Energy represents the most significant overhead in a commercial laundry. And this makes sense when you consider the processes involved and the energy-intensive equipment in use – from heating water to running tumble dryers close to 24 hours a day.
Controlling energy costs is, therefore, one of the biggest challenges professional launderers face. So what measures can you implement to reduce overheads while maintaining the level of productivity, efficiency, and results that your clients and customers expect?
That’s what we’re here to find out. Our team of experts has contributed five practical tips to help you reduce how much it costs to power your commercial laundry.
Tip one: Perform an energy audit to identify where energy is being used
It’s impossible to deploy effective cost-cutting measures unless you know how much energy your commercial laundry equipment is using and when. That’s why you should begin with a top-down audit of your energy usage, giving you a clear overview of where additional savings and efficiencies could be sought.
There are, of course, several ways to perform an energy audit, so the route you choose will depend largely on time and resources. For example, large companies might choose to enlist the help of an external energy specialist to carry out an audit on their behalf; your energy company may also be able to assist with this, particularly if you have a commercial energy contract.
Alternatively, there are ways to audit energy yourself – here are a few suggestions:
- Reference smart meter data: The emergence of smart meters has made it easy for businesses and individuals to monitor energy usage at a granular level. You should be able to review historic data collected by your smart meter online or via your energy provider’s mobile app.
- Manually record which equipment is being used and when: Once you have access to your business’ smart meter data, cross-reference this with your own log of when appliances are in use. That way, you can identify energy-intensive equipment and either source a more efficient replacement or adjust operating times in line with off-peak hours; more on this later.
- Make a note of the age and efficiency of your appliances: Inefficient laundry machines could be the root cause of your higher-than-expected energy bills. As part of your audit, make a note of the year of manufacture and energy rating for each appliance; it could be worth seeking a replacement for outdated models that are hampering your energy-cutting efforts.
Tip two: Consider running your laundry equipment during off-peak hours
While this suggestion may not be possible for some businesses, it is an easy thing to implement if you’re able to do so.
In recent years, several major energy suppliers have offered cost-saving initiatives for businesses and homeowners that forego using energy during peak hours. It’s possible to unlock direct savings by running energy-intensive equipment during off-peak hours, with some significant discounts available in some cases.
Check with your local energy supplier to find out about any off-peak savings initiatives that may be available. Then, think carefully about how you could adjust your day-to-day working practices to better take advantage of these promotional periods.
Tip three: Improve the efficiency of your wash cycles
Commercial washing machines aren’t made equal. Even if you’re happy with your trusty old machine, it may not be the most efficient or cost-effective option in the long term, particularly if it lacks the energy and water-saving features of a new, modern professional washer.
A new commercial washing machine may enable you to use less detergent, lower the temperature, and reduce cycle times. Added up, these three elements can make a significant difference to the long-term efficiency and cost savings of your business, reducing overheads in key areas.
Tip four: Make sure your tumble dryers are working at their best
Everyone knows that neglecting a tumble dryer’s ducting is bad news from a health and safety perspective, dramatically increasing the risk of fire on your premises. But did you know that an inefficient tumble dryer could also be costing your business money?
Think about it: if a tumble dryer isn’t working efficiently, you’ll need to use it for longer per cycle. This ultimately increases operating costs, with money spent where it didn’t need to be.
Make sure your on-site commercial tumble dryers are serviced and maintained at manufacturer-recommended intervals. That way, you can be sure they’re running at their optimal level, reducing the risk of fire and saving you money in the process.
Tip five: Implement smart controls and automation
Previously, you might have shunned so-called “smart” laundry appliances as a novelty, but in recent years, the value of these internet-enabled machines has been proven time and again.
Take our SMART washing machines, for example. Loaded with clever features like water-absorption sensors, 24/7 fault monitoring, and smart energy-saving cycles, these machines are worth their weight in gold when delivering tangible, long-term cost-cutting benefits for your business.
There are lots of ways to deploy smart technology and automation tools in your commercial laundry. Take a look at what’s available, and you may be surprised by the potential savings and cutbacks that you’ve been sleeping on as a business.
We hope this has provided some inspiration for cutting energy costs in your commercial laundry. For more how-to advice and laundry guidance, take a look at our expert Knowledge Hub. Ready to update your commercial laundry? Talk to our experts today.
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