On average, a commercial laundry machine can last more than a decade. But even if it makes it into an 11th or 12th year of service, chances are you aren’t maximizing your profits by holding onto that machine. It is more cost effective to replace old equipment than to hang on to it too long.
As your equipment ages, its overall efficiency begins to diminish. The effects of extensive wear and tear from a substantial number of loads will take its toll. Major repairs and parts replacement, such as belts and motor parts, begin to add up.
And it’s not only the money you have to re-invest into the machine that will end up costing you. Water and electric costs will rise from problems such as:
- Water loss from a leaky or faulty inlet house.
- Tripped switches preventing tubs from spinning.
- Damaged drain pipes/hoses.
Repairs to an aging machine can easily cost hundreds of dollars from parts and labor. And, ultimately, it is just a bandage.
Newer machines are more energy and water efficient than older machines and will offset the upfront costs of replacing a machine. Energy Star washers can save up to 9.3 to 29.6 gallons of water, while dryers can save 25,000 to 38,000 BTU’s per cycle. That can lead to significant savings when you consider that utility expenses are a main source of lost revenue in any commercial laundromat.
Updating equipment goes beyond washers and dryers. A gas-powered water boiler is the primary source of hot water for most commercial laundromats and needs to be maintained to avoid wasting water and gas. After all, driving your utility and maintenance expenses down increases revenue.
Proper maintenance on all your equipment is necessary to guarantee they remain efficient. However you have to recognize the point when you will start spending more to keep a machine operating than it’s worth.
Delaying the inevitable may save you a few dollars in the short term, but can be costly in the long run.
