The Heat Helper Dryer Heater
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
đź•“ Air Date: March 2, 2012
Asking For:
$100,000 for 50%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
The Heat Helper is a device designed to raise a dryer, saving energy and money by recycling heated air back into the home, born out of the founder's need to help his wife during her recovery from a back injury.
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Background Story
Founded by Lyle Schuette from Derby, Kansas, the Heat Helper stemmed from a moment of necessity when his wife injured her back and needed assistance with household chores. Schuette, a Terra Firma Relocation Distribution Engineer (a drainage contractor who sells topsoil and compost), was inspired by his mother’s method of using old pantyhose to capture heat from the dryer during laundry days on their family farm in Wisconsin.
Seeing an opportunity to improve his wife’s comfort while saving energy, Schuette devised the Heat Helper. Despite initial success selling through websites and local retail giants like Lowe’s and Walmart, the venture took a backseat when Schuette’s dirt business flourished. However, his dedication to the product remained steadfast, evident in his appearance on Shark Tank seeking further investment.
The Product
The Heat Helper works by recycling heated air from electric dryers back into the home, thus saving energy and money. It consists of a simple device that attaches to the back of the dryer, capturing the warm air that would otherwise be expelled outside.
This filtered air is then redirected indoors, enhancing comfort and reducing heating costs. Priced at $99 per unit, the Heat Helper has been available for purchase online and through select retailers like Lowe’s and Walmart.
Its benefits include significant energy savings—roughly $189 per year for an average family of four—and ease of installation with only one moving part.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Heat Helper has experienced moderate success, with 680 units sold primarily through online channels. Despite securing partnerships with major retailers like Lowe’s and Walmart, sales declined due to logistical challenges associated with special order items and limited shelf availability. Schuette’s decision to prioritize his flourishing dirt business over Heat Helper affected the company’s growth trajectory. The lack of national distribution and low sales volume in recent years may have contributed to the Sharks’ reluctance to invest.
The Negotiations:
Although Schuette’s sincerity and product quality impressed the Sharks, they ultimately passed on investing in Heat Helper. Mark Cuban commended Schuette’s entrepreneurial spirit but expressed concerns about the scalability and market viability of the product, opting out of a deal. Barbara Corcoran admired Schuette’s dedication but felt uneasy investing in a venture that seemed like a sideline project for its founder.
Despite positive feedback, none of the Sharks were willing to offer a deal, citing various reservations ranging from market saturation to founder commitment. Schuette gracefully accepted their decisions and expressed gratitude for the opportunity, leaving the Tank without a deal but with his entrepreneurial spirit intact.
