3-36
October 2012
Water Use After Replacement
To estimate the water use of a more efficient, replacement washer extractor or tunnel
washer, use Equation 3-11, substituting the new washer’s water efficiency. Existing
washer extractors can be replaced with machines with built-in water recycling ca-
pabilities that use less than 2.5 gallons of water per pound of fabric. Efficient tunnel
washers typically use two gallons of water or less per pound of fabric.
Water Savings
To calculate water savings that can be achieved from replacing an existing washer
extractor or tunnel washer, use Equation 3-12.
Payback
To calculate the simple payback from the water savings associated with replacing an
existing washer extractor or tunnel washer, consider the equipment and installation
cost of 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, which may
reduce overall operating costs and reduce the payback period.
Additional Resources
Alliance for Water Efficiency. Commercial Laundry Facilities Introduction.
East Bay Municipal Utility District. 2008.
WaterSmart Guidebook: A Water-Use Efficiency
Plan Review Guide for New Businesses
.
Pages 31, LAUND4-6.
EPA and DOE’s ENERGY STAR. Commercial Clothes Washers.
Koeller, John, et al. Koeller and Company. January 2006.
A Report on Potential Best
Management Practices, Annual Report—Year Two
.
Prepared for The California Urban
Water Conservation Council.
.
Pacific Gas and Electric. 2009.
Hospitality Fact Sheet: Ozonated Laundry Systems in Hos-
pital Facilities
.
3.6
Laundry Equipment
