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Washing machine electricity cost and power consumption

The electricity usage of a washing machine may vary considerably depending on the efficiency and age of the appliance.

Newer and more efficient models most probably are going to be more economical. 

Still, if you have a washing machine at home or are considering buying one, it is worth spending a little time finding out the electricity usage and the electricity cost.

How much power and electricity does a washing machine use

Depending on the model, a washing machine uses 400 to 2500 Watts of power per hour.

The electricity usage, or the power consumption, should be displayed or easily on the appliance itself or easily accessible online.

Electricity usage of a washing machine

Still, this is not always the case. If the electricity usage is low, the power consumption details are easy to find. 

And the opposite is the electricity usage is higher than other similar washing machines; the power consumption details may be hidden.

For example, according to the energy label of this washing machine, it is estimated that it will consume 130 Kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year. 

Because we are paying our electricity provider 0,217 euros per every kWh we consume, in our case, to use this washing machine would add around 28,2 euros per year to our electricity bill.

130 kWh x 0,217 euro per kWh = 28,21 euro per year

How to calculate power from voltage and current

If you only know the voltage and current of your washing machine, you can calculate the power consumption in Watts, using the calculator below.

 

For more information about Power, Voltage, and Current, scroll down to the ‘Electricity Measurement Units’ section.

Washing machine electricity cost calculator

We have chosen a random washing machine and searched for its ‘datasheet’. Out of the results, we have been able to find its power consumption both at Amazon and on the manufacturer’s website.

Washing Machine Datasheet

Once we know the yearly power consumption, the calculator below can be used to estimate the power and cost consumption of the washing machine.

You need to adjust the values in the PARAMETERS section to your requirements, and the calculator will automatically display the RESULTS section.

 

For example:

> If your washing machine has a power consumption of 130 kWh per year

> If you are paying 0,2 euros (or dollars or pounds) per every kWh you consume 

You will be paying around 26 euro (or dollars, pounds, or…) per year in electricity costs.

How much does electricity cost

If you don’t know how much you are paying per kWh, you should be able to find the cost per kWh on your electricity contract or in one of the electricity bills.

how much does electricity cost

Alternatively, if you don’t have access to your contract or electricity bills, this website shows the electricity cost per country.

Home appliances and devices electricity calculators

Here are a few other examples from our ‘Electricity usage and electricity cost calculators‘ page that may be of your interest:

Washing machine electricity usage monitor

Still, if you want to know the exact electricity usage of your washing machine, your best option is to use a plug-in power meter to measure the electricity consumption. 

Clicking on the image below will redirect you to the Amazon page, where you can look at the specifications of the power meter we use for our measurements.

plug in power meter

Our house appliances and devices like the washing machine, the dishwasher, the TV, or the printer are plugged into a wall socket. 

So, with a power consumption meter, we can determine how much electricity our appliances or devices are using, and, more importantly, we can measure the electricity usage over time.

Have a look at this YouTube video for more information.

Plug in power meter

How to lower the electricity bill of a washing machine

If you use your washing machine a lot, the electricity usage can be fairly high. Here there a few tips to reduce the electricity usage of a washing machine:

1.- Wash the clothes in cold water

If possible, wash the clothes in cold water as the washing machine will not use electricity to heat the water, and that will save electricity.

2.- Use the Eco mode

Most new models have an Eco mode optimized for the best result with the least electricity. The Eco mode may not be the quickest program but it will be the most economical.

3.- Run full loads

Find out how many clothes your washing machine can wash efficiently, and ensure you only run full loads.

Just note that trying to cram the washing machine with too many clothes can be as detrimental as running partial loads.

4.- Buy an efficient washing machine

If you are considering buying a new washing machine, look for an efficient model. An efficient model will save you both electricity and water. 

Washing machine electricity usage FAQ

How many watts does a washing machine use?

Depending on the model, a washing machine uses 400 to 2500 Watts per hour.

The power usage will depend on the washing setting or program being used.

For example, the ECO program will use much less power (watts) on a washing machine than the Auto program.

How many watts does a washing machine use per hour?

Same answer as above.

Depending on the model, a washing machine uses 400 to 2500 Watts per hour.

The power usage will depend on the washing setting or program being used.

For example, the ECO program will use much less power (watts) on a washing machine than the Auto program.

How much energy does a washing machine use?

Power, energy, and watts,… do not mean the same, but when it comes to appliances and devices, energy and power can be considered equal.

In response to the questions above.

Depending on the model, a washing machine uses between 400 to 2500 Watts (power, energy) per hour.

The power usage will depend on the washing setting or program being used.

For example, the ECO program will use much less power (watts) on a washing machine than the Auto program.

How much electricity does a washing machine use per hour?

It depends on the efficiency of the washing machine and the settings or program used for washing.

For example, the ECO program will use much less power (watts) on a washing machine than the Auto program.

How much electricity does a washing machine use per load?

It depends on the efficiency of the washing machine and the setting or program used for washing.

Nowadays, the washing machines manufacturer’s website provides much information about electricity usage.

If you search for a specific washing machine model on the manufacturer’s website, there is quite a chance that they will at least show the electricity usage for the most common washing programs. 

Electricity measurement units

Not everybody is familiar with terms like Watts, Kilowatts, or Kilowatt hours, so if you would learn more about them, look at this YouTube video we have prepared about this topic.

What is a Kilowatt hour (kWh)

Electricity measurement units calculators

Or you can have a look at this electricity measurement units calculators to get a better understanding of:

> What is a Watt (W), and how to transform Watts into Kilowatts

> What is a Kilowatt (kW), and how to transform Kilowatts into Kilowatts hour

> What is a Kilowatt hour (kWh), and how to transform Kilowatts hours into other units

> What are Power (P), Voltage (V), and Current (I)

Watt (W)
Watt (W) wattage calculator
Kilowatt (kW)
Kilowatt (kW) calculator
Kilowatt hour (kWh)
Kilowatt hour (kWh) calculator
Power, voltage, current
Power, voltage, current calculator

Energy conservation

Energy conservation can be defined as the decision and the act of using less energy.

Energy conservation both benefit you and the environment

The act of saving and conserving electricity does benefit you because you will be paying less for your energy bills. 

And it also benefits the environment because conserving electricity prevents unnecessary waste of natural resources.

At the individual level, it may not look worth trying to save a few watts here or there. 

Still, every little one counts, and if hundreds or thousands of us save a little every time, it will make an important contribution towards conserving our natural resources.

Energy conservation calculator

If we could reduce our washing machines’ electricity usage, even a very small amount, it would greatly impact preserving our natural resources.

 

For example, if 9000 households save as little as 10 Watts per day (0,01 kWh) on the washing machines’ electricity usage, that would add to 32850 Kilowatt hours (kWh) saved per year. 

9000 households x 0,01 kWh per day x 365 days per year 

32,850 kWh saved per year

That is a considerable amount of electricity, but let’s add additional perspectives for clarity:

> Assuming an average cost of 0,18 euros (or dollars, pounds, or any other currency) per kWh, we would collectively save nearly 6000 euros annually.

> To produce 32,850 kWh of electricity, it is necessary to use around 17 metric tons of coal or 56 barrels of residual fuel oil.

Look at this page for more information about the resources needed to produce electricity.
 

In any case, small energy savings do count when looking into the bigger picture.

Proven ways to save electricity at home

Suppose you are looking for ideas to save electricity at home; look at this YouTube video. We show some useful tips for reducing electricity usage at home and decreasing the electricity bill. 

How to save electricity at home
How to save
How to save
How to earn
How to earn

Calculators

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