Can You Install a Commercial Hand Dryer in Your Home?
Posted by Handy Washroom on May 13th 2025
Of course you can, and installing high-powered commercial hand dryers in a home is actually more common than you think! It could be because of convenience, hygiene, or sheer novelty, but whatever the reason, more homeowners - especially those with large families or modern design sensibilities - are ditching paper towels and adopting the powerful drying technology you'd normally find in an airport or restaurant.
And why not? Today's commercial hand dryers are sleek, good looking, energy efficient, surprisingly affordable and are the most effective way to dry one's hands. They blend form and function, reduce waste, and give your home a tech-savvy edge that guests won’t forget.
So Why Are Homeowners Making the Switch?
There are plenty of reasons why installing a commercial hand dryer at home makes good sense, and it’s not just about the “cool factor.” Here are a few of the most common:
Eliminates paper waste
No more cluttered countertops or overflowing garbage bins full of used paper towels.
Saves money over time
One-time installation means you’re done buying and restocking paper towels indefinitely.
Cleaner bathrooms
Guests and kids alike can dry their hands without dripping across the floor or leaving towels crumpled in a pile.
Eco-conscious living
Going paperless supports your sustainability goals and reduces your household's environmental impact.
Perfect for families
In busy homes with frequent handwashing, especially with small kids, a hand dryer keeps the mess under control.
What About Noise?
A common concern with commercial hand dryers in the home, is the noise, but massive advancements in motor technology have changed that. Most models operate at reduced decibel levels without sacrificing power. Some units even come with adjustable settings so you can control airflow speed and volume which makes them perfect for home use - even in bathrooms near bedrooms or nurseries.
Is It Safe to Install a Commercial Unit at Home?
Absolutely. Commercial hand dryers typically require a standard 110V or 220V electrical connection, depending on the model. In most cases, installation is no more complicated than setting up a new light fixture or wall-mounted appliance, and if you're not too savvy, an electrician can easily install it.
With that said, it is always best to consult a licensed electrician if you’re unsure about electrical load or panel capacity.
Mounting is simple too. Most hand dryers come with a template and secure wall bracket. If you can mount a TV, you can mount a hand dryer.
What Are the Best Spots for a Hand Dryer at Home?
While bathrooms are the obvious first choice, many homeowners get creative:
- Mudrooms: Great for washing up after gardening or yard work.
- Kitchens: Ideal for quick hand drying between food prep tasks.
- Laundry rooms: An easy way to dry hands after handling wet clothes or detergents.
- Garage entrances: Keeps messes out of the house after projects or oil changes.
Power Consumption
You might expect a commercial hand dryer to be a power hog, but most energy-efficient models use much less electricity than you’d expect and they don't really increase a home's operating costs.
Some hand dryer models even come with built-in energy-saving features like auto shut-off, motion detection, and eco-modes that reduce power draw when not in use.
Hygiene For Another Win
In a time when cleanliness and sanitation are top of mind, home hand dryers deliver an added layer of safety. Touchless operation means fewer contact points, and many models include HEPA filters or antimicrobial coatings to minimize the spread of germs.
A growing number of homeowners are reading studies that challenge the hygiene assumptions of using paper towels to dry. In fact, as discussed in Stop Providing Paper Towels To Your Customers, research has shown that even unused paper towels may contain bacteria and contribute to hand contamination. That alone has sparked interest in safer, cleaner alternatives, especially in homes with elderly residents or children.
A pilot study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that paper towels can harbour high levels of bacteria, including potential toxins. These microbes were shown to transfer to hands during the drying process. The research highlighted that even new paper towels can be a hidden source of bacterial contamination, making touchless drying alternatives like commercial hand dryers a cleaner, safer option for both public and residential use.
Style and Design Options
Gone are the days when all hand dryers looked like stainless steel or white rectangular boxes. Today’s models come in a variety of finishes, shapes, and profiles—from ultra-modern to minimalist, so they blend seamlessly with residential interiors. Wall-mount options can sit at any height, making them ADA-friendly and easy for kids to use.
You can even go all-in with a hidden recessed unit that will keep your space clean and clutter-free.
Think Ahead and Set the Trend
Adding a commercial hand dryer to your home is doable and a smart, forward-thinking upgrade that pays off in cleanliness, convenience, and long-term savings. It’s also lifestyle choice that reflects modern priorities including sustainability, hygiene, and performance.
If you're a large household tired of the paper towel messes or a design lover that wants that sleek, smart-home finish, installing a commercial hand dryer could be your next best move.