On the potential of laundromats

I (Soren) could get a washer, but

1. We like doing laundry all at once, in less than three hours, every four weeks.
2. I mingle with people I'd never otherwise meet.
3. The laundromat can be greener.

Better Utilization

Effective sharing (in which utilization rates are hgih) of any type of machine means less embodied energy in the devices.

Energy Efficieny payback

Any efficiency gains are paid back much more quickly and the business potentially has a budget to invest. For example, I wonder if any laundry would ever buy electric dryers.

Ideas

• charge more for hot vs. cold washing (owners already vary the time/quarter on the gas dryers depending on gas prices)
• try to reclaim heat from the dryers to heat water for the washers

Resources(?)

• http://www.aers.com/ sells high-efficient water heaters some of which thrive on the dual need to heat water and cool air. Basically heat pumps that capture the heat in a how water tank instead of dumping it outside.
• Laundry Costs Worksheet

Inspiration

• Grist: Jason and the Laundronauts (Q&A part I)
• Grist: Rage Against the Washing Machine (Q&A part II)
• Treehugger discusses Tide Coldwater Detergent. From a comment:

• http://www.laundrylist.org/ encourages air drying (dryer consumption)
• Grist: Pinch of Tides mentions increasing utility rates for laundry operators.