How a Tumble Dryer Works

There are 2 types of tumble dryer: regular vented and condensing (non-vented).

Vented tumble dryers are very simple in operation and work by blowing warm air through the clothes tumbling in a motorised drum, then passing the warm moist air through ducting to outside the building or an external condenser box.

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During the tumble dryer's operation, the motor alternates the direction of the drum's spin to reduce tangling of the clothes. A thermostat regulates the air temperature and a timer device allows the appliance to run for a specific period of time.

There can also be more complicated electronic controls in the tumble dryer that are able to sense the moisture content of the air and vary accordingly the time and degree of drying initially specified by the controls. In addition there may be sensors to vary the air temperature for delicate clothing.

Condenser dryers are generally more complicated and expensive. These heat air and blow through the drum like a vented dryer, but the exhaust air is passed through a heat exchange to allow the moisture to condense and drain into a reservoir. This water is then pumped into a collection tank or out through external plumbing to the drain.

The condenser is generally cooled by another fan attached to the motor, but in some high-end dryer models, there may even be a small refrigeration unit to provide more efficient moisture removal at lower temperatures.

After the air has been dehumidified by the condenser, it is usually passed back through the heater again to complete the air flow loop. With the added cost of the condenser and cooling condenser, dryers tend to have more electronic controls and functions that work to improve performance and efficiency.

Water collected from condenser driers is free from limescale and ideal for use in steam irons and car batteries.

* All information provided is a guide only. BuySpares accepts no liability for any problems occurred while attempting any advice shown. If in any doubt contact a qualified repair service.