With energy bills at historic highs, the daily running costs of a laundry have risen alarmingly over the last 12-18 months. While the recession has prompted the oil price to fall from the scary heights of 2008, this has not been reflected in gas and electricity prices. Longer term the outlook is bleak, with dwindling energy resources and escalating global energy consumption. Care home laundry in particular tends to be energy-hungry with the need to wash in high temperatures to ensure thorough decontamination. With no scope for skimping on hygiene standards, controlling energy costs can be a challenge.
Investing in new laundry equipment could be the answer. Like modern cars, some of the latest equipment is far more energy efficient than older models, offering superior performance and reduced running costs. High-speed washer-extractors save both time and money, making the laundry more productive and reducing overall energy consumption. High-speed extraction removes moisture quickly by applying a higher “G” force than older style rigid machines. The latest high-speed machines can process more washing per hour and clothes washed in them will typically dry in 25 to 30 minutes because of lower water retention. As well as being more productive, high speed washers use less energy than conventional washers and further reduce total energy consumption by reducing drying times.
“Ozone washing systems have become popular in healthcare applications in the UK in recent years because they provide verified disinfection, “ says Richard Neale, director of the Laundry Technology Centre (LTC). “Today with energy prices so high, every laundry should be looking at the energy and money savings that can be achieved using ozone washing systems.”
Ozone is one of the most powerful disinfectants known to man and proven effective against bacteria including superbugs like MRSA and the resilient spores of C-diff. Ozone systems work effectively with cold water, which significantly reduces electrical consumption per machine. Shorter wash cycles mean less water is used, speeding up drying times and increasing the life of the linen. The finished laundry is also brighter and fluffier.
An ozone washing system can offer savings of between 30-50% in electricity consumption, 40-60% in hot water and 10-30% in detergent. An ozone-equipped laundry can also provide indirect savings of 25-35% in gas consumption; upwards from 25% in labour costs and 20-30% by prolonging the life of linens.