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How much does a washing machine cost in electricity and water consumption, and how can you save by choosing an energy-efficient washing machine? In this article, we will be answering these questions.
The data used for the calculations in this article are based on the front-loading washing machines represented in our washing machine comparison.
The following table provides an overview of the operating costs for an average washing machine. Further down in the article, we will delve deeper into the costs.
| Cost | Per cycle | 100 cycles |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity costs | £0.2 | £16 |
| Water costs | £0.1 | £15 |
The calculation is based on an electricity price of £0.3 per kWh and a water price of £3.0 per m³.
The electricity consumption of washing machines varies from model to model and depends on several factors, including capacity, motor type, etc.
The energy consumption across the washing machines varies from 42 – 73 kWh for 100 cycles.
Based on a washing machine with an energy consumption of 42 kWh for 100 cycles and an electricity price of £0.3 per kWh, the electricity costs would be £16 for 100 cycles. This corresponds to £0.2 per cycle.
Below, you can get an insight into the electricity costs associated with three types of washing machines: The washing machine with the lowest energy consumption, the one with the highest energy consumption, and the average among the washing machines.
| Washing machine | Electricity cost (per cycle) | Electricity cost (per 100 cycles) |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine with the lowest energy consumption (42 kWh) | £0.1 | £13 |
| Washing machine with the highest energy consumption (73 kWh) | £0.2 | £22 |
| Average washing machine (54 kWh) | £0.2 | £16 |
The actual electricity costs associated with a washing machine depend on several factors, including how it is used (which programs are used, how much is loaded, etc.) and your local electricity price.
Washing machines use significantly more water than dishwashers. The water consumption per cycle in washing machines is 42 – 57 litres, thus being a significant part of the operating costs associated with a wash.
Based on a water price of £3.0 per m³, a washing machine with a water consumption of 42 litres per cycle would use £0.13 per cycle.
In the following table, you can get an insight into how much the water costs are for the washing machine with the highest water consumption, the one with the lowest water consumption, and the average washing machine.
| Washing machine | Water cost (per cycle) | Water cost (per 100 cycles) |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine with the lowest water consumption (42 L) | £0.1 | £13 |
| Washing machine with the highest water consumption (57 L) | £0.2 | £17 |
| Average washing machine (49 L) | £0.1 | £15 |
All washing machines have an energy label where you can see the respective washing machine’s energy consumption. You can also see the machine’s energy class, which ranges from A – to G, where A is the best.
You can find the most energy-efficient washing machines here.
In the following graph, you can see how the energy consumption is distributed among the washing machines:
On the washing machine’s energy label, its water consumption per cycle is indicated.
In the following graph, you can see how the water consumption is distributed among the washing machines:
