Energy Costs When Switching a Laundromat to 24 Hours
Last reviewed 2026-09-12 by Jaken Energy editorial desk. Next review scheduled 2027-03-12.
Direct answer
Switching a laundromat to 24-hour operation increases electric load from lighting, HVAC, security, and vending overnight while gas use may rise if dryers and water heaters run more total hours. CLA member surveys report many stores already run long days—a move to 24 hours adds marginal overnight load that can still lift demand peaks if morning ramp overlaps night load.
Overnight lighting and HVAC often rise linearly with open hours.
Coin volume must justify marginal therms and kWh—not just convenience branding.
Demand may spike at shift-change hours when nights overlap mornings.
Staffing and security costs often exceed utility deltas—still model both fuels.
Notify utility if load profile changes materially for rate class review.
Compare same-month bills before and after hour changes for reality check.
Baseline: many stores already run long hours
CLA 2024 member survey data cite a mean near 16.6 operating hours daily with a meaningful share already 24-hour.
Utility impact depends on incremental hours, not the label alone.
Electric components that run overnight
Interior and exterior lighting, HVAC setbacks disabled, exhaust and makeup air, cameras and doors.
Washer use overnight adds water heating kWh or boiler therms if traffic materializes.
Gas and dual-fuel effects
Dryers follow revenue; low overnight dryer use may leave gas flat while electric baseload rises.
DOE laundry energy breakdowns remind owners water heating remains central when overnight washes occur.
Planning the switch
Pilot extended hours before full 24/7 commitment.
Review supplier contracts—indexed supply exposes you to price volatility on added kWh.
Q & A
FAQ
Will 24-hour operation double my utility bills?
Rarely doubles unless equipment runs fully loaded overnight. Expect measurable increases in electric baseload and HVAC; gas tracks dryer utilization more than door hours.
Should I upgrade LED before going 24 hours?
LED reduces kWh from lighting but may not dominate total cost. Still worthwhile for long burn hours before adding overnight operation.
Can rate class change when hours extend?
Rate class follows meter configuration and load characteristics, not hours alone—but load growth can trigger different commercial schedules on some utilities. Confirm with the utility if peak kW rises materially.
Share your utility territory and contract timing. We provide independent supply-side guidance where your market allows—not utility sales or guaranteed savings claims.
