Few appliances are as essential to everyday comfort as a washing machine and clothes dryer. But with energy prices rising across the United States, homeowners are paying closer attention to energy consumption, especially when it comes to everyday tasks, such as laundry. Understanding how much electricity a washer and dryer uses helps you conserve power. In this blog, we’ll break down the factors affecting energy efficiency, examine electricity costs, and share energy saving tips to help lower electric bills while keeping your clothes clean and fresh.

How Much Electricity Does a Washing Machine Use?

Washing machines do not consume the same amount of power every time you run them. There are several factors that influence their operation, such as:

  • Cycle Length. Long, heavy-duty cycles use more electricity than short, light ones.
  • Machine Type. Front load washers typically use less water than ones loaded from the top.
  • Age. Like other household appliances, as washing machines wear down over time, their electricity usage goes up.
  • Water Temperature. Most of the energy consumed by your washing machine is spent heating water. Washing your clothes in cold water significantly reduces power consumption.
  • Energy Rating. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy evaluate every appliance on the market. Ones offering high savings are awarded the ENERGY STAR certification, to help consumers select the most efficient models for their homes.

The average washing machine uses 400-1,400 watts (W) per hour, while the average wash cycle lasts 30-45 minutes. To work out the cost, you’ll need to convert watts into kilowatts-hours (kWh), the standard billing unit for electric utilities. Once you know your unit’s wattage, divide by 1,000 and multiply by the local electricity rate. For instance, here is how to calculate the cost for a New Yorker with a 1,400 watt washing machine, who pays 24.69 cents per kWh and runs their washing machine 45 minutes per load.

1,400 W x 0.75 = 1,050 W

1,050 W/1,000 = 1.05 kWh

1.05 x $0.2469 = $0.26

While on the surface this seems easily affordable, costs can add up quickly. New York households run 5-7 loads a week, which works out to around $95 a year; a large family might run as many as eight loads, which works out to approximately $108.16.

How much Electricity Does a Dryer Use?

It takes more energy to dry clothes than to wash them. Nonetheless, homeowners can minimize electricity usage by considering these factors.

  • Fuel Type. Gas units use considerably less energy than electric ones.
  • Age. Old dryers with worn parts generally consume more electricity than new models.
  • Design. Ventless dryers recycle hot air instead of releasing it, leading to lower energy costs.
  • Cycle Settings. Drying clothes on high heat costs more than drying them on low heat or tumble.
  • Environment. Hot, humid spaces increase cycle times. Cool, well-ventilated rooms help clothes dry faster.
  • Moisture Content. A washer with a fast spin cycle reduces drying times, lowering overall power consumption.

Most dryers consume 1,800 – 5,000 watts of electricity, with the average consuming around 3,000. The average dry cycle is 45-60 minutes, though heavy loads might require as much as 90 minutes. By most estimates, the average dryer uses 2,450 – 3,000 watts per cycle, but large households might use as many as 4,500. How much does that cost? Using the formula above, it’s estimated that a New York family spends more than fifty cents every time they dry their clothes.

2,450 W x 1 Hr. = 2,450 W

2,450 W/1,000 = 2.45 kWh

2.45 kWh x $0.2469 = $0.60

Once again, costs are low, but they add up. An ordinary New Yorker who runs 5-7 loads a week spends around $218.40 a year drying their clothes.

How to Save Money Washing Clothes

A few small changes can have a big impact on long-term energy use. Homeowners conscious of electricity costs should pay attention to how they wash their clothes. For instance, they can:

  • Use Cold Water. Most of the electricity used for laundry isn’t consumed by the washer, but the water heater. Cold water eliminates stains and dirt just as well as hot water, but at a fraction of the cost.
  • Run Full Loads. Washers and dryers use the same amount of electricity whether they’re empty or full. so try not to do laundry unless you can fill the entire drum.
  • Clean The Lint Trap. Dirty lint traps block air flow. The harder dryer fans work to circulate air, the more electricity they consume, so always clear your lint trap before starting a new load.
  • Dry Clothes in the Sun. Stringing your clothes up on a clothesline or drying rack is an easy way to save money, especially during summer, when electricity prices are near their peak.

Washers and dryers generally last 10-13 years. Before replacing your current unit, consider long-term costs. Many low-priced units often consume a lot of electricity. Efficient models, including ENERGY STAR appliances, normally require you to pay more upfront, but less over the course of their lifespan.

Save on Home Repairs with Agway

Household appliances can’t function without strong internal wiring connecting them to the local power grid. Unfortunately, heat, moisture, and electrical stress gradually wear down essential components, increasing the likelihood of failure. Home insurance doesn’t cover this type of damage, but we do. Agway’s EnergyGuard™ Repair Program protects your heating, cooling, and electrical systems from wear and tear -for both financial relief and peace of mind.

When the need for repair occurs, our customers don’t waste time searching for a qualified technician. They contact us instead. We maintain a network of qualified electricians and send the first available one straight to your door. There are no service fees or deductibles either. We pay for the visit and all covered parts. Don’t let a sudden breakdown upset your budget. Sign up and start enjoying the benefits of EnergyGuard™ today!