Washing drying machine having heat pump and drying operation control method thereof

A laundry machine having a heat pump, comprising:

• a cabinet;
• a tub provided in the cabinet;
• a drum rotatably provided in the tub;
• a circulation passage configured to connect a first portion of the tub to a second portion of the tub;
• a circulation fan provided at the circulation passage and configured to circulate air through the circulation passage and the tub;
• the heat pump having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air of the circulation passage and the refrigerant;
• a heater configured to heat water inside the tub;
• a steam generator configured to generate steam and provide the steam to an inside of the tub;
• a controller configured to control the steam generator such that steam is supplied to the inside of the tub before the compressor is operated during a drying course, and
• an air temperature sensor that senses an air temperature inside the tub or the circulation passage,
• wherein after the steam generator is operated, when an air temperature sensed by the air temperature sensor reaches a predetermined air temperature or if an elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the controller is configured to operate the circulation fan.