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Thread Number: 47957
Random Musings On The LavaTherm Dryer |
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Post# 695589 8/10/2013 at 13:33 (3,904 days old) by Launderess  (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Did a small load of darks last night in the Miele and decided what the heck, time to try out the other new arrival. Since the place had been shut up with the AC on for a few hours it was cool enough with dry air. Figured for the short time it would take to dry the load it was better to use the condenser dryer than to open window to insert vent for the Whirlpool compact dryer.
Didn't bother with snaps as have posted pics of the dryer before and there really isn't much to see when it operational with the solid door and all. Anywho am quite underwhelmed with condenser drying, well at least this version anyway. Load consisted of 1 pair of sweatpants and three dark T-Shirts all black and made from cotton. Used the timed dry setting as the AEG LavaTherm manual seems to suggest this if one is drying <1Kg which this load certainly fit. Set timer to 20 minutes and pressed start, then went off about my business. After about ten minutes went back to check on things. Popped open the door and yes, there was the "hot" but moist laundry those who use condenser dryers speak of, but items still were not "dry". Closed the door and restarted the machine. Apparently the last ten minutes of all drying cycles timed or sensor, Cottons or "EasyCares", etc... is the cool down phase without heat. So choosing timed dry of 20mins only gives 10 of heating. This wasn't a huge deal at first because there was still a lot of heat inside the dryer (so one thought) and it would be enough to dry things. Not a bit of it. Items came out of the dryer warm and damp. By this time things were starting to get a bit warm indoors so decided enough was enough; hung up the moist wash on drying rack and ended the trial run. Cleaned the lint trap of minimal fluff, and emptied the water container (well took it out and held it over the sink as it was empty). Thoughts? The compact Whirlpool dryer would have had this load almost totally dry in 20mins. While the hems and or elastic waistband of the sweatpants may have still be damp, everything else would be dry if not crisp. All this with using *only* 1450w of heating power versus the 2300w or so of the AEG. Every so often the Lavatherm would stop, pause then restart. At first this caused concern, then figured out this dryer has a reverse feature and that is what it was doing. Also don't know if it is whatever laundry detergent and or fabric softener previous owners used, but it scented not only the load and wafted through the home as well. Even now many hours later the laundry still has that whiff about it. Used unscented detergent so the scent is very pronounced. All and all cannot say this will be one's go to dryer. Aside from having a larger drum then the Whirlpool and reversing it just does not seem very efficient or fast. There is a "Quick" button/option but the manual is rather vague as to what that does. | ||
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Post# 695669 , Reply# 1 8/10/2013 at 17:33 (3,904 days old) by logixx (Germany) |
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 AEG dryers were and still are s-l-o-w, in my opinion. Our consumer magazine tested many AEG dryers and they were always on the slow side. Only recently, they tested heat-pump dryers: the AEG took 3:15 hrs to dry an 18 lbs. load, while a Bosch only took two hours ("only"by heat-pump dryer standards). I know that today's AEG units are just Electrolux units, but even our true German AEG we once had wasn't speedy.
In the 90s, we had a true AEG dryer that had a similar design like yours. Well, one day, something went wrong and we called for service. The guy took the back panel off (very easy) and... lint! Lint everywhere; hard, baked-on lint! I couldn't believe it, as we always cleaned the dryer. Turned out that the design was such that it would let a fair amount of lint bypass the filter and enter the condenser and heating channel of the dryer. :-( No wonder, Electrolux added a second lint filter when they took over.
RE: the quick button. I could imagine it doing two things. Our Electrolux dryer uses a technology very similar to Soft Heat - turning one element off as soon as clothes reach a certain dryness level. Our Lux turns the heat to low when clothes become Cupboard Dry, my Bosch does it as soon as clothes are Iron Dry. Quick might disable the Soft Heat. On the Lux, Quick also reduces the cool down to five minutes.
Here's how I cleaned our old Lux. Most dryers have similar panels on their back.
Alex | ||
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Post# 695694 , Reply# 2 8/10/2013 at 18:29 (3,904 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands) |
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A few of my thoughts on this:
I never bother with the timed cycles, not even with small loads. Both my AEG vented dryer and the Miele condenser don't have problems drying a small load on an automatic programme. Stopping a condenser dryer mid cycle is not exactly helping the drying process. The dryer needs to build up the humidity level again in order being able to condense the moisture in the machine. Condenser dryers are always slower than vented dryers. I use my condenser dryer in the winter and the vented one in the summer. Best of both worlds! | ||
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Post# 695725 , Reply# 3 8/10/2013 at 20:19 (3,904 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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Air-cooled Condenser Dryers Louis has it about right I would only use a condenser dryer in the winter, they are always slower and use around 25% more electricity to do the job. I have lost count of how many European dryers I have sent to the crusher still in working condition [ condenser and vented ] It is amazing when WPs smallest 120volt dryer can out perform a NEW European dryer.
