How Many Watts Does a Washing Machine Use?
A modern washing machine uses between 400 and 1,400 watts per hour of operation. Its power consumption depends on several factors, such as its size, capacity, technology and energy efficiency.
Like many other appliances, a washing machine does not consume power at a steady rate throughout its cycle. It can draw more power during certain phases of a cycle, such as heating the water, and lower power at other phases, such as draining the water.
How Much Does It Cost To Power a Washing Machine?
Consider a typical 1,000-watt washing machine. For a single, 60-minute cycle, it will use about 1,000 W x 1 hour = 1,000 Wh or 1 kWh of energy. The nationwide average energy rate is 16.26 cents per kWh, which means the machine will cost 1 kWh x 16.26 c per kWh = 16.26 cents to run per cycle.
Assuming you use the machine twice a week, you’ll spend about $1.4 per month, translating to around $17 per year. Check out the following table for the cost of running a washer in a few American states.
| State | Average Electricity Rate (per kWh) | Cost Per Month | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 15.32 | $1.22 | $14.70 |
| California | 30.55 | $2.44 | $29.32 |
| New York | 24.37 | $1.94 | $23.39 |
| Florida | 14.27 | $1.13 | $13.63 |
| Illinois | 15.99 | $1.28 | $15.35 |
| Washington | 11.83 | $0.94 | $11.35 |
| New Jersey | 19.49 | $1.56 | $18.71 |
| Virginia | 14.46 | $1.15 | $13.88 |
| North Carolina | 13.49 | $1.08 | $12.95 |
| Maryland | 18.15 | $1.45 | $17.42 |
*Based on energy rates published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) for December 2024. Note that these rates are just estimates based on average rates and usage levels. Your actual cost will vary depending on your energy rate and washer type.
Cost by Washing Machine Wattage
Naturally, the cost of running a washing machine will also depend on its power rating. Smaller or more energy-efficient machines with low wattage will cost less per cycle and, hence, per year to run. Here’s a table showing the yearly power usage and cost to run different sizes of washing machines, assuming two cycles per week and 16.26 cents per kWh.
| Washing Machine Wattage | Yearly kWh Usage | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 400 W | 41.6 | $6.76 |
| 600 W | 62.4 | $10.14 |
| 800 W | 83.2 | $13.52 |
| 1,000 W | 104.0 | $16.91 |
| 1,200 W | 124.8 | $20.30 |
| 1,400 W | 145.6 | $23.67 |
We calculated the average annual cost above using the EIA’s latest data on the average electricity rate in the U.S.
Regional Cost Variables
Although the energy consumption of washing machines doesn’t vary much based on the location of use, the cost of running the machine may vary widely from state to state. The main reason for this is the variation in the average electricity costs by state.
As you can see in the table showing rates by state, California has an average electric rate of 30.55 cents per kWh, which is nearly twice the average cost in Texas. This means a washer in California costs over twice to operate compared to one in Texas. Which state you reside in has a massive impact on how much you pay per load of laundry.
Power Consumption for Washers
A typical washing machine uses 400 to 1,400 W of power to operate. Modern washing machines with greater energy efficiency usually consume less power for the same capacity. But what do those numbers mean?
The power rating of a washer, or any appliance for that matter, is specified in watts and is the product of two other basic electrical parameters — voltage and current. North American appliances run on a voltage of 120 volts (V), which remains constant no matter the size, age or capacity of your washer. The current rating, on the other hand, can vary from 5 to 15 amperes (A).
For example, a 1,200-watt washer uses 120 V and 10 A to operate. Here’s a quick summary of these electrical terms:
- Power (watts): It is the rate of work and signifies how much electricity (or other type of energy) is consumed to perform the specified task, which in this case is washing clothes.
- Voltage (volts): It is the difference in electrical potential between two points, allowing the electric current to flow from one point to another. This is similar to how water flows from a high to a low point — the greater the difference in height, the faster the water will flow. Similarly, the higher the voltage, the more powerful the flow of electricity.
- Current (amperes): It is the rate at which electrons flow from the high voltage point to the low voltage point. Think again of water flowing from a higher to a lower point — a higher flow of current is analogous to a higher volume of water.
- Energy (watt-hours or kilowatt-hours): Energy is the total amount of power consumed over a specified amount of time. It is the product of power and time. For example, a 1,000 W washer running for two hours will consume 2,000 Wh or 2 kWh of energy. The concept of energy in kilowatt-hours allows us to understand power usage over time. Your energy provider also bills you based on your energy consumption over a month.
Energy Usage by Machine Type
The type of your washing machine also affects its power consumption levels. Here’s a table with power and energy usage information for four of the most common washer types.
| Machine Type | Average Watts | Annual kWh Usage (kWh per year) | Typical Load Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-loaded washer | 500–800 | 140 | 3–4 cu. ft. |
| Front-loaded washer | 400–700 | 110 | 4–5 cu. ft. |
| All-in-one | 400–700 (washing cycle only) | 110 | 2–5 cu. ft. |
| Portable washer | 300–500 | 100 | 1–3 cu. ft. |
Factors Affecting Washing Machine Power Usage
The following factors typically affect your washing machine’s energy consumption:
- Capacity: Larger capacity (cubic feet) washers consume more energy
- Energy efficiency: Energy-efficient washers consume less energy
- Washing mode: “Energy saving” or “eco” modes use less energy, while “regular or “heavy” washing modes use more energy
- Type of machine: Front-load machines use less energy than top-load washers
- Water temperature: Washing with cold water uses less energy.
Energy-Saving Tips
With a few habit changes, you can reduce your energy usage to save money on your monthly and annual energy costs.
You can lower your washer’s energy usage by choosing energy-saving modes. One of the best ways to save on energy usage is by washing your laundry with cold water instead of hot. Running full loads instead of part loads can also reduce the number of times you use your machine, thus lowering the overall energy consumption.
If you are looking for a new washing machine or need to upgrade, we recommend choosing one with an Energy Star rating. These appliances meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards for energy efficiency, which can lead to lower energy usage and reduced costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Machine Use
Does washing machine size affect power consumption?
Yes, a washing machine’s power usage depends on its size. A larger machine will need more power to heat a greater volume of water and spin a heavier load of clothes.
How does water temperature impact energy usage?
Heating water requires some of the highest energy usage for all washing machine tasks. Using cold water instead of hot water significantly reduces the machine’s power consumption. You can also reduce your usage by washing loads of laundry with warm water rather than hot.
What’s the most energy-efficient wash cycle?
The “Eco” cycle or “Energy-saving” cycle is usually the most energy-efficient wash cycle for most machines. However, for machines that do not have a dedicated energy-saving cycle, you can manually choose a cold water option to make the cycle energy-efficient.
Do new washing machines use less electricity?
Yes, newer washing machines generally use less electricity because they are more energy efficient and have fewer power losses. Machines with an Energy Star certification use significantly less energy for each cycle. For instance, front-load washing machines with an Energy Star certification use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than top-load agitator washers without an Energy Star certification.
