by Kevin Marois


ing plant, it is time to start thinking about investing in more efficient equipment. In my experience, many clean- ers prefer to keep machines for as long as they can soldier on, but that geriatric is likely costing you money every day. Fortunately, there are programs offered across the country that provide rebates for new, more efficient equipment. What fol- lows is just a sample, and I urge you to research what is avail- able in your area.


BRITISH COLUMBIA Given its reputation, it’s hard to imagine that BC has issues with water, but rapid growth means that the system is under strain and many municipali- ties, including Vancouver, have had to hike rates. Despite this, there are currently no efficien- cy rebates for industrial water users. Utilities such as BC Hydro and Fortis BC do have some generous business programs covering things such as steam trap repairs, pipe insulation and upgrading water heaters and boilers.


ALBERTA


In the heart of Canada’s oil and gas industry, it is not surprising that water and energy prices have stayed comparatively low. Even so, efficiencyalberta.ca has rebates for lighting, HVAC and water heating upgrades.


ONTARIO


The website Saveonenergy. ca has a variety of programs for businesses ranging from lighting upgrades to custom equipment solutions. The Small Business Lighting Program pro- vides up to $2,000, and anyone who has experienced modern LED lighting will attest that the benefits in better lighting and reduced maintenance are at least as important as the cost savings. For more wide-ranging proj-


ects, the Retrofit Incentive pro- gram has a Prescriptive track for upgrades to specific equipment


such as compressors, and a Custom track that covers any- thing else. Rebates for custom programs are based on before- and-after measures of electric- ity use, and for non-lighting solutions are $0.10/kWh of savings over the first year. Cities such as Guelph and Toronto have sophisticat- ed programs to reduce water consumption, with everything from capacity buy-backs to grants to implement grey water solutions.


NOVA SCOTIA


Since I last wrote about this, the home of


the Bluenose


has done a major revamp of their rebate program. The site, www.efficiencyns.ca, is simple to use and has solutions that will be particularly interesting for cleaners. Not only does the province cover 60% of the cost of approved upgrades, but they also provide 24-month, interest-free financing. There are also cash rebates up to $250 for the purchase of Energy Star certified washers and dryers.


SUMMARY


The steady increase in oper- ating costs is something that all business owners are going to have to live with for the foreseeable future. Those who want to survive and thrive are going to have to adopt an atti- tude where every cost is exam- ined, and new technologies and programs evaluated. In researching this article, it was great to see how many juris- dictions have become much more sophisticated in how they encourage business owners to embrace efficiency.


So the good news is that


there is technology that can help, and programs to help you pay for it. The rest is up to you. You’re a manager, go for it! n


Martin Saxton is a qualified account- ant and co-founder of FreeLoader Products, Inc., and can be reached at 800-610-3572 or martin@ freeloaderproducts.com


18 FABRICARE CANADA March/April 2018


DRYERS Friend or Fire?


There is a dangerous fire burning in your plant right now. It could become a raging fire if you are not careful. It could also dry those clothes you need for this afternoon. Your clothes dryer is one of the most neglected and


dangerous machines in your plant. You are literally start- ing a fire in the middle of your plant – let’s hope you can control it.


HOW DOES IT WORK?


A dryer combines heat, air and mechanical action to remove the water from laundered garments. There are controls to tumble the basket, turn the heat off and on, and cool the load down when it is dry.


One of the important controls is a Sail Switch. It is a small flap that is sucked inwards when there is sufficient air flow for the fire. If the lint door is open, or the lint


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