A Guide To Hand Dryers
Energy-conscious business owners are frequently implementing hand dryers as a solution to the unnecessary waste and expense of using paper towels in the washroom. KaTom offers a variety of hand dryers for every type of establishment, including a range of energy-efficient hand dryers that appeal to earth-friendly customers, help operators save on utilities, and reduce a business's carbon footprint. This hand dryer guide will help you sort through the various options and select the best hand dryer for your individual establishment's needs.
Push Button or Automatic?
Almost all new hand dryers come with automatic activation, in which the dryer activates whenever a guest places their hands beneath the machine and trips a sensor. Automatic activation removes a point of contact where clean hands would need to touch a potentially contaminated surface, such as the push button, leaving hands cleaner overall. As with other types of equipment, replacement parts are available for push button models, so if you have a machine you're happy with, you can keep it running.
Styles
Hand dryers come in many shapes and profiles that are primarily differentiated by their aesthetics, including materials and colors. All hand dryers use a flow of air to dry hands, but some take up less space than others. Consider the space you have available in your washroom before choosing a hand dryer.
Standard
The most common hand dryers have a rectangular shape and are attached to the wall, jutting out into the washroom. This design is the easiest to install and requires the least amount of modification to your walls. On the other hand, the standard form also takes up walking space, but if your bathroom is spacious, this style may be the way to go.
Recessed & Low-profile
If space is limited in your restroom, a recessed or low-profile option can free up some room and make the area feel open. Some manufacturers also sell recess kits separately, enabling operators to choose their favorite standard hand dryer and install it into the wall. This design creates a professional atmosphere and maximizes the space. Low-profile units perform the same function to a lesser degree, as they are not mounted inside the wall, but still take up less space than a standard hand dryer.
Energy-savers
Eco-friendly products have taken off over the last decade, as customers and operators alike have come to realize the importance of commonplace energy usage. In addition to lowering your establishment's carbon footprint, energy-efficient models save money on utility bills, which can add up to significant figures over time. Most hand dryer models are designed with basic energy-saving features, but some are rated specifically by their efficiency.
Automatic Cut-off
Hand dryers come standard with an automatic cut-off feature, preventing machines from running indefinitely and inflating your utility bills. The machines differ, however, in exactly how long the cut-off time is, ranging from 10 to 80 seconds. For some, the operator can adjust the run time to meet personal preference – short run times will use less energy and save money while longer run times are more likely to leave your guests' hands completely dry.
Cleans Air
Some brands offer hand dryers with ionized air-cleaning features. You can easily identify these units on our website by the "Cleans Air" icon over the product picture. To sanitize and kill airborne germs, these machines ionize the air with cold plasma cleaning technology instead of using chemicals and expensive filters. This feature provides confidence that clean hands are not immediately recontaminated with harmful bacteria from the hand dryer. There are other options that bring similar results by having their inner workings made of antimicrobial materials, preventing the growth of mold and bacteria on the inside of the machine.
Eco-friendly
Products on our website with an "Eco" label are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. This is not a federally recognized designation and is just an assertion by the manufacturer rather than a rating by a particular agency. Consult individual product specifications to determine which is the best hand dryer for your purposes.
Other Features to Consider
- Voltage: Ensure that your electrical system will be able to handle the machine you purchase.
- Noise: Quieter machines are desirable for quiet locations, such as libraries. Look for models that are listed as quiet or adjustable.
- Security: Most models come with tamper-resistant openings but consider the likelihood of tampering or vandalism in your location and ensure your hand dryer is built to match.
- Filters: Some hand dryers require filters to keep the air sanitary. Calculate the cost of replacement filters over time when contemplating which hand dryer to purchase.
