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 Most
developers and contractors would say that it is cheaper to
run vents and use 220-volt dryers than it is to purchase the
imported front-load washers and condensing dryers. On the
surface they would appear to be correct. Let’s dig deeper.
There is a "green movement" that is sweeping the United States.
Energy demands in the U.S. make us too dependent on foreign
sources of oil and natural gas for that energy. By June 30,
2007, GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire (Electrolux) have agreed
to reduce the energy requirements in laundry by 50%. Top-load
laundry may virtually disappear as too much water is required
to wash the clothes. The washers don’t spin fast enough
to drain most of water, so the dryers are forced to work longer
at 220 volts than the high-speed spin front-loaders. The front-loaders
use 1/3 of the detergent and use a low-sudsing formulation.
The traditional vented dryers suck the room air and pull it
across the wet clothes in the dryer. This is the same room
air that the resident just paid to heat or cool. It gets tossed
outside along with the excess lint and soap odor. How delightful.
Then in some building designs, the architect has had to add
"make-up air" to replace the lost air. By June30, 2004 these
energy-saving requirements must meet a phase-in guideline.
You won’t have long to keep using this out-dated technology.
So get out of the Stone Age and receive the benefits. Besides,
even in new multifamily builds, even some units do not lend
themselves to adequate ducting for dryer vents. You probably
are praying that the county planner and inspector don’t
look too closely. Here is a summary of why you should switch
to vent-less dryers and front-load washers:
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No dryer vents |
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No contribution to mold and mildew, as dryer vents often
do |
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Greater design capabilities |
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110 volts versus 220 volts |
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New energy mandates for reduced consumption |
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Happier residents / owners for their part in the saving
natural resources |
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Residents / owners save utilities, giving you the competitive
advantage in leasing |
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No make-up air to replace |
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And many more |
If you would like a marketing piece that many developers,
leasing agents, and property managers have requested, "Click
here".
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