Greening the Industry - Energy Saving Tips

The cost of energy is on the rise. Utility costs are the first or second largest expense owners pay every month and the one owners have the most control of. Every dollar saved is pure profit. To reduce energy consumption, consider the following:

• Install new high efficiency hot water heaters. Energy required for the water heater may be as much as 50% of the overall natural gas consumption in the laundry.
• Install new high efficiency washers.  Some new washers reduce electricity in excess of 50% and reduce water consumption by more than 25%.
• Utilize variable pricing programs on your washers for hot-warm-cold water. Studies have shown that variable pricing can dramatically reduce hot water consumption.
• Install washers with high extraction.  Some new models may extract with 50-75% more force which results in removing more moisture from the clothing. Higher extraction reduces natural gas consumption in the dryer. For more information, refer to Dexter High Extraction EXPRESS washers
• Determine if local utility companies offer cost incentives for operating the laundry with time of use meters. Time of use meters will determine when utilities are consumed. Since most laundries are busiest during non-peak hours (evenings and weekends), variable cost programs from the local utility companies can result in substantial savings.
• Insulate hot water tanks and hot water lines with new higher R-factor insulation
• Repair any water leaks.
• Contact commercial lighting companies that specialize in low-energy/high-efficiency commercial lighting solutions
• Clean all lint from exhaust ducts and makeup air devices. Lint in the exhaust duct will reduce airflow and increase energy consumption.
• Check dryer manufacturer's specifications to assure there is an adequate supply of make up air. Many older laundries have added drying capacity and have not increased the supply of makeup air. The lack of makeup air will reduce the efficiency of the dryer and waste energy.

If you want help in implementing any of the solutions above, contact us.

Commercial - Industrial Laundry

Energy Rebates

Utility companies may offer substantial energy rebates to customers who invest in capital equipment that reduces energy consumption. Western State Design (WSD) has been an Approved Sponsor with many utility companies. As an Approved Sponsor, WSD has the knowledge and experience to maximize your energy rebates. If you are considering the purchase and installation of energy-efficient equipment, WSD will contact the utility company and complete the required documentation to assure you receive the rebates you deserve. Reducing electricity, gas, water, and other natural resources is good for your business, good for the utility company and good for the environment.

Energy Saving Tips

The cost of energy is on the rise. To reduce consumption, consider the following:

Daily removal of all lint from exhaust ducts, exhaust duct makeup air devices and combustion burners

Capturing waste heat BTU's from hot water discharged directly to the sewer

Capturing waste heat from water heaters, dryers, boilers or the devices currently exhausted directly to the atmosphere

Staging laundry to assure that all laundry is processed according to the type, load size, color and soil content to maximize equipment capacity

Maximize the moisture removal from linen through high extraction to reduce drying times

Treat and/or reuse water in the washing process

Determine if operating the laundry during non-peak hours can earn incentives from the local utility company

Add frequency inverters or purchase inverter-driven equipment to reduce peak electrical demands

Insulate hot water tanks and hot water lines with new higher R-factor insulation

Inspect compressed air lines and eliminate air leaks throughout the laundry

Repair any water leaks in all of the processing equipment

Contact commercial lighting companies that specialize in low-energy/high-efficiency commercial lighting solutions

Energy / Heat Recovery

Plate/Frame or Tube/Shell Type Heat Exchangers

Recapture and reuse heat from hot discharge water

Shaker Screens

Start of the Art screening equipment to meet your volume liquids-solids separation requirements

Direct Contact Water Heating

By “over-cooling” exhaust gases, high-output heating systems provide near 100% energy use efficiency when heating high volumes of water

Gas-Stack Economizers

Recapture the energy and heat being exhausted to the atmosphere by your steam boiler or hot water system.

Waste Water Treatment Recovery and Recycling

Press/Centrifuge Water Capture and Reuse

Captures and directs maximum reuse of a Tunnel Washer press or centrifuge water discharge.

Rinse Water Reuse

Stainless steel tanks, pumps and, smart-therm controls recapture rinse water from washer-extractors for temporary storage and reuse. Reuse up to 30% of rinse water.

Advanced Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Systems

Prepare your waste discharge to meet the requirement of the local municipalities by removing solids and dissolved solids from the waste water flow to the sanitary sewer. This process reduces waste water surcharges.

Ceramic Element Filtration (CEF) Systems

These systems provide filtration/recycling technology capable of filtering liquids to the submicron level. Systems effectively clarify to a significant degree a host of liquid streams high in COD/BOD, TSS, TKH, OSE and other
insoluble or suspended materials. Additionally, clarification will occur with some soluble matter. Systems are capable of recycling up to 80-90% of waste water flows in specific applications.