Cimberlic if space is tight I have for sale both the 240 volt and gas versions of your little WP dryer, with one of these higher powered dryers you could dry clothing almost twice as fast as your portable. | ||
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Post# 695764 , Reply# 4 8/10/2013 at 23:18 (3,904 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Thanks Combo, But I'm Good Dryer Wise For Now
Really need one of those vintage chrome stack dryer stands. I know you've got one lying about up there! *LOL*
@Loggix, Great vid, it has been bookmarked for future reference. Seeing what light to nil use these units have had, don't see the need for a "tear down" just yet. If one uses the dryer more than a handful of times over the cooler months will consider doing a heavy duty cleaning next summer. As things stand often take large and or bulky items around the corner to the Laundromat. Combination of high final spin (Miele, spin dryer or now the AEG) and those hot gas dryers make for fast and cheap work. @Louis, Thanks for the tips. Will use one of the automatic settings next time. Yes, shouldn't have opened the door often, but being one's first time..... | ||
| Post# 695771 , Reply# 5 8/11/2013 at 00:43 (3,904 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD) | ||
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matrix "block"must be clean I have noticed with my asko air-cooled condenser that drying performance really drops off once the condensing matrix gets linted up-I usually check it every 10-15 loads-easy to check and clean on the asko. | ||
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Post# 695780 , Reply# 6 8/11/2013 at 05:56 (3,903 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Quick Button
May equal something along Miele's "Turbo" option for their condenser dryers. That selection gives normal heater operation but temperature is set higher which one presumes gives faster drying.
According to the manual the QUICK BUTTON gives "normal drying in a shortened cycle time". That it cannot be used with "Special Care" (low heat drying for sensitive fabrics) or Hand/Machine IRON tells me it is meant to provide a faster and less monitored drying. That is you won't be bothered if items are "dry" versus various levels of damp for ironing or whatnot. | ||
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Post# 695783 , Reply# 7 8/11/2013 at 06:12 (3,903 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Lavamat Deep Clean
Ah just love this kid!
One of my favourite appliance hobbyist on YouTube. CLICK HERE TO GO TO Launderess's LINK | ||
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Post# 695784 , Reply# 8 8/11/2013 at 06:12 (3,903 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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Stack Stands For 24" WP Compact Dryers | ||
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Post# 695785 , Reply# 9 8/11/2013 at 06:26 (3,903 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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For some reason those chrome stands are everywhere in Canada, but very hard to find in the USA. Each time one does come across they are mated to a set and either one has missed or seller refuses to spilt items for individual sale.
Just feel the metal/chrome racks are more stylish and IMHO a bit more sturdy than the newest incarnation from Whirlpool. Having leveled and slid the AEG into place can see how really only the open floor area of the older stands works for my situation. Have placed those "slider" pads under each foot of the AEG to make moving it a bit easier, such as for cleaning or whatever. The newer racks have those guides at the base which one supposes is fine for portable washers with casters, but not for us. Soon as new dryer hose arrives for the Whirlpool (while it was being swapped out give it a good cleaning and decided to ditch the periscope deflector and replace vent hose), will stack it on top of the AEG and that will be that until the desired rack can be sourced. To protect the to of the AEG will either lay down cork tiles with a non-slip mat over, or just purchase one of those appliance "stack mats" and be done. | ||
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Post# 697026 , Reply# 10 8/17/2013 at 03:37 (3,897 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Thought We Were All Mates?
Spent nearly two hours hunched over bathtub cleaning the most horrible gunk out of the AEG condenser exchanger. Why didn't you lot warn me about this? Am here to tell you if one is going to have to do that again anytime soon then this dryer shall see little use.
Didn't want to use it anyway but went for the Whirlpool and after going to place the hose and vent cover into window realized the darn thing wouldn't reach. It is my own fault as had purchased a new "semi-rigid" hose to replace the old foil in preparation for stacking the unit onto the AEG. IIRC the old hose was about eight feet, and the new about four, so that was the end of that. As the weather has been rather nice these past few days (cool and no humidity), what with it being a cool late night and all figured would give the AEG a try. So in went four sheets, set the unit to "machine dry", pressed start and got on with other things. Came back when the dryer signaled it was done to see the "condenser" indicator light on, and as according to manual removed the thing for cleaning. That is where my troubles started. Placed the unit in the bathtub, aimed shower hose and the gunk just kept coming. Hair, lint, fluff and God only knows what; but wait there is more. Even after fifteen minutes of rinsing there was *STILL* more gunk inside. It took almost two hours in total of rinsing, drenching, soaking and even using a thin credit card to dislodge most of the gunk and leave the unit 99% clean. This I cannot have, so a work around or routine is going to need development. Have never seen such a thing, in all my experience. A few more niggles. The "empty water" light comes on at the end of each cycle, but thus far the container is empty. Indeed did three loads of sheets (the Miele can only hold four king sized sheets max at a go), and nothing, not a drop of water. Did peek towards the back of the condenser chamber before reinserting and the spot where unit drains into was clear. Is this normal? Dryer operates fine otherwise. Sateen sheets done to "machine dry" came out hot and damp even after 10 minute "cool down", but once hung up they dried out to barely damp within several minutes. All ready for the Pfaff ironer. Will say one does notice a difference between sheets dried in condenser dryer versus the Whirlpool or even those huge Laundromat gas dryers. Things feel "different", cannot put my finger on what it is, but it is something. | ||
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Post# 697027 , Reply# 11 8/17/2013 at 03:48 (3,897 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK) |
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Launderess
one thing I have learned over the years of condenser dryers is it is very important to keep all airways as clean as you can, for instance its a good idea to wash in soapy water all filters as they clog easily, one reason you may have an empty water tank is not enough water in the system to get pumped up it may take a good load of towels to prime the pump etc as long as you do not find any water anywhere I would not worry.
