When we talk with laundromat owners and investors one thing that comes up frequently is utility costs. More than 60% of laundromat owners cite utilities as the biggest obstacle for the laundry business. With that in mind, it’s no wonder we get lots of questions from laundry business owners regarding how to lower utility costs, save money, and be more eco-friendly. Here are a few tips to help you cut costs and lower your utility bills at your laundromat.
1. Upgrade to energy-efficient laundry equipment. Energy-efficient laundry equipment is one of the best ways to cut costs at your laundromat. Research shows that just one new Speed Queen washer-extractor can save you about $1,008.72 per year. For a large laundromat, those savings could add up significantly.
2. Use advanced controls for your laundry equipment. Advanced controls, like Speed Queen Quantum Controls, are another great way to lower utility costs and save money. Features like programmable water levels, leak detection, and low power mode help laundromat managers and customers better manage water and electricity use.
3. Use technology to monitor equipment. Laundry technology is more advanced than ever before. Laundromat management tools, like Speed Queen Insights, will allow you to better track and manage your machines to make sure that they’re operating at peak efficiency.
4. Install energy-efficient lighting. Utilizing energy-efficient LED bulbs are another great way to keep utility costs under control at your laundromat. According to the Washington Post, the monthly savings for a single bulb is $1.25. That may not seem like much, but multiplied by every bulb in your laundromat and considering how long light bulbs can last, the little savings can quickly add up.
5. Seal around doors and windows. It can be easy for air to sneak in and out of unsealed doors and windows, making your laundromat feel drafty and cold in the winter, or letting your AC cooled air out in the summer — which can significantly raise your utility bill. We recommend caulking around your laundromat’s windows and door frames.
6. Use a timer or sensor for lights. Paying to light your laundromat when there are no customers can quickly add up. Putting your lights on a timer or using a motion sensor so they turn on and off can help you lower utility costs.
7. Adjust the temperatures. It can be costly to heat and cool your laundromat. Adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees can add up to significant energy savings while not being overly noticeable to staff and customers. Consider using fans and/or opening windows as much as possible before turning on the air conditioning as well.
8. Set a maintenance schedule. Equipment that is well-maintained is going to operate at peak efficiency, which will save you money in the long run. Plus, frequent maintenance means you’ll notice issues with your washers and dryers before they become costly problems.
9. Train your staff. Your staff is your first line of defense when it comes to conserving gas, water, and electricity. You want everyone to be on the same page about eco-friendly habits and practices at your laundromat. Plus, well-trained and engaged staff are also more likely to notice potential problems with your machines.
10. Educate customers. If sustainability and eco-friendliness are important to you, then you should share those values along with your customers. Signs, pamphlets, and conversations can be a great way to educate them about green laundry practices, such as using cold water and shorter dry times, that can save your business (and them) money.
If you have more questions about reducing your utility costs and running a more energy-efficient laundromat, we’re here to help.
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