Energy Efficiency

As energy and water costs continue to rise, selecting an energy efficient dishwashing unit has become more and more important in the food service industry. Most restaurant dishwashers employ automatic fill and idle pump shutoff features, as well as a built in booster heating unit to improve energy efficiency.

However, the commercial dishwasher in your restaurant will continue to be one of the biggest energy hogs you own. According to Energy Star, a government agency that advocates energy efficiency, a restaurant serving 300 meals a day uses 600 gallons of water to wash dishes. That’s a heavy burden on your bottom line.

Needless to say, even a small improvement in efficiency can save you hundreds of dollars.

A quick checklist of ways to manage water usage on your commercial dishwasher:

Regularly inspect the manual fill valve and ensure it is completely closed when the wash tank is full.

Set the rinse cycle time to the minimum required by the manufacturer and check the time regularly.

Set rinse pressure to the minimum required by the manufacturer and check it regularly.

Inspect rinse nozzles regularly for wear. Over time the opening will widen, resulting
in more and more water usage.

Train staff to use your restaurant’s dishwasher properly. Only full racks should be washed.

Energy Star now rates commercial dishwashers for their energy efficiency. Energy Star rated units will operate more efficiently than non-rated ones, so look for the Energy Star label when you’re buying a commercial dishwasher.

Ventilation

The proper ventilation of the dishwashing area is very important, and not just for the safety and comfort of staff. High humidity reduces the effectiveness of a commercial dishwasher’s drying cycle, and is usually the reason for damp dishes. This can have an especially negative effect on stainless steel flatware and commercial cookware, which is prone to tarnishing and/or rusting if left damp on a regular basis.

Good ventilation for the dishwashing area in your kitchen is strongly recommended.