One thing I noticed is all fabrics seem plumped up a little so feel softer. Good luck. Austin | ||
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Post# 697029 , Reply# 12 8/17/2013 at 03:58 (3,897 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands) |
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Apparently the AEG condenser needs more often cleaning than my Miele. The times I cleaned it in the 16 years I have it, can be counted on one hand. Recently took it out, almost nothing there to clean.
One of the reason for not finding any water in the container might be that it is set up for draining in a drain pipe. You might find some water behind the dryer if that is the case. Look in the manual how to change it back if that is what it is set for. | ||
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Post# 697034 , Reply# 13 8/17/2013 at 05:05 (3,897 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Thanks Lads
Checked with AEG manual on how to determine if unit is set to drain or drawer as it were, and yes the unit is set to drawer. No water behind unit around the area where the drain hose leaves.
While the condenser unit was drying using several microfiber dust cloths cleaned the chamber of lint both dry and wet. After sorting that mess out gave the lint filter screen a quick washing. @Louis, Methinks Miele dryers have two lint filters or at least a better system than the AEG. IIRC recent Lavatherm models use both a door mounted filter and one under the porthole, mine does not. This probably accounts for the amount of lint and muck both on the condenser unit and in the chamber. Prolly explains the amount that builds up inside the dryer with years of use as well. It might be previous owners never bothered cleaning the condenser during what appears to be their short period of ownership. It may be gilding the lily but perhaps a more frequent cleaning schedule will keep the gunk factor in check. It maybe that the "Clean Filter" and "Empty Water" light comes on at the end of the cycle regardless, just as a reminder. Will see the next laundry day before winter that is cool enough and dry a heavy load of towels to "prime" the condenser pump as Ozzie recommends. | ||
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Post# 697038 , Reply# 14 8/17/2013 at 05:54 (3,897 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK) |
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Lavatherm
Glad you are getting stuck in to the dryer, yes welcome to the world of even higher maintenance, if you are getting so much gunk on the condenser please check that all the seals and rubber gaskets from the door to the box are tight and are sealing well.
This is the main cause of premature breakdown of these condenser dryers, am just about to do a thread on a Hotpoint Creda condenser that I just revamped, the condenser box seals had gone and allowed detritus and steam to flow throughout the dryer, which in turn coated the whole of the working insides with conditioner wax gunk AND broke down all the other internal seals...many repair men would just replace the seals and would not have the time to take apart and clean every sticky icky part - probably just write it off... Like others have said, use your max spin extract or spinner, always select the AUTOMATIC DRY programme, let the computer work out the settings, and DO NOT open the door to CHECK HOW DRY - just messes up the timings....Dont be put off by it, these dryers do (as you know) work much better in a cool / cold environment. | ||
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Post# 697039 , Reply# 15 8/17/2013 at 05:57 (3,897 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK) |
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Condenser Box Cleaning | ||
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Post# 697053 , Reply# 16 8/17/2013 at 07:53 (3,897 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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Venting Compact Dryers Laundress what type of flexible vent tubing did you get for the WP dryer, if it is the horrible flexible aluminum tubing it usually comes in 4 foot lengths and it is designed to be stretched to 8 feet.
I have not seen your dryers setup but for a compact dryer where you are using a window vent you are probably much better off with high quality flexible plastic ducting designed for clothes dryers. | ||
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Post# 697139 , Reply# 17 8/17/2013 at 16:55 (3,897 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Dryer Flex
Is the brand hose fitted onto the WP. Looked at the "new" flexible plastic vent hoses but has one has been warned off such things for ages didn't give them a second thought.
