October 2012
3-35
factor and washer capacity of the replacement equipment. ENERGY STAR qualified
coin- or card-operated washers will have a water factor of 6.0 gallons per cycle per
cubic foot of capacity or less. An efficient multi-load washer will have a water factor
of 8.0 gallons per cycle per cubic foot or less.
Water Savings
To calculate water savings that can be achieved from replacing an existing coin- or
card-operated washer or multi-load washer, identify the following information and
use Equation 3-12:
••
Current water use as calculated using Equation 3-9.
••
Water use after replacement as calculated using Equation 3-9.
Equation 3-12. Water Savings From Commercial Laundry Equipment Replacement
= Current Laundry Equipment Water Use –Water Use of Laundry
Equipment After Replacement
Where:
••
Current Laundry Equipment Water Use (gallons per year)
••
Water Use of Laundry Equipment After Replacement (gallons per year)
Payback
To calculate the simple payback from the water savings associated with replacing an
existing coin- or card-operated washer or multi-load washer with an ENERGY STAR
qualified model, consider the equipment and installation cost of the new equipment,
the water savings as calculated using Equation 3-12, 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 Replacement
Existing washer extractors or tunnel washers can be replaced with more efficient
laundry equipment.
Current Water Use
To estimate the current water use from a washer extractor or tunnel washer, use
Equation 3-11.
3.6
Laundry Equipment
