Jeffrey L. Peterson, owner of The Wash, didn’t just want to design a traditional laundromat in Richland, Washington, he wanted to provide a cleaner, safer, more modern, and customer-focused laundry experience than what many people traditionally expect from a laundromat.
“I wanted The Wash to be clean, welcoming, efficient, and technology-forward that offers practical laundry solutions that are easier and more affordable,” Peterson said. That vision of building a modern, efficient laundromat from the ground up led him to install an ozone system after attending the Coin Laundry Association conference, where Peterson was inspired to learn about the technology and rebates to purchase a system.
After the conference, Peterson contacted Cascade Natural Gas Corporation (CNGC) to learn what support might be available. What he found was incentives to move his project forward. With nearly $160,000 in incentives, he was able to install the SanoWash ozone system, installed by Western States Design, to improve sanitation, reduce odors, strengthen the overall cleaning process, and reduce utility costs. As a result, The Wash is now saving nearly $30,000 annually.
Ozone systems defined
An ozone system adds ozone to the cold-water supply of the washing machines. Ozone is created by using an electrical charge to convert oxygen into ozone. When mixed with the wash water, ozone helps break down soils, oils, and odors in fabrics, allowing clothes to be cleaned effectively with less reliance on hot water, detergent, and gas. This can help lower energy costs while still delivering clean, fresh laundry.
“It gives customers more confidence, especially when they are washing items that are too large for their home machines or too expensive to take to a dry cleaner,” said Peterson.
More incentives mean more equipment
Peterson continued to look for more incentives and discovered there more were available from CNGC for water heaters. With $30,000 in incentives from CNGC, Peterson was also able to install three AO Smith BTHS-1000A water heaters. The additional incentives improved operations while saving the laundromat $20,280 in gas savings every year.
Sustainability goals and next steps
Participation with CNGC ties directly into their sustainability goals, too, since The Wash was designed to be efficient but responsible from the beginning.
“We have a responsibility to make smart choices about equipment, water heating, cleaning systems, natural gas usage, delivery operations, and building performance. CNGC supports those choices by encouraging investments that reduce energy waste and improve efficiency,” said Peterson.
As The Wash grows, they plan to continue evaluating additional efficiency upgrades and incentives as part of their long-term planning process.
“It’s a plus when the community knows they have a clean, safe place to go wash and sanitize their clothes,” said Peterson. “We’re providing that without harming the environment, bettering the subsequently the sewer system and saving energy.”
Beyond the environmental and community benefits, Peterson says working with Cascade Natural Gas has been a positive experience.
“The team has been helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the process,” he added.
Ready to save gas and claim your rebates? Get in touch with us to talk about projects.
