October 2012
3-33
water savings that can be achieved from retrofitting existing laundry equipment,
multiply the water use of the existing laundry equipment (Equation 3-9) by the sav-
ings potential for the appropriate retrofit option indicated in Table 3-1 below (see
Equation 3-10).
33
Table 3-1. Potential Water Savings From Commercial Laundry Retrofit Options
Retrofit Option
Water Savings Potential
Retrofit With Simple Recycling System
10%
to 35%
Retrofit With Complex Recycling System
85%
to 90%
Retrofit With Ozone System
10%
to 25%
Equation 3-10. Water Savings From Commercial Laundry Equipment Retrofit
(
gallons per year)
= Current Water Use of Laundry Equipment xWater Savings Potential
Where:
••
Current Water Use of Laundry Equipment (gallons per year)
••
Water Savings Potential (percent, from Table 3-1)
Payback
To calculate the simple payback from the water savings associated with retrofitting
existing laundry equipment, consider the equipment and installation cost of the
retrofit option, the water savings as calculated using Equation 3-10, and the facility-
specific cost of water and wastewater.
Because washers use hot water, a reduction in water use will also result in energy
savings, further reducing the payback period and increasing replacement cost-
effectiveness. More efficient washers may also require less detergent. If the facility is
paying for the detergent used, this may reduce overall operating costs and reduce
the payback period.
Washer Extractor or Tunnel Washer Retrofit
Existing washer extractors or tunnel washers can also be retrofitted to recycle and
reuse a portion of the rinse water or retrofitted with an ozone system.
Current Water Use
To estimate the current water use from a washer extractor or tunnel washer, identify
the following information and use Equation 3-11:
3.6
Laundry Equipment
33
EBMUD,
op. cit
.,
Pages LAUND 4–6.
