Baker University is taking additional steps toward becoming more energy efficient with new front-loading washer and dryer units in Irwin and Gessner Halls.

Teresa Clounch, associate dean of students, said the university is in the process of renewing its contract with Coinmach, the appliance company that supplies the washer and dryers. The upgrade will apply to all of the residence halls except the apartments, and will be installed over holiday break.

Clounch said the top-loading machines in Irwin and Gessner use 36 gallons of water per wash. All of the units are being replaced with front-loading washers, which only use 12 gallons of water per load.

“There will be a huge difference in the amount of water we will be using,” Clounch said.

The new washers are going to be far more energy efficient because they will ring out a lot of the water after the wash cycle. Clounch said this will result in a shorter dry time. The new machines are made of stainless steel, which means they will be more durable and rust-resistant.

“I’m sure the residents will appreciate machines that are functional,” Clounch said.

Cassy Bailey, dean of students, said the improvements will also extend to the actual laundry room. Coinmach is willing to upgrade the lighting and signage to go along with the units.

Gary Walbridge, director of physical plant, said the current washer and dryer units have not been upgraded since he arrived at Baker almost seven years ago.

Walbridge said the payment proposal being suggested to the administration is a fee system. This would mean every student could do an unlimited amount of laundry each semester for a flat fee. The rate suggested is $35 to $50.

“Coinmach is willing to waive the fee for the next semester and then it will be implemented in the fall,” Walbridge said. “Everyone will get a break.”

Walbridge said Coinmach will take over the maintenance and the machines will be hooked up to a phone line. The use will be monitored and if any problems are detected, Coinmach will send out a technician.

“In the last two to three years, Coinmach has overhauled their company,” Walbridge said. “They have been great.”

Freshman Heather Gruber said she tries to do laundry at Irwin about every 10 days.

Gruber hopes the new machines will make it easier and cheaper to clean her clothes.

"(The machines) are too expensive and the dryer takes forever," Gruber said. "Sometimes your clothes aren't even dry after an hour."<br/>