Laundromats

Energy-Saving Tips Cards

Picture of energy tip card

Download our hot weather energy-saving tips cards and reduce electricity costs as well as protect the environment.

Laundromats are unique small businesses in that they have no inventory and no receivables. Utility costs – electricity, gas, water and sewer – are their single largest operating expense. Reducing energy use is the best way to offset rising energy costs and increase profits.

Which Equipment is Draining Your Profits?

Water Heaters

Water Heaters consume the most energy. Up to 90% of the energy used to operate washing machines is associated with heating the water. Here is how you can save energy:

  • Turn off the water heater at night when the business is closed.
  • Replace an old water heater with energy-efficient model. As a general rule of thumb, gas is more energy efficient than electric for heating water.
  • Wrap water heater storage tanks in an insulating water heater blanket if the water heater's energy factor is less than 0.58. A specially designed easy-to-install, pre-cut blanket (or jacket) for electric water heaters will pay for itself in energy saved within one year. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions. If the manufacturer has instructed not to insulate the water heater, do not insulate it or you may create a safety hazard.

Clothes washers

Clothes washers are the second-largest energy users. Electricity is needed not only run to the machine, but also to pump the water. Using a machine that requires less water for the same quantity and quality of wash will greatly reduce your electricity, water and sewer bills. Here is how you can save energy:

  • Install high-efficiency commercial washers, including but not limited to front-loading machines, which can cut energy costs up to 50% and use about 30% less water. Energy-efficient and front-loading commercial clothes washers also last 5 to 10 years longer than standard, top-loading machines.

Lighting

Lighting is the less obvious energy hog, but given the long operating hours, laundromats typically spend a significant portion of their income on lighting. Here is how you can save energy:

  • Remove lamps from multi-lamp fixtures.
  • Retrofit lighting with energy-efficient bulbs.
  • Replace old ballasts and remove lamps from outdoor lighting to reduce electric usage by as much as 50%.

Additional tools & resources

Take advantage of these tools and resources: