Do you know how much of power does a washing machine use every time?
The answer to this question depends on the washing machine type and its usage, the energy consumption may vary for every device.
In this article, we shall discuss how to calculate the monthly power consumption of a washing machine.
We will also learn how much it costs on your electricity bills and what to do to minimize the energy consumption.
Calculating the Power Consumption of Washing Machines
If you want to calculate the energy consumed by an electrical appliance, the no. of watts used by it is the only determining factor. If you can find out how many watts the washer uses, you can have an accurate estimate of the energy consumed by it.
How many watts does the washing machine use? How do you find this out? Well, you can either refer to its instruction manual or even check for the label (usually a sticker or a metal plate) on the device that shows how many watts the washer uses. For new models that are available today, you do not have to struggle so much. You can simply search for all the information online, and it will right there.
For an approximate estimation of costs incurred for operating the machine for one hour, you can convert the wattage into kilowatts. This way, you can calculate the electricity bills, which are often measured by kilowatt-hours (kWh), i.e., the number of kilowatts used per hour.
Here is an example for a better understanding, and we will learn using this. Let us say you have a new washing machine at home whose power consumption is around 400W. Assume that you run the device for one hour every day.
Let us try to convert the wattage into kilowatts. Below are the calculations:
400W for 1 hour.
For 30 days?
400W × 1 hour × 30 days = 12,000 watts.
Your washing machine consumes 12,000W electricity every month.
1 electricity unit = 1 kilowatt of electricity used per hour.
To calculate the kilowatts, divide the total amount of watts by 1000.
12000 W / 1000 = 12 Kwh.
Your washing machine consumes 12Kwh units every month.
To calculate the costs incurred, multiply the total electricity units by the electricity rate in your city. Let us say the electricity rate is Rs. 8 per kilowatt-hour. This is how it goes:
12*8= 96 rupees
The monthly cost of your washing machine electricity bills is around Rs. 12.
Relation between Water and Washing Machine Efficiency
Did you know that when you use cold water for running your washer, it encourages the motor to demand more electricity? Yes, you heard it right. While the other parts of the appliance, like the pumps, use only a little amount of electricity, the motor consumes more.
Try using hot water instead of cold water. The energy consumption of the appliance surges when you do it. This is because a water heater can take up to 90% of the total energy the washer uses. Hence, a wash cycle using hot water can cost you more than a cold one.
However, you can still use hot water for your washing machine by following these two methods.
Method 1: You can connect the hose to hot water hook up. This pumps hot water to the washer directly and facilitates a reduction in energy consumption. This is because the energy consumption of the wash load is directly proportionate to the water heater’s energy efficiency.
Method 2: Use those washing machines that come with internal heaters. If there is a cold water supply, using this feature can be of great help. However, how old the washing machine is and its efficiency can have a significant impact on the operating costs.
If you want to save both energy and money, prefer a cold water wash cycle in your appliance. If you still insist on using hot water, we suggest you go for a high efficiency washing machine. If you do not want to upgrade your machine, you can even use a hot water hook-up.
Nevertheless, you have to ensure proper maintenance of the device. Additionally, you should also have an energy-efficient heater appliance for the same.
How to Use a Washing Machine Efficiently to Save Electricity?
A washing machine consumes a large amount of power for each laundry load. Moreover, inefficient use may multiply the electricity bills. If you want to save the electricity bills on your appliance, you should use the machine correctly. You may say you have a high-energy star rating device. Despite this, you need to know how to use it the right way. Below are some tips that will help you use your washing machine efficiently while cutting down on the electricity costs:
Tip 1: Buy a Washing Machine of the Right Size
Always purchase a washing machine of the right size based on your requirement. Never buy a larger or smaller capacity device, but only the right one as per your daily laundry load. If yours is a small family and you bought an oversized washer, it may consume more electricity than it should during operation. Hence, it is not a smart choice.
Let us say you have a large family but purchased an undersized washing machine. The capacity will not suffice, and you may have to repeat the laundry loads to wash all the clothes. Again, this is going to consume electricity for more washes.
Considering these points, it is always advisable to choose a washing machine of the right size based on your family size and requirement.
Tip 2: Choose The Right Model Washing Machine
As discussed earlier, the power consumption of your washing machine is dependent on the type of appliance, i.e., front load or top load. We all know that front-loaders are very water efficient. Although they use less water, you can expect longer cycle times. Top loaders are contrary to their counterparts, i.e., they use more water with shorter cycle times.
Let us assume you have a top loader at home and using hot water for it. Then, the washer will consume more electricity because it includes heating the water, as well. Using cold water for the same would be a suitable option.
If you are using cold water for a front loader, even then, there will be more power consumption. This is because these models have a longer wash cycle and hence use more electricity.
Hence, be wise when choosing the right model and how you use it.
Tip 3: Fully Load the Washing Machine
I hope you are all aware that your washing machine consumes the same amount of electricity even if you are underloading it. So, try to add a full laundry load to every wash cycle to save on your power utility bills. You can be smart by choosing a washer with a load sensor program.
This feature will help you with using the optimal load in the appliance.
Tip 4: Use the Right Type of Detergent in the Right Quantity
The most important thing to keep in mind when using a washing machine is using the right type of detergent. Not only that, but you should also use it in an adequate amount. Depending on the front or top load machines, the type of detergent also varies. You should use the right product to the right model. The wrong detergent for the right machine may result in multiple wash loads for washing clothes properly. This eventually leads to consuming more water and also more electricity, becoming heavy on your wallet.
Hence, it is always advisable to use a detergent, as recommended by the appliance manufacturer for washing the clothes.
Tip 5: Hot Wash is not Always Needed
While most of us tend to use hot water wash cycle every time, it is not recommended. As mentioned in the article, a hot wash requires more power than a cold wash. With this in mind, do not go for a hot wash unless needed. Moreover, regular hot wash can cause damage to the fabrics.
Hence, try using only cold water for washing your clothes to reduce electricity consumption.
Tip 6: Use Faster Spin Speeds in the Washer for Drying
Many of us have thermal dryers at home and use them for drying clothes. These appliances use heat to dry the clothes. Instead of this, try using faster spin speeds in the washer to cut down the electricity. In addition to that, washing machine drying is very efficient than drying clothes in a thermal dryer. Since front loader washers spin faster and have top speed, this will be of great advantage to you. A more natural and efficient way of doing it is drying your clothes under the sun. This way, you can save more on your electricity.
Tip 7: “Stand by” Mode for a Washing Machine is a Strict No-No
Never ever use a standby mode for your washing machines. Because they consume more power in this mode. So, refrain from leaving your appliance in a standby mode.
Conclusion
To sum up, you have to use your washing machine in the right way to save on your electricity bills. I hope this article gave you a better understanding of the power consumption of a washing machine and how to use the device efficiently.
With this information, you should now be proficient at choosing the right washing machine and also using it the right way. Now that you know what and how to do, start implementing them from today.
Write to us in the comments section below if you find this article helpful. Also, post your questions or inputs in the same. Do not hesitate to let us know if you need more information on this topic or washing machines.
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