Living in an apartment or unit doesn't mean you have to rely on communal laundries or air-drying on cramped balconies. Heat pump dryers have revolutionised clothes drying for apartment dwellers, offering a practical solution that works within the constraints of smaller living spaces. This guide explains why heat pump dryers are perfectly suited to apartment living and how to choose the right one for your home.
Why Heat Pump Dryers Are Perfect for Apartments
Traditional vented dryers have always been problematic in apartments. They require external venting, which means drilling through walls—something most body corporates prohibit and many apartments simply can't accommodate. Heat pump dryers eliminate this problem entirely.
No External Venting Required
The number one advantage of heat pump dryers for apartment dwellers is that they don't expel hot air outside. The closed-loop system recirculates and recycles air within the machine, condensing moisture into a removable water tank or draining it to your sink.
This means you can install a heat pump dryer:
- In internal laundries with no external walls
- In bathrooms (with appropriate power outlet)
- In kitchen utility areas
- In cupboards (with adequate ventilation)
- Anywhere you can fit the machine and reach a power point
Body Corporate Friendly
Heat pump dryers typically require no building modifications, making them compliant with most strata rules. Always check your specific body corporate requirements, but generally, these appliances are treated the same as any other household appliance.
Lower Heat Output
Heat pump dryers generate significantly less heat than vented or condenser dryers. This is important in apartments where:
- Air conditioning may need to work harder to compensate for appliance heat
- Small spaces heat up quickly
- Ventilation options may be limited
Quieter Operation
Most heat pump dryers operate at 60-65 decibels—quieter than a normal conversation. This matters in apartments where:
- Walls are shared with neighbours
- Open-plan living means appliance noise affects the whole space
- Running laundry in the evening is often necessary
Space Considerations
Compact Models
While most heat pump dryers are standard-sized (60cm x 60cm x 85cm), some manufacturers offer compact models with slightly smaller footprints. These may sacrifice some capacity (6-7kg instead of 8-9kg) but can fit in tighter spaces.
Stacking Options
If floor space is limited, stacking your dryer on top of a front-loading washing machine is an excellent solution. This approach:
- Uses vertical space instead of floor space
- Keeps both appliances in one convenient location
- Works well in narrow laundry cupboards
Stacking Requirements
Always use a manufacturer-approved stacking kit. The washer must be rated to support the dryer's weight, and both machines should ideally be from the same brand for proper fit. Never stack without proper mounting equipment.
Clearance Requirements
When planning your installation, remember that heat pump dryers need:
- 10cm clearance on each side for air circulation
- 10cm clearance at the rear
- Space in front for the door to open fully
- Access to the water tank and lint filter
Ventilation in Small Spaces
While heat pump dryers don't need external venting, they do release some heat and moisture into the room. In small apartments, managing this is important.
Minimum Room Requirements
Ideally, the room should have:
- At least 10 cubic metres of space (a small 2m x 2m room with standard ceiling)
- A window or door that can be opened
- Or mechanical ventilation (exhaust fan)
Cupboard Installations
If installing in a laundry cupboard:
- Install ventilation grilles in the cupboard doors (top and bottom)
- Consider leaving doors open during operation
- A small exhaust fan can help with air circulation
- Monitor for excessive heat or moisture initially
Drainage Solutions for Apartments
Heat pump dryers extract water from your clothes. In an apartment, you have several options for managing this water.
Water Tank
The simplest option is using the built-in water tank:
- Tanks typically hold 3-5 litres
- Empty after every 1-2 loads
- No plumbing modifications needed
- Water can be used for plants or ironing
Continuous Drainage
For convenience, you can connect to a drain:
- Run the drain hose to your laundry trough, sink, or floor drain
- Ensure the hose runs downhill (no pumping capability)
- Use proper fittings to prevent contamination or siphoning
Choosing the Right Model for Apartment Living
Capacity
For apartments (typically 1-2 people), a 7-8kg dryer is usually sufficient. Consider:
- Match dryer capacity to your washer
- Larger capacity means less frequent drying needed
- 8kg handles occasional bulky items like doonas better
Noise Level
Check the decibel rating in product specifications. Look for models at 65dB or under if you share walls or plan to run the dryer during evening hours.
Programs
Useful programs for apartment living include:
- Quick dry: For when you need items fast
- Refresh/steam: For removing odours without a full wash
- Delay start: To run during off-peak electricity hours
- Quiet mode: Reduced noise for evening operation
Smart Features
WiFi-connected dryers offer benefits for apartment dwellers:
- Start or monitor cycles from your phone
- Receive notifications when cycles complete
- Handy if your laundry is in a separate room from living areas
Top Picks for Apartments
When choosing a heat pump dryer for apartment living, prioritise low noise levels, compact dimensions (if space is tight), and features like delay start. Take our recommendation quiz for personalised suggestions.
Common Concerns Addressed
"Will it make my apartment humid?"
Heat pump dryers are designed to collect moisture, not release it. The condensed water goes into the tank or drain, not into your air. With reasonable room ventilation, humidity shouldn't be a problem.
"Is it too noisy for apartment living?"
Modern heat pump dryers are remarkably quiet—typically 60-65dB, similar to a dishwasher. You can hold a normal conversation over one running. Many models also offer quiet or night modes.
"Will it increase my electricity bill too much?"
Heat pump dryers are the most energy-efficient dryers available. Running one costs approximately $0.50-0.75 per cycle. If you're currently using a communal dryer at $3-5 per use, you'll likely save money.
"Can I install it myself?"
Yes, heat pump dryers require no special installation beyond positioning, levelling, and plugging in. If stacking, you may want professional help to ensure safety.
Making the Most of Your Apartment Dryer
- Use off-peak electricity: Many Australian electricity plans offer cheaper rates at night or on weekends
- Spin clothes thoroughly: Use your washer's maximum appropriate spin speed to reduce drying time
- Don't overload: Smaller loads dry more efficiently
- Clean the filter: After every load for optimal performance
- Empty the tank: Regularly, or connect to drainage for convenience
Heat pump dryers have made apartment living significantly more convenient. No more battling for shared laundry time, no more clothes draped over every surface waiting to dry, and no more dealing with weather affecting your laundry plans. With the right model, you can enjoy the same laundry convenience as any house owner.