The biggest problem with commercial laundry machines isn’t washers that won’t drain or even dryers that seem to constantly shift from over drying to under drying your property’s towels and linens. With those issues, unclogging drains or replacing parts can provide a quick fix. No, the biggest problem with commercial laundry is the one that’s the most expensive: utility costs.
Experts say energy accounts for 60 percent of a hotel’s carbon footprint, including gas, water and electricity. Fortunately, there are things you can do to fix this commercial laundry machine “problem,” and some solutions are not only quick, their benefits are long lasting for both your property and the environment.
Lower Your Utility Costs Through Energy Efficiency
According to ENERGY STAR, hotel partners have found that improvements in energy efficiency can cut utility costs by 10 percent to 30 percent without sacrificing quality. You want your commercial laundry machines to work smarter, not harder, to keep you from literally washing money down the drain.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the biggest problem with commercial laundry machines – and how you can fix it.
Make Sure Your Commercial Washers Have the ENERGY STAR…
Commercial laundry machines that are more than 10 years old are not only costing you more in maintenance and upkeep, they don’t have the latest energy efficiency technology.
ENERGY STAR is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s certification program and is considered the national symbol of energy efficiency. Commercial washers bearing the bright blue star have met the program’s strict criteria for being energy efficient.
Commercial washers that have earned the star are reportedly 37 percent more efficient than non-qualified models with technology that saves water, energy and time.
…To Make Things Easier on Your Commercial Dryers
Commercial washers with the ENERGY STAR also have advanced technology that ensures more water is extracted from materials in the final spin cycle than their conventional counterparts. That means your dryers won’t have to work as hard – or get as hot – to get things dry.
Energy efficient dryers can also do their part by coming equipped with dryness sensor technology that prevents over-drying.
Outsource Your Laundry Services
Another surefire way to fix the “problem” of the utility costs associated with your commercial laundry machines is to replace them with an eco-friendly linen service. Commercial laundry services are pros at keeping their energy costs down by using machines equipped with the latest technology, and the right partner will pass those savings on to you.
An eco-friendly commercial laundry partner will also have a commitment to the environment that will extend to all of its operations, including the cleaning products it uses and how it operates its equipment.
Steps You Can Take Today
Investing in new laundry machines or finding a commercial linen partner will take time, research and resources, and there are things you can do in the meantime to cut the utility costs associated with your laundry service:
- Set the hot water temperature for your laundry to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The EPA recognizes 120 as a good temp for all hot water uses outside of the kitchen.
- Consider rinsing in cold water.
- If the option is available, look into using a gas dryer instead of an electric one to save money and lessen your impact on the environment.
Thanks to advances in energy efficiency technology, solving the biggest problem with commercial laundry machines – utility costs – is easier to fix than ever. And it’s a solution that serves not just your property, but the environment as well.