Evaporating energy costs in the washroom

Imagine a brand new, ‘green’ building. It’s been designed with sustainability in mind every step of the way, from the cladding materials on the wall panels to its energy-efficient lighting system. However, the washroom also provides opportunities to support the architect’s green intent, facilitate long-term savings through sustainable operation and thus, support your original aesthetic vision.

In recent years, evolving consumer preferences have driven demand for hand dryers with faster dry times. Thus, high-speed dryers (or jet dryers) that hasten traffic flow have increased in popularity, especially in high-traffic washrooms. However, facilities that employ jet dryers should take special care when it comes to product selection. Specifically, many jet dryers with fast dry times are primary culprits of high energy usage and long-term operating costs in the washroom. Further, costly operation often prompts facility managers to replace products such as hand dryers early in the washroom’s lifetime — compromising the designer’s aesthetic intent.

For exceptional energy savings and enduring design, Bobrick has introduced the industry’s lowest wattage jet dryer for sustainability and economy. The new B-7125 InstaDry™ surface-mounted high-speed hand dryer supports the high-speed hand-drying experience that today’s patrons expect, without the high operating costs typically associated with competitive units.

Functioning at only 200 watts, InstaDry is ideal for high-traffic facilities such as airports and other transportation hubs, stadiums, restaurants and retail spaces. Even in the busiest environments, InstaDry has a life expectancy of approximately 7,500 hours, which can equate to approximately ten years in some facilities. Its annual operating costs can be up to 80 per cent less than other leading dryer brands and its low power consumption allows multiple units to be installed on one circuit breaker.

In the 1940s and 1950s, hand dryers took between 30 and 40 seconds to dry hands thoroughly and operated at about 2300 watts—roughly equivalent to the energy requirements of two dishwashers in 2018. Today, InstaDry makes it easier for facility operators and managers to achieve their goals and operate washrooms with built-in economic and environmental value. For architects, that sustainable operation enables design decisions that endure and products that aren’t replaced by less aesthetic products early in the washroom’s lifetime.

Learn more and get technical data at www.bobrick.co.uk.