More Energy Savings Tips from HUD

Don’t forget Clean Laundry!

1.  Tip for Efficient Laundries: To save on energy costs for central laundries, you should consider installing card-operated appliances so that your operator can set a higher vendor price for hot-water washes and a lower price for cold-water washes.

2.  Dryers: The American Gas Association (A.G.A.) has stated that gas dryers are a customer’s best buy because of the energy value of natural gas and the latest high efficiency technology, such as pilot-less ignition, automatic shutoffs, sensor controls, de-wrinkling cycles, and automatic cool-down cycles.  You can dry two loads of laundry for the money that it takes to dry one load in an electric dryer. Gas dryers also require little upkeep. The only things to keep in mind are to clean the lint screen regularly and to make sure that the exhaust is properly vented to the outside. Consumers should look for the Blue Star Design Certificate seal or another form certification from a nationally recognized testing agency.

3. Common Laundry Rooms:  An often overlooked area of savings is the laundry room. Having an energy-efficient common laundry room is a sound strategy. Studies have shown that in-unit washing machines use 3 x more water than common area machines. In-unit machines tend to drain more water and electricity resources because tenants are more likely to do smaller, more frequent wash loads -– resulting in soaring utility bills.

In an effort to cut energy costs, some apartment owners have chosen to place all of their project’s washers and dryers in a centralized laundry room instead of multiple buildings. According to the MultiFamily Housing Laundry Association, centralized laundries can save up to 300% in energy costs compared to individual hookups. In addition, they can save at least 50% in development costs. Because all of the plumbing and drains are in one room, a significant energy savings can be realized since all of the heating generated is in one place as opposed to 10 individual rooms, for example. Centralized laundries also encourage tenants to do full loads, rather than partial loads in their own units. Another feature is the use of “smart cards” which are purchased by tenants at a card-servicing center (usually in a safe, high-traffic area). These cards eliminate the need for cash when using washers and dryers which makes it safer for tenants. Approximately 20% of all centralized laundries are now making use of smart cards.

4. Energy Saving Washers:  Horizontal-axis washers, long popular in Europe, use 50% less energy than standard top-loading washers, due to reduced hot water consumption. They also use 40% less water (20-25 gal. per fill instead of 40 gal.), cause less wear and tear on clothes, and can accommodate larger loads.