9 washing machine energy saving tips (2024)

FAQs

How can I reduce the energy consumption of my washing machine? ›

Wash on a cold wash cycle as often as possible: Using the cold wash function can reduce washing machine energy use by up to 80%. Only wash full loads: Even if you run the machine with small load settings, the machine is still using most of the water and most of the energy of a full load.

Cold Water Washing: Use cold water for washing whenever possible. Most of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating water. Modern detergents work well in cold water, and this simple change can significantly lower the energy usage.

Top tips for energy-efficient washing

Wash clothes on the shortest cycle (often referred to as "quick wash") that's practical for your needs. This means less water, heated to a lower temperature and a shorter spin cycle to save water and energy.

We all know that heaters are the behemoths when it comes to electricity consumption. Now, if a washing machine has an onboard heater, the electricity consumption will definitely go up. It would go up even more if the machine has a hot air dryer in it.

Does the quick wash cycle use less energy? One big plus of a speed wash is that it's often an energy-saver, which makes it a more sustainable choice. By using less energy, a quick wash will also save you money. But a quick wash isn't the best option if you need to wash stained clothes.

On average, washers use 400 to 1,400 watts of electricity – this number is highly dependent on the model you have. Using a washing machine three times a week will use about 140.4 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. It costs an average of $1.66 to run a washer for a month and $19.92 to run for a year.

Use Cold Water

Using cold water for your wash cycles reduces heating costs and preserves energy. Consistently using cold water in your laundry room can significantly affect electricity costs. As a bonus, cold water may also reduce fading and shrinking and help clothes last longer.

Use Eco modes

Eco modes typically wash clothes at a lower temperature than regular cycles. This reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the water, which can save up to 50% of the energy used in a regular cycle.

Does reducing spin speed save electricity? ›

Lower speed spins: High spin speeds require more electricity, so consider setting your machine to a lower spin speed if possible. Doing so will not only help reduce electricity usage but will also help extend the life of your garments since they won't be subjected to as much stress from the high spinning speeds.

Using warm water instead of hot can cut a load's energy use in half, and using cold water will save even more. Cold water detergents can be helpful to ensure items get clean, and high-efficiency detergents (indicated by the "he" symbol) should be used when required by the manufacturer. Wash full loads.

With high agitation and a lengthy cycle, the Normal cycle is typically the most intense washing machine cycle. Select the Normal cycle for everyday laundry items made of cotton, linen, and durable synthetics, such as sheets, towels, T-shirts, socks, and (non-fancy) underwear.

On average, washers use 400 to 1,400 watts of electricity – this number is highly dependent on the model you have. Using a washing machine three times a week will use about 140.4 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. It costs an average of $1.66 to run a washer for a month and $19.92 to run for a year.

This tiny draw of electricity can add up over time and drive up your usage and thus your electricity bill, so unplugging devices can actually save you money.

With eco mode you're using less water and a lower temperature than most settings. Usually though, you're in for a longer wash to get the same level of cleaning. That's because heating up the water takes the most energy. In fact, 90% of a washing machine's energy consumption comes from that.