Why Dryers Are Rare in Taiwan? 洗衣習慣大不同，乾衣機在台不普遍

Taipei’s climate is often damp, especially in winter when the northeast monsoon brings cold, rainy days. A major concern? Clothes that just won’t dry. But for many foreigners, the real mystery is why dryers aren’t common in Taiwan.

Q1. Why Are Dryers Common Abroad but Not in Taiwan?

Most households in Taiwan air-dry their laundry, believing sunlight and fresh air are the best natural drying methods. Sun-dried clothes often carry a fresh scent, and many see this method as an energy-saving alternative—similar to why some prefer washing dishes by hand instead of using a dishwasher. Plus, in space-limited cities like Taipei, many apartments don’t have room for a dryer.

Q2. When Clothes Won’t Dry, Should You Choose a Dryer or a Tumble Dryer?

Though both serve the same purpose, they work differently. A tumble dryer uses heat and air circulation to speed up drying. A dryer is a broader term that covers any machine designed to remove moisture from clothes. In Taiwan, people often use these terms interchangeably.

Q3. What Types of Dryers Are There?

There are three main types:

Vented Dryers: These heat the air, pull moisture from clothes, and expel it outside. They’re affordable and efficient but require an exhaust pipe and a dedicated power source.
Condenser Dryers: They heat air inside the drum and collect moisture in a water tank, eliminating the need for ventilation. This makes them ideal for small apartments, though they may slightly raise indoor temperatures.
Heat Pump Dryers: The most energy-efficient option, they recycle heat during the drying process, reducing electricity consumption. However, they’re expensive and often require a 220V power supply, which may not be standard in Taiwanese homes.

Q4. How to Choose a Dryer?

For large households or frequent loads: A vented dryer dries clothes faster.
For smaller households or occasional use: A condenser or heat pump dryer is a better choice.
For limited space: Measure your available space before purchasing, especially for vented models.
For imported models: Ensure compatibility with local voltage and safety standards.

Q5. Dryer Buying Tips

For bulky loads or bedding: Go for a vented dryer.
For occasional laundry: A condenser or heat pump dryer is more practical.
For budget-conscious households: A dehumidifier can double as a drying tool.
For convenience seekers: A washer-dryer combo covers all needs.

Q6. Can a Dehumidifier Dry Clothes?

Absolutely. To use one effectively:

Keep windows and doors closed for proper airflow.
Position it centrally with at least 50cm of space from walls.
Hang clothes within 1-2 meters of the airflow for best results.
Avoid placing clothes directly over the dehumidifier’s air outlet.
Don’t leave it running unattended for long hours.

While dryers aren’t a staple in Taiwanese homes, understanding your options makes it easier to find a drying method that works for you.

台北算是個多雨城市，尤其冬季東北風起，雨滴滴答答的下，空氣瀰漫濕冷氣息，最惱人的問題就是擔心衣服乾不了？但讓外國人百思不得其解的就是，為什麼台灣人很少用乾(烘)衣機？

Q1.在國外乾(烘)衣機幾乎是家庭必備，但在台灣卻不普及？

在台灣，很多人習慣洗好衣服就晾在陽台，覺得陽光曬、風吹乾最自然，陽光曬過的衣服還能散發自然香氣；而且自然曬衣，和不用洗碗機而是用手洗碗筷的理由相同，不耗電又能省下電費。尤其在寸土寸金的台北市，很多房子陽台不大，放不下乾衣機也是不普遍的原因之一。

Q2.遇到衣服曬不乾真的很頭痛！該選乾衣機還是烘衣機？

雖說都是讓衣服乾燥的機器，但烘衣機和乾衣機的原理其實不相同。「烘衣機」是透過熱能加熱、空氣循環排風等方式來加速衣物乾燥；而所有用來加速衣物乾燥的機器都可稱為乾衣機，所以烘衣機可算是乾衣機的一種。目前市面上兩者意義幾乎通用了，本文以乾衣機作為統稱。

Q3.乾衣機有那幾種？

依照運作原理可區分為三種：排氣式、冷凝式和熱泵式。

(1)排氣式乾衣機(VENTED Dryer)：
是台灣早期最普遍的烘衣機，將室內空氣加熱並通過滾筒吸收衣物濕氣，再將濕熱的空氣排出室外。依照加熱方式又分為電熱型和瓦斯型。這類乾衣機好處是價格較低且烘乾效率高，限制點是因需要安裝排氣管線及獨立插座，用以避免二氧化碳中毒或過熱燃燒等危險，所以耗能且須要有充足空間才行。

(2)冷凝式乾衣機(Condenser Dryer）：
透過加熱滾筒內的空氣來烘乾衣物，會將水蒸氣冷凝成水並收集在水箱中，無需排氣管。優點是安裝位置靈活，適合戶外或陽台空間較小的家庭選用。缺點是使用期間室內溫度可能升高。

(3)熱泵式乾衣機(Heat Pump Dryer)：
是較為先進的乾衣技術，使用熱泵循環加熱並回收乾衣過程中的熱量，對室內溫度影響較小，耗電低、更節能。但目前國內以美規或歐規的進口產品居多，價格較昂貴，配置的電壓也多為220V，購買前請多注意。

Q4.如何選擇乾衣機？

首要條件就是省電、高效能、好安裝的。挑選容量、款式時，不妨以家中成員人數和年齡作為參考，人口較多或有小孩的家庭，建議選擇容量較大且乾衣時間較短的排氣式乾衣機；單身或尚無小孩的小家庭，乾衣數量較少，可選擇冷凝式或熱泵式，省電且可控溫烘乾衣物。

此外，購買前也要同時確認放置空間以及與乾衣機尺寸。通常乾衣機的尺寸都不算小，某些房型不見得有空間容納。尤其若想選擇排氣式機種更需確認容納管線配置所需空間及位置，避免無法安裝。

最後是因為乾衣機可能是乾衣原理設計，而有可能選購電壓配置不同的進口產品，因此要特別留意電壓及安全設計的部分。

Q5.乾衣機購買建議

1. 家有大量衣物或棉被寢具：排氣式。

2. 少量衣物單獨烘乾：冷凝式或熱泵式。

3. 預算有限：使用除濕機，一舉兩得，乾衣又除溼。

4. 選擇障礙：一台洗脫烘滾筒洗衣機全部搞定。

Q6.除溼機如何乾衣？

除濕同時乾衣。使用時注意循環，關上門窗，將除溼機擺放在空氣對流的中心位置，跟牆面的距離至少要50公分。衣物擺放位置，原則上是在除濕機出風口距離一公尺，左右擺動2公尺以內的區域是最好的乾衣區域。若除濕機出風口是往正上方，不要把衣服晾掛在正上方區域，以免衣物掉落遮住出風口，造成散熱不良。此外，盡量避免在家中無人的時候長時間連續使用。

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