Steam traps are the backbone of dry-cleaning businesses. When working properly, they help keep operations efficient. But when broken or malfunctioning, they can quietly drive-up energy costs.
Chris Kim, owner of HD Machinery, helps dry cleaning owners spot steam trap issues and understand the savings potential of fixing or replacing them. “You could be wasting a lot of money without even knowing,” he said.
Upgrading steam traps and pipe insulation simultaneously is a time- and resource-efficient way for dry cleaners to save energy. Contractors like HD Machinery can complete both installations in a single visit.
Meet the Businesses
HD Machinery and other contractors have helped many businesses upgrade their equipment for less with Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentives. Here are two Portland-area dry cleaning businesses Chris Kim worked with to lower costs through new steam traps and pipe insulation:
Cascade Cleaners, Portland
When Peter Yoo, owner of Cascade Cleaners, first learned about Energy Trust’s cash incentives for steam traps, he was relieved. He knew his steam traps weren’t in great shape, but the cost of replacement deterred him from moving forward.
Chris Kim installed 19 new steam traps at Cascade Cleaners, a NW Natural customer, along with improved pipe insulation to maximize efficiency. “The new steam traps help the gas boiler not get so hot,” said Yoo. “I can tell that there’s an improvement because it’s quieter now that there’s no steam leaking.”
The project qualified for nearly $7,100 in Energy Trust and NW Natural cash incentives, which covered the full cost of the upgrade. The new steam traps and pipe insulation are expected to save up to $4,700 a year on energy costs. “New steam traps will save you money,” he said. “If you haven’t replaced them recently, you’re probably wasting money.”
Heritage Cleaners, Vancouver
Kyu Kim, owner of Heritage Cleaners, another NW Natural customer, hadn’t realized that some of his steam traps needed attention, but he had noticed his boiler struggling to maintain a consistent temperature. After Chris Kim installed 16 new steam traps, the problem disappeared. “Everything works much better now,” said Kyu Kim. “The gas boiler doesn’t have to work as hard with the new steam traps.”
In total, Heritage Cleaners received over $6,500 in cash incentives from Energy Trust and NW Natural, covering the full cost of the project. With improved efficiency, the business will save an estimated $5,400 annually on energy costs.
Energy Trust incentives support small businesses
Managing operational costs is key to sustaining and growing a business. By identifying sources of high energy use and investing in more efficient equipment, dry cleaners can keep their energy costs in check.
Working with a contractor like HD Machinery, who knows Energy Trust’s processes, gives business owners peace of mind. “If you aren’t sure how old your steam traps are or if they’re working right, I can help,” said Chris Kim.
Upgraded steam traps start paying off immediately. Fixing steam leaks reduces both energy and water use, lowering energy costs. Replacements also minimize wear and tear on gas boilers, helping businesses save on maintenance costs. “Using less energy really helps my business save money,” said Yoo.
Improved efficiency is just a steam trap upgrade away
Gas boilers and steam perform best when steam traps operate as designed. It’s a best practice to regularly check for signs that your steam traps are working properly. If you hear or see steam leaks, or notice temperature fluctuations, it’s time to repair or replace them.
Kyu Kim is pleased with the results of his recent upgrade. “There aren’t any problems I’ve seen,” he said. “I can tell a big difference between now and before the new steam traps and insulation.”
Yoo echoes this sentiment. “The new steam traps improved the quality of the press,” he said. “I can tell because the temperature is correct now.”
Learn more about how Energy Trust helps businesses upgrade and repair steam traps more affordably.