Calculate your cost
Start with the example below, then replace the wattage, daily runtime, and rate with the numbers for your washing machine.
This setup uses about 8 kWh in a 30-day month.
Please enter valid values within the ranges shown.
| Schedule | Hours/day | Cost/month |
|---|---|---|
| Half runtime | 0.25 | $0.71 |
| Page example | 0.5 | $1.41 |
| Longer runtime | 0.75 | $2.12 |
Same 500-watt input and 18.83¢/kWh rate; only runtime changes.
Formula for the page example
0.5 kW × 0.5 hr × $0.1883 = $0.05 per day
Convert watts to kilowatts, multiply by the active hours used each day, then multiply by the electricity price in dollars per kWh. Multiply the daily result by 30 for the monthly estimate shown above.
How to read this estimate
The washer's motor is usually a modest electrical load. Hot water may cost more than the machine itself to run, so cycle length, water temperature, and number of loads are more useful inputs than drum capacity alone.
Use this as a baseline until you can check the label or measure the washing machine directly. Model, settings, condition, climate, and household routine can all change the result.
What changes the cost?
- 01
Cycle type, motor speed, and machine efficiency
- 02
Wash temperature and the home's water-heating system
- 03
Loads per week and how full the drum is
Ways to spend less
- Wash with cold water when it is suitable for the fabric and soil level.
- Run full, properly sized loads instead of many small loads.
- Use a high spin speed to reduce dryer time.