What are the Different Types of Hand Dryers?

Commercial hand dryers are used in many places of business, due to their cost effective and energy efficient operation. Other than the initial installation, the hand dryer is also less expensive to use than paper towels, saving between 80 to 95 percent on supply costs. There are several varieties of hand dryers available, including the push button, automatic and quick-drying versions.

The push button hand dryer is the least expensive version, while still being efficient. This style hand dryer uses between 110 to 120 volts of electricity, meaning it can cut costs up to 85 percent. Push button hand dryers take approximately 45 seconds to dry your hands thoroughly. Most versions of this style hand dryer shut off automatically after 80 seconds, but there are versions available that will do so sooner. Available options include a rotating nozzle for drying the hair and face, and recessed models, for saving space.

Automatic hand dryers are becoming more popular because they only stay on when in use. This style hand dryer uses an infrared sensor to detect when a person's hands are under the dryer. As soon as it detects that the hands have been removed, it turns off. Like the previous version, this dryer uses 110 to 120 volts of electricity. Combined with the automatic feature, it can cut costs up to 90 percent.

The biggest complaint people have when it comes to using hand dryers is that they take too long to dry their hands. This prompted the invention of the quick dry version. This hand dryer uses 80 percent less energy than the push-button and automatic hand dryers because it dries the hands completely in 10 to 15 seconds. It saves 95 percent in costs, compared to using paper towels. They use 208 to 240 volts of electricity, but dry your hands in a third of the time.

All models of the hand dryer come in either chrome, stainless steel or white epoxy finishes, allowing them to match the decor in most bathrooms. The hand dryer is also available in quiet models,for those who are sensitive to the loud noise of the classic model. Despite whether the model is full-sized or recessed, it must meet the height requirements for males, females, children and handicapped people when installed.