Washing Machine Running Cost Calculator
Enter the electricity used by the selected wash program and how often you run it. The result covers washer electricity only, not water, detergent, separate water-heating fuel or tumble drying.
Quick answerAt 1.0 kWh per load, five loads per week and $0.17/kWh, washer electricity costs $0.17 per load, $3.68 per month and $44.20 per year, using 260 kWh annually.
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How it works
Electricity per year = kWh per load × loads per week × 52. Cost per load = kWh per load × rate. Yearly cost = annual kWh × rate and monthly cost = yearly cost ÷ 12. Compare programs using model-specific kWh rather than temperature alone.
Washing-machine electricity-cost examples
Every example uses $0.17/kWh. The kWh values are editable scenarios, not claims for a particular machine, temperature or program.
| Electricity per load | Loads per week | Annual electricity | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 kWh | 3 | 46.8 kWh | $7.96 |
| 0.5 kWh | 5 | 130.0 kWh | $22.10 |
| 1.0 kWh | 5 | 260.0 kWh | $44.20 |
| 1.5 kWh | 5 | 390.0 kWh | $66.30 |
| 1.0 kWh | 7 | 364.0 kWh | $61.88 |
| 2.0 kWh | 7 | 728.0 kWh | $123.76 |
The result excludes water, detergent, separate water-heating fuel and dryer energy. Energy-label figures use standardized test assumptions that may differ from household use.
Worked example: five loads per week
One kWh per load × five loads per week × 52 weeks = 260 kWh/year. At $0.17/kWh, washer electricity costs $44.20/year or $3.68/month. Each modeled load costs $0.17.
This electricity-only result does not include metered water, detergent, gas or other fuel used for water heating, or the dryer energy needed after the wash.
Use program-specific energy when possible
Cycle temperature, load, soil level, machine design and program length can all change energy. Use the exact model’s program data or measure representative loads with equipment suitable for the appliance.
When a label reports kWh per 100 cycles, divide by 100. A U.S. EnergyGuide annual figure is designed for standardized model comparison; dividing it by your own load count is only an approximation because the test calculation uses prescribed assumptions and can include low-power modes.
Full loads reduce energy per item
ENERGY STAR says clothes washers use about the same amount of energy regardless of load size, so appropriately full loads generally reduce energy and water per item. Follow the machine’s loading instructions: overfilling can reduce cleaning and rinsing performance.
If smaller loads are unavoidable, use an automatic load-sensing or appropriate small-load program when the manufacturer provides one.
Cold-water washing and dryer effects
ENERGY STAR recommends washing in cold water where fabric, soil and detergent instructions permit. The saving for a specific cycle depends on whether the washer or household water heater supplies the heat and on the machine’s tested program.
Spin performance can affect energy used later by a tumble dryer, but this calculator does not estimate dryer savings. Compare the combined wash-and-dry process separately when drying is the larger load.
Sources used for assumptions: ENERGY STAR — clothes-washer full-load and cold-water guidance; ENERGY STAR — current clothes-washer efficiency metrics and EnergyGuide explanation; U.S. Federal Trade Commission — EnergyGuide labeling rule and annual energy disclosures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does one washing-machine load cost?
Multiply kWh per load by your electricity rate. At 1.0 kWh and $0.17/kWh, one load costs $0.17 in washer electricity.
Where can I find kWh per wash?
Use program data from the exact model, an energy label or a compatible meter. Divide kWh per 100 cycles by 100. Annual EnergyGuide values use standardized assumptions.
Does cold-water washing save electricity?
It can reduce water-heating energy where care labels, detergent and soil level allow. Use model-specific program kWh to quantify the difference rather than assuming one universal percentage.
Should I run full loads?
ENERGY STAR says washers use about the same energy regardless of load size, so properly full loads generally reduce energy per item. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s loading instructions.
Does this include the water bill?
No. It calculates washer electricity only. Metered water and any separate water-heating fuel are additional costs.
Does it include tumble-dryer energy?
No. Dryer energy is separate. A stronger final spin may reduce retained moisture, but use the dryer calculator or measured kWh for the drying stage.
Can I use annual EnergyGuide kWh directly?
This calculator expects kWh per load. You can estimate a per-load value from annual kWh and standardized loads, but use the annual label directly for model comparison when possible.
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