For any commercial laundry operation in the UK — from hotels and care homes to gyms and launderettes — energy costs are a major consideration. Heating water, running dryers, and powering washers all consume substantial amounts of energy every day. But with rising utility prices and growing sustainability goals, finding ways to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance has never been more important.
At Maxwell Adam, we help businesses make their laundry operations more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. Here’s how you can save energy, lower costs, and maintain the high-quality results your customers expect.
The Challenge of Energy Use in Commercial Laundries
Commercial laundry equipment is designed for performance and durability — but that also means it can consume significant amounts of water, electricity, and gas. For many facilities, these utilities make up one of the largest ongoing operational expenses.
In a typical laundry, around:
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70–75% of energy is used for heating water and drying,
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15–20% goes into mechanical washing, and
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5–10% is consumed by auxiliary systems (lighting, controls, etc.).
That’s why focusing on energy efficiency in these key areas can yield major savings — both financially and environmentally.
1. Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment
The most effective way to reduce consumption is by upgrading to energy-efficient laundry machines. Modern commercial washers and dryers from leading manufacturers are designed to use less water, heat, and power while delivering superior cleaning performance.
Features to look for include:
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Low-water wash cycles – reducing the volume of hot water used per load.
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High-speed extraction – removing more moisture before drying to cut drying times.
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Advanced heat recovery systems – reusing heat from exhaust air or water.
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Programmable controls – allowing operators to fine-tune settings for maximum efficiency.
At Maxwell Adam, we work closely with clients to specify and install the most energy-efficient solutions for their operations, ensuring long-term savings and performance reliability.
2. Regular Maintenance Keeps Machines Efficient
Even the most advanced laundry equipment loses efficiency over time without proper care. A clogged filter, worn seal, or unbalanced drum can lead to longer cycle times and higher energy usage.
Preventative maintenance — including cleaning, calibration, and inspections — ensures that machines operate at peak efficiency. Regular servicing not only extends equipment life but also keeps your energy bills lower month after month.
Our engineers at Maxwell Adam provide tailored maintenance contracts that help UK businesses keep their equipment running like new, ensuring energy efficiency remains high all year round.
3. Optimise Your Wash Loads
It’s tempting to run partial loads during busy periods, but doing so wastes water, detergent, and electricity. Instead:
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Always aim to run machines at full, but not overloaded, capacity.
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Group similar fabrics together for consistent cycle settings.
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Use the correct cycle lengths to avoid unnecessary rinsing or heating.
Small operational adjustments like these can make a surprising difference to energy consumption across the year — especially for businesses running multiple machines daily.
4. Control Water Temperatures
Heating water is one of the biggest energy drains in a laundry operation. By switching to lower-temperature wash programmes or cold-water detergents, you can maintain cleaning performance while cutting energy use dramatically.
Modern laundry detergents and machine technologies are now designed to clean effectively at 30–40°C, making traditional 60°C cycles unnecessary in many cases.
Working with Maxwell Adam, our engineers can help calibrate your machines and recommend the best wash settings for your specific fabrics and hygiene requirements.
5. Upgrade to Smart Controls and Automation
Energy efficiency doesn’t just come from hardware — it also depends on smart operation. Many commercial laundry systems now offer:
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Programmable cycles to match specific load types.
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Automatic detergent dosing for precise chemical use.
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Cycle monitoring systems that track performance and efficiency in real time.
These systems allow you to eliminate waste, reduce operator error, and gather valuable data to improve your energy strategy over time.
6. Improve Airflow and Ventilation in the Laundry Room
Poor ventilation can cause dryers to overheat and run longer than necessary. Ensuring that ducts and vents are clean and unblocked allows for proper airflow and heat exchange, reducing drying times and power consumption.
If your laundry room often feels excessively hot or humid, it may be a sign that the ventilation system needs servicing — something our team at Maxwell Adam can help identify and resolve quickly.
7. Reuse Heat and Water Wherever Possible
Heat and water recovery systems are becoming increasingly popular in commercial laundries. For instance:
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Heat recovery units capture waste heat from dryer exhausts or wastewater and use it to preheat incoming water.
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Water recycling systems filter and reuse rinse water, reducing both consumption and heating needs.
These technologies not only improve sustainability but can deliver a return on investment within just a few years through reduced utility costs.
8. Train Your Staff in Energy Awareness
Even with the best equipment, inefficient habits can waste energy. Educating your team about proper loading, cycle selection, and equipment care can have a noticeable impact on performance.
Simple staff training — supported by clear signage and operational guides — encourages consistent energy-saving behaviour across shifts.
The Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Laundry
Adopting a more energy-efficient approach isn’t just about saving money. It also brings wider benefits, including:
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Lower environmental impact – reducing your carbon footprint.
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Improved equipment reliability – as efficient machines experience less wear.
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Enhanced reputation – demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.
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Compliance with UK energy and sustainability targets.
At Maxwell Adam, we’re proud to help UK businesses lead the way in efficiency and performance through expert advice, professional installations, and tailored maintenance solutions.
Partner with Maxwell Adam
Whether you’re upgrading existing laundry equipment or planning a new installation, Maxwell Adam can help you achieve the perfect balance between performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. Our expert team will assess your site, recommend the best energy-saving solutions, and provide ongoing support to keep your equipment running at its best.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help make your laundry operation more energy efficient — without ever compromising on quality.
Maxwell Adam – Delivering efficient, high-performance commercial laundry solutions across the UK.
