Hand Dryers

Paper Towels or Hand Dryer - Which is Best?

This question is asked by almost everyone who must choose a hand drying apparatus for their restrooms. The answer is settled by science. Electric hand dryers are really the “clean and green” solution. The consensus of environmentalists and health care specialists is that forced air hand dryers are not only more sanitary than paper towels but hand dryers are also far less offensive to the environment, both universally and in the immediate vicinity. Environmentalist would tell you that the most environmentally friendly method of drying your hands is to use neither paper towels nor hand dryers, wiping your hands on your trousers has the least environmental impact, hand dryers are the best second choice. Hand dryers last a long time, 7-10 years, therefore the production of the materials used in hand dryers and the electrical energy to operate them has far less negative impact on our environment than the materials and energy needed to supply us with paper towels. The impact on the environment, such as green house gas emissions and acid rain generated in the production of paper towels far exceeds that of hand dryers – waste disposal requirements for paper towels is also a major environmental negative. Hand dryers create little or no waste, are much more sanitary and janitors love them. Even when you factor in the high initial cost of a quality hand dryer and add the electricity requirements, hand dryers the more cost-effective in the long run than paper towels. If cost is a factor in your decision, hand dryers are your best long term option – we recommend you purchase a hand dryer with a warranty of at least 3 years – the better quality hand dryers will last 7-10 years.

There are several quality factors you should look for in a hand dryer. Both touch button and automatic hand dryers are available – the touch-free automatic hand dryers are preferred by patrons and employees because they are somewhat more hygienic and less likely to need daily clean-up than touch button hand dryers. More importantly, select a hand dryer that is vandal proof, acid and rust resistant, has sealed bearings and has a thermal-overload switch. Also, fast drying, high fan velocity hand dryers are preferred by patrons – the average drying time around 45 seconds. Hand dryers are worth the extra initial cost if you are seeking the most sanitary and cost effective solution for your restrooms. The hand dryers we offer were selected for their high quality, long warranty and high efficiency ratings. Select a hand dryer from us with confidence that you are getting one of the best available.