Your clients probably understand they can lower their water and energy costs by switching to an ENERGY STAR® rated warewasher, but they might be surprised to learn just how much they can save.

“On average, ENERGY STAR qualified warewashers use 25 percent less energy and 25 percent less water than non-ENERGY STAR models,” says Richard Young, senior engineer and director of education at the Food Service Technology Center. “This can save businesses $850 a year on their energy bills and $200 a year on water costs.”

The cost savings go well beyond those associated with using less water and energy. By using energy-efficient equipment, your clients can receive rebates from energy providers and tax incentives from the federal government.

Real-World Examples
Hobart recently conducted an energy audit comparing its ENERGY STAR rated LXi undercounter warewasher with a conventional unit. When operated three hours a day for seven days a week (1,092 hours per year), the ENERGY STAR rated unit consumed 10,540 final rinse gallons (FRG) less water per year. This translates into a total annual cost saving of $469.

In another audit, both units were operated for five hours a day, seven days a week (1,820 hours per year). The ENERGY STAR rated unit consumed 17,581 less FRG per year, or a total annual cost saving of $781.

Hobart also conducted an audit comparing its ENERGY STAR rated AM15 warewasher to a conventional AM14 warewasher. When operated five hours a day for seven days a week (1,820 hours per year), the ENERGY STAR rated unit consumed 31,060 FRG less water per year, resulting in an annual water saving of $1,464.

Selecting the Right Warewasher for Your Clients
It might be obvious that an ENERGY STAR rated warewasher can help your clients save costs, but with so many models to choose from, how do you know which is right for your clients’ operation?

Several resources are available to help you make that decision. The Food Service Technology Center (FSTC) is the industry leader in commercial kitchen energy efficiency and appliance performance testing. The FSTC can help you compare various ENERGY STAR rated warewasher models to determine the best energy-efficient solution for your clients. The FSTC also offers educational seminars, presentations, sustainability articles and LEED resources that you can use to help your clients lower costs.

Of course, the ENERGY STAR Web site is also a valuable reference. Aside from details on various ENERGY STAR rated warewashers, the site also has a savings calculator to help you determine how much you can save your clients by installing an energy-efficient warewasher compared to a conventional unit.

For more information on how ENERGY STAR rated equipment can help your clients lower energy and water costs, click here.

Click here if you have any questions concerning this story or need additional product support from the Hobart Consultant Services Group.

LXi Energy Audit
  (1,092 annual hours)
LXi Energy Audit
  (1,820 annual hours)
AM14 and AM15 Energy Audit
  (1,820 annual hours)