Previously had used one of those ghastly periscope things to get unit closer to wall, but found even when all seams are sealed with duct tape dust/lint still leaked out everywhere. It went into the trash along with old vent hose, and you wouldn't believe the amount of lint "caught" inside the thing. From the colour of the muck washed out of the condenser previous owner had longish blonde or light brown hair and wore lots of dark coloured items. *LOL* Says this after being rather intimately involved with the stuff for hours cleaning the coil and chamber. | ||
| Post# 697350 , Reply# 18 8/18/2013 at 21:30 (3,896 days old) by eddy1210 (Burnaby BC Canada) | ||
L, I have the very same AEG dryer. Sorry for being late here. I should have warned you to make sure the condenser unit is clean and lint free. It does build up with time. The condenser light will come on when the machine senses it needs cleaning. I do mine outside with the garden hose and spray nozzle. I concur with the others who say to use the automatic drying cycles. I always choose the very dry setting and everything comes out nice. The only fabrics I have trouble in it are permanent press shirts which come out very wrinkled for some reason. You will appreciate it in winter.
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Post# 697547 , Reply# 19 8/19/2013 at 17:18 (3,895 days old) by logixx (Germany) |
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Post# 697558 , Reply# 20 8/19/2013 at 18:50 (3,895 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Been There And Done That.
Per comment up thread have the condenser compartment a good going over whilst the unit was out and waiting to dry. Am going to see if one can find something like those brushes Frigidaire sold for cleaning their condenser dryers. This would help both for the compartment and unit itself.
One says this because noticed that even with the strongest force of water often lint/gunk congeals inside the condenser and simply won't shift easily. Am thinking a good brushing first to remove a bulk of the lint, then washing might prove beneficial. Maybe using the dust attachment on vacuum is an idea as well. | ||
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Post# 697565 , Reply# 21 8/19/2013 at 19:39 (3,895 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Another Day Another Load, Not Overly Impressed
Did four sheets last night and still say my compact Whirlpool does a better job and faster than the Lavatherm.
For one thing even with all the reversing sheets still bunched up into a ball. You can tell this by hearing the tell tale "thump, thump, thump" one heard so often in the Whirlpool. If the thing goes on long enough and even with reverses won't untangle there is no solution for it; the door must be opened, items removed, untangled/fluffed, then returned to dryer. Well once you do this you might as well go back to starting over because all the heat has escaped and the dryer goes from say "39mins remaining" to 60 or so on the display. Cotton sateen sheets dried in the AEG are smoother and softer than with Whirlpool or even Laundromat gas driers. Indeed one could almost just hang them up to air so remaining moisture can evaporate and once dry fold and put away, no ironing required. "Machine Iron" setting though according to the manual is supposed to be for sheets, obviously Germans didn't consider heavy cotton sateen. Things come out too moist and either must be hung to dry or returned for further drying. The "Hand Iron" or even "Cupboard Dry" settings seemed to do a better job. However this means drying for >one hour. Hot and humid weather is forecast to return to NYC this week so probably won't get to play around with the AEG until after the middle of September or into October when cool and dry Fall weather arrives in earnest. | ||
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Post# 697623 , Reply# 22 8/19/2013 at 21:29 (3,895 days old) by logixx (Germany) |
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Some thoughts
Yes, the dust attachment is my weapon of choice, too.
Whenever I opened the service/cleaning door to the condenser on our previous Lux, it would actually speed up the drying cycle, as lots of steam came blowing out of the unit. Since condenser dryers can evaporate moisture faster then condense it, any steam that would leave the system made the cycle faster. As a matter of fact, steam only blew out for ten or so seconds and then only warm and slighty humid air as all the humidity that was "stuck" in the system had escaped. OTOH, this excess steam is probably what makes your sheets soft. If all fails, I'd take the condenser to a car wash and have someone have a (careful) go at it with a pressure washer. Better than having it look like this: (c) gutefrage.net/frage/aeg-lavatherm-trockner 
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Post# 697628 , Reply# 23 8/19/2013 at 21:55 (3,895 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Ewwwwwww!
While not early as nasty mine was not far from what you see in that photo. Happily it scrubbed up well and now the thing is to keep it that way.
Am leery of doing anything that might damage the condenser unit as one assumes the cost of a replacement from AEG Canada probably equals half or more of a new machine. *LOL* Don't know if there is a "service" door on my unit. This is a plinth that is snapped off and on to get at the condenser unit, but that is all. Wondered if placing a tray of ice before the bottom of the unit where air is drawn in would make a difference. It didn't. *LOL* One can only wait for weather to change and temps go <40F to see if things change. Really cannot see how anyone not living in cool to cold climate would or could use these sort of dryers year round. Basically the only thing to cool the moist air inside the dryer is cold and dry air being sucked over the condenser unit. Here is one poor soul in NYC dealing with condenser dryers: CLICK HERE TO GO TO Launderess's LINK | ||
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Post# 697643 , Reply# 24 8/20/2013 at 00:15 (3,895 days old) by brisnat81 (Brisbane Australia) |
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I run my Miele with the condenser out and all covers off, it just vents straight into the room which is usual for a dryer over here. Ihad a few experiences in summer where it'd run for 3 plus hours and still be very wet and steamy inside. These days, with it open to the air, a full load is dried in about 90mins. | ||
| Post# 697670 , Reply# 25 8/20/2013 at 05:36 (3,894 days old) by aquarius1984 (Planet earth) | ||
4 sheets? or 3 sheets?
