Paper Towels vs Hand Dryers: The Real Cost of Hand Dryers

Hand dryers may seem like a cost-effective solution at first glance, but when you consider installation, electricity, maintenance, hygiene risks, and servicing, the story changes. Here's an honest look at the true costs, and how Autotowel compares.

1. Upfront & Installation Costs

• Hand Dryers: Most models cost between NZD 600–2,000 plus installation, which typically requires an electrician. This upfront capital expense can be significant for businesses.
• Autotowel: Provided on a simple monthly service fee, with no upfront cost and no installation charges.

1. Running Costs: Electricity vs Paper

• Hand Dryers: Run on mains electricity, consuming power with every use. In high-use environments, this adds up to hundreds of dollars per year.
• Autotowel: Uses a low-power-consumption, battery-powered internal mechanism, consuming minimal energy for motion-activated dispensing.

Paper towel systems (including Autotowel) require regular towel replenishment, but in most cases, the customer manages this themselves, giving full control over supply and cost.

1. Servicing & Maintenance: Hidden Costs of Hand Dryers

• Hand Dryers: Require ongoing servicing to function correctly and hygienically. Many hand dryers draw in moist, dirty air, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria inside vents, filters, and heating elements and filters (where fitted) need replacing. These areas are often overlooked in routine cleaning, leaving hidden grime and odour to build up.
• Servicing hand dryers often involves specialist knowledge or costly technician callouts, which are frequently overlooked until something fails or smells.
• Autotowel: Features a sealed internal mechanism with no grime traps and no specialist maintenance required. Basic cleaning and towel refills are all that’s needed, and with the sealed internal mechanism, it runs reliably - no technical callouts or costly repairs.

1. Hygiene & Safety Impacts

• Bacteria spread: Research shows air dryers increase bacteria on hands and in the air, and can even spread particles from toilet plumes over several metres.
• Wet floors: Users often leave with damp hands, contributing to water pooling—a potential slip hazard.

Paper Towels (Autotowel):

• Physically removes bacteria through absorption, not air movement.
• Encourages thorough drying, reducing moisture transfer to floors and door handles.
• Supports a cleaner, safer environment for all washroom users.

1. Cost Comparison Over Time: The Bigger Picture

At first glance, hand dryers may appear to offer long-term savings, but when you take a closer look at the full picture over several years, their costs quickly add up.

Hand dryers involve a significant upfront investment, often running into the thousands once you include the unit cost and electrical installation. On top of that, there are ongoing electricity costs, with every use adding to your power bill. Servicing and maintenance can also become expensive, particularly if filters need replacing or internal parts fail. What’s more, many hand dryers don’t receive the regular cleaning or servicing they require, which can lead to hygiene issues, foul odours, and costly callouts when things go wrong.

In contrast, Autotowel operates on a low, predictable monthly service fee with no installation costs. Its low-power battery operation means no impact on your electricity bill, and because there’s no complex machinery to service, ongoing maintenance is minimal. While the customer is responsible for replenishing paper towels, this offers full control over costs and supply levels without any hidden surprises.

When you weigh it all up, the upfront costs, power consumption, servicing, and hygiene risks, Autotowel offers a clearer, more manageable long-term solution for keeping washrooms clean, dry, and welcoming.

✅ Why Choose Autotowel?

• No upfront investment or installation hassle
• Low power use with no reliance on mains electricity
• Hygienic, sealed design that’s easy to clean
• Controlled paper use for reduced waste
• Simple monthly fee and customer-managed supply

When you factor in both financial and hygiene costs, Autotowel offers a smarter, safer solution for busy workplaces, schools, healthcare, and hospitality.

👉 Learn more about Autotowel