Washer /Dryer Retrofit

The advent of condensing (ventless) dryers makes the addition of in-unit laundry easy and affordable. Providing in-unit laundry will increase rents, decrease turnover, reduce marketing costs, and save both water and energy.

According to Rent.com, this is the most requested amenity in all of the inquiries they receive. Most installations pay for themselves in less than three years, many in less than two. They allow increased rents with lower turnover and higher occupancy.

Save on Construction
The three most significant costs in adding laundry to an older building are; installing the plumbing connections, venting the dryers, and supplying sufficient make-up air to balance the air supply in the halls and shafts. If we are installing new pipes, the cost of the additional plumbing fixtures is nominal. Condensing dryers:

  • Eliminate vents, fire dampers, caps
  • No penetrations in walls/floors/roof
  • Eliminate fire-rated chases
  • No code restrictions on vent length
  • Reduce electrical riser load
  • Minimize intake air requirements
  • Reduce heat load
  • Solve air-balance issues

The most important (and often overlooked) issue is air-balance. Conventional dryers exhaust 10,000 cubic feet of air (200 cfm x 50 min.) per dry cycle. All of this must be made up with outside air. This incoming "make up" air must be conditioned to approximately 70º. Because condensing dryers are closed systems, no air is exhausted and no make-up air is required.

How Ventless Dryers Work
These dryers operate on the same principal as a room dehumidifier. The moist air is passed through a condenser where, as a result of the temperature differential, the moisture is condensed back to water and pumped down the drain.

Save Energy and Water
The dryer recaptures 60% to 85% of the heat energy used in the operation. Vented dryers recapture none. It also eliminates the cost of heating and cooling all of the "make up" air that results from vented dryers' exhaust. The matching front-loading washers use less than half the water (11 vs. 32 gallons) and one third the hot water (3 vs. 13 gal.) that the top-loading machines in the laundry rooms use.

Ventless dryers save on construction and energy costs by directly condensing water vapor.
combination washer/dryers save space and help manage and conserve water usage in multi-family buildings.

Combination Washer/Dryers
This appliance washes and then automatically (if you wish) dries the clothing in a single operation. They are ideal for singles, couples, and small families with busy life styles. The size of a dishwasher, it fits in most closets, or under kitchen/bathroom counters.

  • European styling in an all-in-one unit
  • Washes and dries in single cycle
  • Compact, same size as a dishwasher
  • Operates on 120-volts w/10-amp peak draw
  • Ventless – recaptures 85% of heat energy
  • Unequalled convenience for resident

Stackable Washer with Separate Dryer
These 24" appliances look and operate like conventional washers & dryers. They have the same market appeal and are better suited for family communities.

  • Dryer has 4.3 cubic feet capacity
  • Dryer requires a 220-volt /15-amp circuit
  • Washers use a 110V/15-amp circuit
  • Same dry time and quality as vented dryers
  • Recaptures 60% of heat energy

High-Efficiency (HE) washers conserve water and energy costs in individual apartments and homes.

High Efficiency Washers

  • Use one third the water (11 vs. 32 gal.)
  • Use one third the hot water (3 vs. 13 gal.)
  • Use one-sixth the detergent (2 Tbs.)
  • Spins at 1,400 rpm to remove more water
  • Cleans better with less wear on clothes

SageWater also provides venting for conventional dryers.