Launderess Im not surprised they are balling up if your only drying just sheets.
One needs to get out the mindset that sheets are washed on one load towels in another clothing in yet another etc. Im quite sure the washer manual states to mix large items with small and thus the load transferred to any dryer would also be a mix. Loads here in europe would and should be sorted by fabric type, colour, then soil. Garment 'SHAPES' dont come into the equation at all. If one has white cottons towels and sheets with an assortment of white undergarments, dishtowels, shirts, then one would wash this in the load together mixed up. Once in the dryer the smaller garments stop the large items balling up. Dont be afraid to fill that dryer with whatever the matching machine can hold. And dont be afraid to let that sensor work it out and tell you when the machine is finished. | ||
| Post# 697750 , Reply# 27 8/20/2013 at 17:08 (3,894 days old) by AquaCycle (West Yorkshire, UK) | ||
Dryer use
Rob and Matt, I don't know about you, but my Mum always did this and it's something I always saw sense in doing.
I don't tumble dryer everything. Even in wet/cold weather. I never tumble dry jeans, t-shirts or jumpers. If the weather means having to hang them on an airer in the house, I will. When I'm using the dryer, I often take things out of each cycle that will tumble dry and will make 1 large drying load from several wash loads. We've always done it and it means less dryer usage and less electricity used. | ||
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Post# 697776 , Reply# 28 8/20/2013 at 19:28 (3,894 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Thanks for the feedback all,
Normally one would do all bed linens in one load, pillow slips and sheets; however this time that is all there was (sheets) and that was that. Suppose could have rummaged around to find other white garments to put in the same load but that would have created several problems. One the Miele's capacity is about four king sized sateen sheets. To place anything else inside would mean one or more of the sheets would have to come out. That in turn means turning one load into two. Again had there been some pillow slips one could see and would have done things that way by necessity.
Next tend to use rather less powerful detergents from my stash on bed linens since they aren't grossly filthy. Can even get by with various vintage "non-bio" detergents and or modern stuff like "Linen Wash". Also have a nice stash of various French lessives pour linge such as Persil Savon de Marseille that one loves for linens. Leaving the condenser unit out is not on for this AEG dryer. Given the amount of fluff found inside the unit and it's compartment the mind reels at the lint this dryer would spew all over one's home. IIRC Miele condenser dryers are much better at filtration than this Lavatherm. Will see how things go once winter weather arrives in earnest. Went to local hardware store yesterday and collected a longer vent hose for the Whirlpool. Soon as that is fitted can go back to using the vented dryer for the duration. | ||
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Post# 697795 , Reply# 29 8/20/2013 at 21:13 (3,894 days old) by logixx (Germany) |
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Post# 698935 , Reply# 30 8/26/2013 at 00:32 (3,889 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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By George, I Think I've Got It
Yesterday was a nice sunny but temperate day so did some wash in the AEG as part of a bit of Sunday house cleaning. First one must say have to note when the hamper is filling up in that this particular load gave a "120%" message from the Lavamat. This probably was because the bulk of the wash was thick and thirsty terry toweling and wash cloths. Indeed the reason one went for the AEG instead of Miele was wanted to get the whole lot done in one go. With the Miele the load would have had to be split as it really does not do heavy towel loads well. Find best to load the unit about half or three-quarters full otherwise the weight of saturated towels/wash cloths causes all sort of problems. You can often literally hear the drum hitting the bottom of the machine during the rinses when eleven gallons of water is used.
