Power consumption of the washing machine

One crucial aspect that is frequently disregarded when selecting a washing machine is power consumption. While load capacity and washing modes are features that many people pay attention to, knowing how much energy a washing machine uses can have a significant long-term impact on your electricity bills.

Energy efficiency can differ dramatically between models. While some may use more power than you realize, others are made to conserve electricity. Understanding how power consumption functions will help you make more economical and wise decisions for your laundry needs.

This post will explain everything that influences a washing machine’s power consumption, from energy ratings to particular settings that may have an impact. Whether you’re trying to save money on energy bills at home or are shopping for a new machine, this guide will help you better understand what to look for.

Which elements of the machine consume electricity

The parts of the device that "eat" the most electricity must be identified before you can calculate the unit’s power. Among them are:

  1. Electric heater (TEN) designed to heat the water in the tank. The intensity of its operation depends on the selected program and stage of washing. If the TEN works at full power for the boiling mode, then when washing in cold water it may not turn on at all during the entire process. Any heater built into the machine has its own power rating, which varies between 1.7-2.9 kW. The higher the specified number, the faster the water heats up and more energy is consumed during operation.
  2. Engine is the main element of the machine, ensuring the rotation of the drum. Modern models are equipped with different types of motors – asynchronous, inverter or collector. The power of a washing machine motor depends on its type. On average, the indicator varies from 0.4 to 0.8 kW (400-800 watts). Most energy is consumed at the spin stage.
  3. Control unit – a system of parts that allows you to control the processes of the unit. These include an electronic board, sensors, a programmer, light bulbs, starting capacitors and other elements associated with control. The entire system consumes about 5-10 watts.
  4. Pump is used at different stages of the machine"s operation, when it is necessary to pump out used water from the tank. To perform its function, the part consumes a little electricity – from 25 to 45 watts.

The unit’s power consumption is primarily determined by the energy consumption of the electric heater and motor.

The washing program that is chosen will dictate how much electricity is used. Every mode is tailored to a specific water heating temperature, cycle length and intensity, and the number of drum rotations during regular washing and the spinning stage. The weight of the loaded clothing, the type of fabric, and the extra functions that are chosen—rinsing, drying, simple ironing, etc.—all have an impact on the energy consumption.

The duration and choice of program also affect how much electricity is used.

An essential component is the device’s service life. Salt deposits build up on the heating element over time, obstructing the transfer of heat. The heater must "work" harder and use more electricity in order to heat the water to the appropriate temperature.

Comprehending the power usage of your washing machine is essential for controlling energy expenses and selecting environmentally sustainable options. A washing machine’s energy rating, load size, and water temperature are some of the variables that affect its energy efficiency. You can help the environment and your pocketbook by using energy-saving models and proper setting selections to cut down on electricity usage without compromising cleaning performance.

How to determine the power

Power consumption is actually measured in a dedicated lab. The consumption rate in kWh for one kilogram of loaded laundry is determined by experts. Every model is subjected to the same testing conditions, which include starting a full washing cycle at +60 °C with the maximum load that can be placed in a drum (for instance, 6 kg). Items made of cotton are laundered. The machine is assigned the proper energy consumption class upon receipt of the results.

Reading the technical specifications is the simplest way for the user to find out how powerful the device is. They are listed on the information sticker located on the machine body or in the device passport. There are various categories for energy use. Letter codes ranging from A to G are used to identify the general energy efficiency scale. Energy conservation is highest in classes A and B, average in classes C, D, and E, and lowest in classes F and G.

This is the appearance of the power designation sticker on the unit’s front panel.

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An additional illustration of the power designation found on a washing machine’s body

The most common energy efficiency classes for modern units are A, B, or C.

The most affordable washer models available today are denoted by the letters A+, A++, or A+++. These are advanced energy-saving classes that offer the highest possible energy savings without sacrificing the quality of the wash. The relationship between energy consumption and energy efficiency class is shown in the table below.

Index of efficiency (kW/h for every kg of laundry)

The index displays the number of kilowatts used by the washing machine to wash one kilogram of laundry in an hour. You can determine your device’s approximate power consumption with this data.

Don’t overlook the specific parameters of each washing cycle when doing your calculations; they have the potential to reduce energy consumption as well as increase it.

When selecting a home assistant, keep in mind that washing machines with drying functions have their own energy consumption indicators. The calculation is performed using the same starting data as with traditional machines. The relationship between the index and efficiency class in washing machines with a drying function is displayed in the table below.

(kW/h for every kg of washing)

As you can see, using the drying function results in an increase in electricity consumption, which is something to consider before selecting this option.

Saving electricity: what you need to know?

It is important to keep in mind the following basic energy-saving guidelines so that any model of machine—Bosch, LG, or Indesit, for example—can operate in compliance with the designated energy efficiency class and not use more electricity than it requires:

  • don"t forget to unplug the machine after each wash cycle. Even in standby mode, the device can consume extra kilowatts;
  • load the drum to the maximum value specified by the manufacturer. It is better to do one full wash with a load of 5 kg of dry laundry than two cycles of 3 kg. This way you will save 10-15% of energy;
  • select a washing mode that matches the type and amount of clothes. To refresh the laundry, a quick program will be enough instead of a full hour cycle;
  • use the drying function only when necessary. In warm and windy weather, you can quickly and efficiently dry your clothes in the fresh air;
  • regularly clean the heating element from scale, otherwise the energy consumption for heating water will increase over time.

Making the right energy efficiency class selection and following our advice will enable you to operate the washing machine sensibly and determine its power requirements on your own under particular usage scenarios.

Washing Machine Mode Power Consumption (kWh)
Eco Mode 0.5 – 1.0 kWh
Standard Mode 1.0 – 1.5 kWh
Intensive Wash 1.5 – 2.5 kWh
Quick Wash 0.3 – 0.7 kWh
Delicate Wash 0.5 – 1.2 kWh

You can save money and energy by making better decisions if you are aware of your washing machine’s power consumption. Over time, you can reduce your electricity bills by choosing models with a high efficiency rating and paying attention to the energy label.

Making small adjustments to your washing machine’s operation, such as running full loads and setting the temperature lower, can significantly reduce the amount of energy it uses. Over time, these little routines can result in large savings.

In the end, selecting the appropriate washing machine and operating it effectively are better for the environment and your pocketbook. Anyone can have a positive influence without compromising ease of use or performance with a little awareness.

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Dmitry Kuznetsov

Technical consultant and blogger. I have always been passionate about technology and enjoy learning how various equipment works. On this site I share my knowledge about washing machines, offer advice on caring for them and talk about new products on the market.

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