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Washer-dryer with heat pump uses thermal reuse to reduce energy consumption and protect fabrics.

Washer-dryer machines have undergone significant changes in recent years, but a specific system has started to attract more attention in the market for promising lower energy consumption during clothes drying. The heat pump technology, already present in more advanced models, is being pointed out as one of the main trends for the home appliance sector.

The difference lies in how the equipment heats and reuses the air inside the machine. Instead of continuously producing heat through electrical resistance, the system reuses the temperature already present in the process. This reduces energy consumption and makes drying more controlled, according to CanalTech.

Models like the WashTower line from LG already use this solution, which is also starting to gain ground in the Brazilian market.

How does the washer-dryer with heat pump work?

In conventional machines, drying depends on an electrical resistance that heats the air repeatedly throughout the cycle. This method requires high energy consumption because the system needs to generate heat constantly.

The washer-dryer with heat pump works differently.

The operation occurs in a closed circuit. The heated air circulates inside the drum, removes moisture from the clothes, and goes through a condensation process. After that, the heat is reused and returns to the system to continue drying.

In practice, the machine avoids wasting energy by creating heat from scratch at every moment.

The process is reminiscent of the operation of air conditioning units, which also use circulation and thermal reuse.

Heat pump reduces energy consumption

The main advantage of this technology is related to energy efficiency.

According to information released by CanalTech, savings during the drying stage can vary between 30% and 60% when compared to traditional models with electrical resistance.

This happens because the resistance is among the components that consume the most electricity in appliances.

By reducing dependence on this resource, the impact on the electricity bill tends to be lower over the continuous use of the machine.

Another important factor is that the closed system reduces heat loss to the environment, further increasing the equipment’s efficiency.

Washer and dryer with heat pump uses thermal recovery to reduce energy consumption and protect fabrics.
Washer and dryer with heat pump uses thermal recovery to reduce energy consumption and protect fabrics. Source: LG.

Washer and dryer with heat pump also protects fabrics

Besides saving energy, operating at more controlled temperatures helps reduce damage to clothes.

As the drying occurs more gently, there is less exposure of fabrics to excessive heat.

This can help reduce issues such as:

  • Shrinking of garments
  • Premature wear
  • Damage to delicate fabrics
  • Changes in the texture of clothes

Another cited benefit is the reduced release of steam into the environment.

Since the system remains closed during operation, humidity does not spread throughout the room with the same intensity observed in conventional appliances.

This feature can be especially useful in apartments or smaller spaces.

Operation tends to be quieter

Another highlighted point in the technology is the reduction of noise during operation.

According to information presented by CanalTech, the absence of a resistance operating continuously at high power contributes to a quieter operation.

Furthermore, the heat recovery helps make the process more stable throughout the drying.

The combination of lower energy consumption and quieter operation is driving interest in models with heat pumps.

Technology still has some limitations

Despite the advantages, machines equipped with this system still present some points that require consumer attention.

The first is the higher initial cost compared to traditional washers and dryers.

Additionally, drying cycles may take longer to complete. This is because the process uses lower temperatures to preserve fabrics and reuse energy.

Another mentioned aspect involves maintenance.

Depending on the problem, repair may require specialized technical assistance.

Even so, the expectation presented in the sector is that the savings generated over time will help offset the higher investment.

Washer and dryer with heat pump uses thermal reuse to reduce energy consumption and protect fabrics.
Washer and dryer with heat pump uses thermal reuse to reduce energy consumption and protect fabrics. Source: Panasonic.

Why is the heat pump gaining ground?

The search for more efficient appliances has intensified in recent years, mainly due to the increase in electricity costs and discussions about sustainability.

In this scenario, technologies capable of reducing waste have started to receive more attention from the industry and consumers.

The heat pump appears precisely as an alternative that tries to balance performance and lower energy consumption.

In countries in Europe and Asia, for example, this system is already present in various modern dryers.

Now, the advancement is also beginning to be noticed in Brazil.

Washer and dryer with heat pump may become a market trend

The gradual growth of this technology accompanies larger changes in the home appliance sector.

Manufacturers have been investing in solutions that promise to reduce energy costs without compromising the efficiency of the appliances.

Among the factors driving this transformation are:

  1. Higher electricity bills
  2. Search for sustainable equipment
  3. Environmental regulations
  4. Greater concern with energy efficiency
  5. Need to reduce waste

The trend pointed out by the information released by CanalTech is that heat pump systems will cease to be exclusive to premium models and become increasingly common in the market.

Technology bets on heat reuse

The central differential of the heat pump lies in the intelligent use of energy already used during drying.

Instead of wasting the heated air after each stage of the cycle, the system reuses the existing heat to continue operating.

This completely changes the logic present in conventional washer and dryers, which rely on continuous heating by electric resistance.

With this change, manufacturers aim to offer more economical and efficient appliances for home use.

At the same time, technology tries to respond to the growing demand for solutions that combine practicality, reduced consumption, and greater care for clothes.

Source: CanalTech

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Ruth Rodrigues

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), she works as a writer and science communicator.

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