Being as all this may the Lavamat load once wetted down barely was 3/4 up the window but still am not going to take chances knackering the bearings and motor brushes. Anyway wanted to dry the lot in the Whirlpool as one previously swore off the Lavatherm until cool to cold weather arrived in earnest, but again the dryer gods conspired against that happening. After trying for over an hour could not fit the newly purchased (yes another one) semi-ridged dryer hose to fit the WP portable. Was nearly impossible to get the hose onto the vent and screw the clamp on tight enough to it would remain. Each time one tugged on the hose to place it into the window outlet, it came off. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! So away went the Miele and out the AEG. Split the wash load between bath linens and garments with the latter going first. Set the thing for "cupboard dry" and that was that. Decided to take a nap and was awoken about an hour or so later by the chirping of the dryer telling me it was done. Washing came out warm and slightly damp but once it was in the basket and folding began everything was dry. Next came the toweling which already had air dried quite a bit awaiting it's turn in the Lavatherm. Set the dryer for "cupboard dry" again but also used the "quick" button. More napping and again awoken an hour or so later by the dryer saying it was done. Once again things were "moist" and warm but once taken out of the dryer and left in basket for folding things were dry. Cannot say exactly how long each cycle took as was busy napping. Each cycle starts with a set time but the display changes often based upon what the sensors tell the dryer. So things may say "73mins) to start but if one comes back say in ten minutes that number has dropped down to 58mins. Still no water to empty out of the container, but one isn't worried. Suppose spinning these loads either in the spin dryer or using the 1800rpms of the AEG means there isn't allot of water left in laundry. | ||
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Post# 699044 , Reply# 31 8/26/2013 at 15:35 (3,888 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany)) |
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Probably the dryer sump just dried out. Or the sump and pump are blocked. Easy to check if you just remove the condensor. There shouldn't be to much water down there... | ||
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Post# 699119 , Reply# 32 8/26/2013 at 19:56 (3,888 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Checked the drain port when the condenser was cleaned
Nothing, indeed made sure if it whilst cleaning the condenser compartment.
One can again only assume between using the max (1800rpm) spin on the AEG, and or several minutes in spin drier (3200rpms), there is not allot of water to drain away. This along with it being either temperate to only slightly cool when using the dryer could affect the amount of water being pumped away. Suppose one could spin water laden towels at <900rpms to see what there is, but that would place more energy use on the dryer one's electric bill as well. *LOL*. | ||
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Post# 699222 , Reply# 33 8/27/2013 at 08:02 (3,887 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany)) |
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Just wanted to mention... I mean at 1800rpm there should be a residual moisture of 42% (as the Lavamat should tell you) and 40% round about at 3200rpm. Which spindryer are you using? Here we only have 2800rpm modells... | ||
| Post# 699236 , Reply# 34 8/27/2013 at 11:07 (3,887 days old) by eddy1210 (Burnaby BC Canada) | ||
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Post# 699341 , Reply# 35 8/27/2013 at 20:23 (3,887 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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I've Got Nothing
Shoved dryer away from wall and nothing seems amiss behind or underneath. There was a small spot of powdery dried something, but it wasn't on the side of the dryer where pump is located nor large enough to suggest any sort of vast leak. Blew down the drain hose that can be used if one redirects water from the drawer and heard nothing but a whistle. That sound went up into the drawer area and also down towards condenser.
Again pulled out the condenser unit and the compartment is clean with nothing blocking the drain areas. For the wash done this weekend only the Lavamat was filled to capacity (about 20% over if the machine's sensors are accurate), but for drying load was split into garments (vests, under garments, socks, night clothing, etc..) and bath linen. Do not know how long the first load (garments)took as one took a nap, but by the time one awoke to place second (bath linen) they had pretty much mostly dried from sitting in the basket. Being as all this may will shoot off an inquiry to AEG Canada to see if one should be concerned. One is still going on one's personal theory that since so far every load that has gone into dryer has been spun to death, and that weather has not been very cold/dry there just isn't that much condensation going on. Could be wrong for lord knows the AC creates plenty of water, but that is an active system versus the passive of the Lavatherm. Know from various Internet posts this particular model of dryer has been known to play up. Usually this takes the form of the "empty water" signal coming on even when drawer is empty. So far we've had none of that. Suppose one could send things to the dryer from the Miele washer (final spin only 900rpms) or use a lower setting on the AEG Lavamat to see if more water is "evaporated" into the drawer, but at what cost to one's electric? As it tis this thing takes longer to dry a load than my Whirlpool vented and aren't looking forward to increasing that time by putting in sopping wet laundry. This post was last edited 08/27/2013 at 21:49 | ||
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Post# 699367 , Reply# 37 8/27/2013 at 21:57 (3,887 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands) |
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Post# 699387 , Reply# 38 8/27/2013 at 23:35 (3,887 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Thing Is If There Is Some Sort Of Water Buliding Up
Inside the dryer surely it would have caused sensors to react by now. Am referring to the infamous "empty water" messages and subsequent shutdown of the dryer if it senses water is backed up and or tank is "full".
Getting at the pump means at least taking top and one side panel off the unit, am not sure want to go poking around inside unless purely warranted. Again will contact AEG Canada in the morning to see if there is cause for concern. | ||
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Post# 699393 , Reply# 39 8/28/2013 at 00:33 (3,887 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Problem Found
At least one thinks has sorted things out.
Look at he vid of a Lavatherm being taken apart for cleaning. At the rear you can see there is a small black connector leading off the white hose from the drain pump to the condenser compartment "nipple". Ours is not like that at all. The hose simply sits as is. If this is the case no wonder water isn't reaching the condenser drawer as it cannot be pumped into anything. Dryer was sold and arrived this way so am not sure what happened to the bit and or what previous owners arranged. CLICK HERE TO GO TO Launderess's LINK | ||
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Post# 699419 , Reply# 40 8/28/2013 at 03:20 (3,886 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK) |
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Oh dear how to feel really old !!! | ||
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Post# 699422 , Reply# 41 8/28/2013 at 03:36 (3,886 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Aside from the connection one still is now wondering where water is going if any at all is being evaporated out of laundry.
