Gillmans: Reducing Energy Costs in Care Homes: Practical Tips for Greater Efficiency

Running a care home today means balancing exceptional care with increasing operational costs. Across the sector, energy expenditure remains a significant concern, and recent discussions within the DCHC Energy Collective have highlighted the pressures many providers continue to face. While energy pricing itself may be beyond our control, there are practical steps care homes can take to reduce consumption and improve efficiency across some of their most energy-intensive operations.

At Gillmans Commercial, we work closely with care homes throughout the South West and understand the challenges providers face. Whilst we cannot influence energy tariffs, we can help organisations identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of their commercial laundry, dishwashing, and refrigeration equipment.

Small Changes, Big Savings

Commercial appliances often operate for many hours every day, making them a significant contributor to a home’s energy usage. However, some of the most effective energy-saving measures are also among the simplest.

Routine maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring equipment operates efficiently. For example:

• Cleaning tumble dryer filters regularly improves airflow and reduces drying times.
• Keeping refrigeration condenser filters and grills free from dust allows systems to operate more efficiently and reduces the strain on compressors.
• Checking door seals on refrigeration equipment helps prevent cold air loss and unnecessary energy consumption.
• Ensuring appliances are serviced in accordance with manufacturer recommendations can maintain performance and reduce running costs.

These simple housekeeping measures often require minimal investment but can deliver noticeable reductions in energy usage over time.

Laundry: One of the Largest Energy Consumers

Laundry is typically one of the most energy-intensive functions within a care home. The need for consistently clean clothing, bedding and linen means washing and drying equipment may be operating throughout much of the day.

Historically, thermal disinfection processes have relied on high-temperature wash cycles, which naturally consume significant amounts of energy. However, modern laundry technology has developed considerably, and there are now alternative processes available that can achieve compliant disinfection standards while reducing energy consumption.

Many care homes are exploring lower-temperature wash programmes combined with specialist detergents and dosing systems that deliver effective hygiene outcomes without the need for prolonged high-temperature cycles. The result can be lower energy usage, reduced wear on fabrics and potentially longer textile life.

The Case for Heat Pump Drying Technology

When it comes to drying, vented tumble dryers have traditionally been the preferred option due to their speed and familiarity. However, advances in heat pump drying technology mean care homes now have access to systems capable of delivering productive drying performance while dramatically reducing energy consumption.

Modern commercial heat pump dryers can use more than 50% less energy than conventional vented dryers. For care homes processing large volumes of laundry every day, these savings can have a substantial impact on annual operating costs.

Don't Overlook Dishwashing and Refrigeration

While laundry often receives the greatest attention, dishwashing and refrigeration equipment also present opportunities for efficiency improvements.

Modern commercial dishwashing systems utilise intelligent water and energy management technologies that can significantly reduce consumption compared with older machines. Similarly, refrigeration equipment has become increasingly energy efficient, with improved insulation, smart controls and more efficient compressors delivering lower running costs.

Regular maintenance remains essential across all appliance categories to ensure these efficiencies are realised in everyday operation.

Investing in Efficiency for the Future

With energy costs continuing to be a major challenge for care providers, focusing on appliance efficiency is one area where organisations can take positive, practical action.

Regular servicing, preventative maintenance, staff awareness, and investment in modern energy-efficient equipment all contribute to lower operating costs, improved reliability, and extended equipment lifespan.

At Gillmans Commercial, we are committed to supporting care homes with expert advice on commercial laundry, dishwashing and refrigeration solutions. By understanding how equipment is used and maintained, providers can often identify straightforward opportunities to reduce consumption without compromising on the quality of care or infection prevention standards.

In a challenging energy landscape, small operational improvements today can deliver meaningful savings for years to come.

Need Advice on Commercial Appliances?

With rising operational costs continuing to challenge the care sector, having the right equipment in place and ensuring it is operating as efficiently as possible has never been more important.

At Gillmans Commercial, our team is always happy to provide impartial advice on commercial laundry, dishwashing and refrigeration equipment, whether you're looking to improve energy efficiency, replace ageing appliances, plan a refurbishment, or simply understand the options available to your organisation.

We also have a dedicated commercial appliance showroom in Exeter, where we welcome care providers by appointment. Visiting the showroom provides an opportunity to see a range of commercial laundry, dishwashing and refrigeration solutions first-hand, discuss your requirements with our specialists, and explore the most suitable options for your care home.

If you'd like to arrange a showroom visit or discuss any commercial appliance requirements, we'd be delighted to help.

Contact Gillmans Commercial:

📞 0800 014 1474
🌐 www.gillmans-commercial.co.uk
📍 Showroom visits available by appointment in Exeter

Our experienced team is committed to helping care providers find practical, efficient, and cost-effective solutions that support both day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability goals.