Combo washer-dryers are big helping hand for the humid weather in Hong Kong. A Consumer Council test on washer-dryers revealed that the time needed for clothes drying by different models can differ for more than half an hour (per kg of clothing).
The test covered 8 models of front-loading combo washer-dryers with the prices ranging from HK$4,700 to HK$9,200. A laboratory in France was commissioned to test the performance of the samples in washing, drying, eco-design, convenience of use and reliability. The tests were conducted with reference to international standards (IEC60456 and IEC61121).
All tested samples performed well in washing but variations were found in time taken in drying, water utilization and energy efficiency during drying tests.
The test results showed that the time for completely drying per kilogram (kg) of cotton clothing ranged from 37 to 78 minutes, a difference of 41 minutes. The time for half-dry the same load ranged from 22 to 57 minutes, and that of easy-care fabrics took 31 to 62 minutes, a difference of more than half an hour in both cases.
During the drying cycle, the amount of water used for condensing the water vapor varied considerably among models. One model used less than 1 litre of water for per kg of clothes in the drying process, while another model used 20 times as much water for the same load.
In terms of electricity consumption for drying, the measurements for the tested models ranged from 0.57 to 1 kWh per kg load of clothing. Assuming the electrical energy costs HK$1.1 per kWh, the cost for drying 3 kg load of clothing ranged from HK$1.9 to approximately HK$3.5.
Consumers are advised to observe the following for safety use of washer-dryers:
- Do not install washer-dryer in the bathroom or outdoor so as to avoid water getting inside the machine.
- Do not let the high power consumption washer-dryer share the power supply socket with other electrical appliances.
- Do not exceed the loading capacity as stated in the user manual when washing and drying, excessive loading or long drying time may cause overheating.
- Do not use any inflammable chemical substance (e.g. insecticide and thinner) in the vicinity of an operating washer-dryer.
- Do not dry clothes containing downs, latex, rubber or wax in a dryer. Otherwise, it may cause overheating.
- Remove all coins and keys from pockets before washing.
- Clean the filter regularly to avoid the clothing fibers accumulating and obstructing the drainage outlet.
For households with young children or toddlers, consumers should take heed of the following when using washer-dryers:
- Choose the model with the automatic door locking safety feature;
- Never leave children unattended to play around the washer-dryer;
- Teach them not to get inside the washer-dryer;
- Always activate the child protection design;
- Close the lid of the washer-dryer after use.
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