Gigged up a solution (bit of tubing and a worm clamp), but after a test of hosed down sheets (20min timed cycle), still nothing. Oh well off to bed and will speak with AEG later on, one hopes the egits that shipped/delivered the unit didn't mess something up by stacking unit sideways during delivery. Cannot imagine the installers would have left this hose either without being connected to the drawer. Unless previous owners used a hose to sink drain system. However when one checked the dryer was still programed for drawer. Am beginning to *hate* this machine. Can tell you one thing if the solution is another expensive part that costs equally dear to be shipped from Canada that is O-W-T, out. | ||
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Post# 699425 , Reply# 42 8/28/2013 at 03:48 (3,886 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands) |
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Post# 699426 , Reply# 43 8/28/2013 at 03:56 (3,886 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK) |
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Dear Launderess
I understand your distress but I am thinking maybe the lack of water could be due to a seal letting steam escape or something as silly. One thing you can check is when you remove the condenser with the dryer running can you feel the warm air at the front and cooler more harsh air near the middle if you can then the fans are working but that means the condensate must be going somewhere it cannot just evaporate there should be too much. I have never stripped down an AEG dryer only a Miele and in that if things are not working right there is a load of insulation material that soaks up any leaks so it takes ages to discover an issue. I wish I could be of more help but with luck someone else will be able to make sense of my ramblings and be of more assistance to you.
Good luck anyway lets hope no parts are required. Austin | ||
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Post# 699444 , Reply# 44 8/28/2013 at 06:38 (3,886 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK) |
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Sounds like
Its a blocked or broken water pump, these things and the tubes are so small that they easily get blocked with lint and clog...If it is not working then the condensate will build up in the lower pan and start to fill and overflow when its full because its not pumping to the empty drawer at the top...usually and warning light my tell you or a float will activate to stop the dryer!!
They are easy to replace if you get the part and like taking meccano apart and have a methodical mind, but you do have to take the back and side panels off to get to it etc....one thing I like about the new cheaper Hotpoint range is that they have a simple panel to get at the pump and its snaps in and out quick fix!! Best of whatever you deceide, but its too good a dryer and set for the price to ditch!! | ||
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Post# 699588 , Reply# 45 8/28/2013 at 20:13 (3,886 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Sorted
With side panel and lid removed ran some test as directed by AEG that proved pump is working perfectly with no blockages in hose. Long story short several successive half liters of water placed into sump with machine on were promptly sucked up (the sound is not unlike a child having a Slurpie), the hose and deposited into drawer. This was possible via the jigged up connection by using a bit of clear PVC 1/2" hose clamped to one end and inserted into nipple in back of drawer compartment meant to take up water. Not pretty nor elegant but that's me for you.
Tech agreed after four loads there should have been a good amount of water in condenser drawer. Was promptly that well disabused of any notion that water simply "evaporated" by AEG tech. "Madam", he said, "that just does not happen, can assure you if water was produced by drying it went somewhere...either up the hose or onto your floors...". My comments about floor being dry and one not having noticed any damage and so forth did not sway his mind one bit. The man further went on to say this is a common problem with new installs of these condenser dryers. Apparently they arrive not connected to the drawer in case customers which to choose sink or bucket draining (via special kit), with the rubber end bit separate in a bag or something. Tech further stated that he has gone on many service calls where said hose was left unconnected and water drained for years behind the machine. Go figure. Was that well told again in that regardless of what one noticed water went up the hose and simply sprayed or otherwise leaked out. It could not go back down into the machine as that would cause the sump to overflow which would stop the machine. Indeed the entire machine is designed so that if water does go where it shouldn't it generates a fault signal and dryer shuts down, *period*. Wanted to take some pictures of inside unit but camera's battery was dead. However must say this dryer cannot have been used often. Despite the condition of the condenser heat exchanger (filthy), the inside of this dryer is champion, totally mint and clean. Not a bit of excess fluff or whatever to be seen. After watching several successive sump full of water being drawn up one got tired of that and put the machine back together, satisfied all was as it should be. Tech could not explain where the black rubber end piece had gone and AEG certainly was not offering any sort of free replacement. Part costs $13.50 (USD) with $27.50 for shipping. Spending over $30 for a bit of rubber simply was not on so that part will stay in Canada for all one is concerned. Long as the impromptu design holds am that well satisfied. If worse comes to the worse can always use the balance of clear PVC hose to jig up a "drain kit" and sent water into a bucket or similar container. Interesting thing is that AEG changed the design of the float for these condenser dryers. Instead of a Styrofoam float there are electronic sensors. Nearly had a heart attack when side panel was removed and didn't see a bit of white foam over the sump. Where could the float have gone I wondered. | ||
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Post# 699606 , Reply# 46 8/28/2013 at 21:33 (3,886 days old) by logixx (Germany) |
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Post# 699634 , Reply# 47 8/29/2013 at 00:07 (3,886 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Technically
FWOU a good condenser dryer designed is a closed system with little to nil steam escaping. What should be going up the drain hoses is vapor condensed back into water. Now the dryer itself does get warm during operation, and of course if one opens the door it is rather like a sauna.
The more one researches about these sort of dryers persons either love or hate them with a passion. Have to say much depends up on design and build quality. Some reviewers of latest Hotpoint condenser dryers aren't good at all. Indeed if you get a year of use out of the thing that is considered well served. | ||
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Post# 699647 , Reply# 48 8/29/2013 at 01:41 (3,886 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK) |
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Musings of an AEG...
great news, glad you managed to find a fix, now normal dry can be resumed!!
Like anything reviews are reviews, whilst many new appliances suffer from stripped back build syndrome, issues often start from non basic maintenance of the appliance, Hotpoint still offer great value for money, a bearing kit with felts and rollers is usually £17 and the snap in, easy access water pump design is a great feature that should be adopted on many big pound dryers!! Happy Drying!! | ||
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Post# 699652 , Reply# 49 8/29/2013 at 02:08 (3,886 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Post# 699657 , Reply# 50 8/29/2013 at 02:29 (3,886 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK) |
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That would be....
Correct, Hotpoint like many manufacturers offer a three tier sales offering, Aquarius being the entry level of old, Ultima are the mid range and Aqualtis are TOL....
The CDT00 (Condenser Tumble Dryer) is the basic timed condenser dryer.. By the % of units sold one would expect Hotpoint to have the larger share of issues and less favourable reviews - great value for money still!! 
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Post# 699668 , Reply# 51 8/29/2013 at 03:16 (3,886 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands) |
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Great to hear that you were able to fix the problem. I hope you're all set now for problem free condenser drying.
The amount of vapor released from a condenser dryer is mainly related to how well the system is sealed. It's not only related to brands but also model lines. I'm very happy with my 1997 Miele condenser dryer. It's an older model with the smaller door. It's very well sealed. The humidity level in the small bathroom it's in, is never higher after using it. | ||
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Post# 700358 , Reply# 53 9/1/2013 at 05:52 (3,882 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Everything Is Kippers & Marmalade Now
Did a small load in the Miele yesterday (duvet cover that was stained and a few sheets and small items), and after a trip in the spin dryer bunged the lot into the AEG. Weather has been very humid these past few days but since one had the AC on the night before indoors was rather cool and dry. Only wanted to get things near damp then planned on hanging them up to finish drying anyway.
During the cycle peered over the back of the dryer to see what there was; could see some water being pushed up into the drawer and the distinct "slurping" sounds of the pump sending water and or air up the hose. At the end of drying the drawer only yielded <1/2 teaspoon of water, but everything must start somewhere. | ||
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Post# 700359 , Reply# 54 9/1/2013 at 06:09 (3,882 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK) |
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Water, Water
The float chamber basin down below will fill with the condensed water before the float and pump kick in to pump the surplus water up to the top container, from this point on you will be able to see how much extra water is being evaped from subsequent drying loads!!
If at this point the next load of towels / cottons still only measures a tablespoon of extra water being pumped into the top container then you have steam evaporating within the dryer from worn seals!! | ||
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Post# 700368 , Reply# 55 9/1/2013 at 06:47 (3,882 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Would Hardly Suspect Worn Seals
As both the washer and dryer are pretty much new. They were unblemished until those fools at HomeDirect got to them, but that is another story.
Should have taken pictures of the inside of this dryer around the sump and under the bonnet. Tis almost spotless with nary a bit of fluff or dirt to be found. The chamber that houses the condenser was another matter. But that was from previous owners not cleaning the heat exchanger before moving on. Place isn't so much as more damp when this dryer runs as to increasingly warm as the dryer gives off heat from the cabinet. This one supposes should be expected from >2500Kw of heating power. Both the duvet cover and bed linen spent >5mins in the spin dryer after coming out of the Miele. Between the 900rpms of the latter and 3200rpms of the former quite allot of extraction takes place. Shouldn't wonder why vast amounts of water aren't being condensed. Picked up this habit from using the small Whirlpool compact/portable which only has 1450w of heating power. It will dry a full Miele load in <40mins but things must be extracted to death for it to do so. Still we shall see what there is when cooler weather arrives and one does say a full load of towels or a heavy cotton blanket. Should also say am keen to keep electric usage down with this dryer; rarely aside from last week's double load allow things to say in long enough to become "bone dry", as it were. | ||
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