The washing machine is a significant household appliance in this technology age, with almost every house using one. Besides saving labor and water, the washing machines available today do not consume much electricity.
However, one would always like to know how much power their washing machine consumes in a day on average and its effect on their monthly electricity bill. Our washing machine power consumption calculator can make it easy for you.
How does the calculator work?
We need to provide basic information to get the desired output. Here is the input required.
The rated power of your washing machine – You get this information on the sticker pasted behind the washing machine. The details are also available on the washing machine carton when you purchase the machine. Alternatively, you can go through the specifications in the manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
Usage of the machine – It depends entirely on your preferences. Generally, small families comprising up to three people do not use the washing machine daily. Instead, they do it once in two or three days. Accordingly, you can calculate the total usage of the machine in hours or minutes per day.
Electricity tariff in your area – It depends on where you reside. Each Indian state has a different electricity tariff structure. You get this info on your electricity bill or the power distribution company’s website. Besides, we have compiled a detailed list of power tariffs state-wise. You can also refer to our list to get the accurate electricity tariff in your state.
Related: State Wise Electric Tariff in India
The Output
On entering the above information, you get the following output.
- Daily power consumption of your washing machine in kWh or units
- Monthly power consumption in kWh
- Your machine’s annual consumption in kWh
- Your washing machine’s contribution towards your monthly electricity bill
Important Points to note
While the calculation seems easy, one should note the following crucial aspects.
Washing machines featuring inbuilt heaters consume more electricity than those without a heater facility. It is because the heater component accounts for nearly 70% of the washing machine’s power consumption.
So, if the rated power of your washing machine is 2000W, the heating element will take up nearly 1400W to 1500W.
This fact should give you an idea of whether your washing machine features a heater or not, just by glancing through the specification label.
Front-loading washing machines consume more electricity than top-loading machines. However, the front-loading washing machines have smaller wash and dry cycles.
The washing machines equipped with inverter motors consume considerably less energy than those with non-inverter motors.
Real-time comparison
We shall compare the following four washing machines to give you an idea about washing machine power consumption.
| Parameters | IFB 8.0 Kg 5-Star Front-loading Senator WXS with an inbuilt heater | LG 6.0 Kg 5-Star Front-Loading Inverter FHM1006ADW | LG 7.0 Kg 5-Star Top-Loading Inverter T70SPSF2Z | Whirlpool 7.5 Kg Non-inverter Whitemagic Royal Plus 7.5 |
| Energy Consumption as per BEE Star label | 0.089 kWh/Kg/cycle | 0.077 kWh/Kg/cycle | 0.0109 kWh/Kg/cycle | – |
| No of cycles | Three | Three | Three | – |
| Rated Power of the machine (Watts) | Approx. 2100 W | Approx. 1400 W | Approx. 230 Watts | 360 Watts |
| Daily average usage in minutes | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Electricity Tariff | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Daily average power consumption (units) | 1.05 | 0.70 | 0.12 | 0.18 |
| Monthly average power consumption (units) | 31.50 | 21 | 3.6 | 5.40 |
| Annual average power consumption (units) | 378 | 252 | 43.20 | 64.80 |
| Monthly electricity bill Rs | 220.50 | 147.00 | 25.20 | 37.80 |
Inference
- You get the rated power of the appliance on the specification sheet.
- Alternatively, you can calculate the approximate rated power of the washing machine by using the following formula.
Rated Power = (Annual power consumption provided in the BEE Star label in kWh/kg/cycle) x (Capacity of the machine) x (number of cycles)
- The IFB and LG front-loading machines have considerably high power consumption because they come with inbuilt heater facilities that account for more than 70% of the machine’s power consumption.
- The LG 7.0 Kg inverter motor washing machine model consumes less power than the Whirlpool 7.5 Kg non-inverter model.
- We assume that you wash your clothes every alternate day. Hence, we have taken the daily usage as 30 minutes. Of course, you can change it according to your specific usage. Accordingly, the power consumption will change.
- Similarly, the monthly electricity bill component depends on the electricity tariff in your area.
Related: Inverter vs Non-Inverter Washing Machine
How to save power when using washing machines?
- It is not advisable to run washing machines with inadequate loads. Yes, today’s washing machines come with smart sensors to decide the quantity of water and detergent and set the washing cycles, depending on the load. However, it is better to go with a load as close to the washing machine’s capacity as possible.
- Using the heating element can cause a spike in power consumption. However, you get washing machines that have separate inlets for cold and hot water. Such machines give you the benefits of a hot water washing experience without an inbuilt heater.
- An inverter motor-equipped washing machine is preferable to a non-inverter motor-equipped appliance. However, the initial cost would be higher.
- Proper maintenance such as cleaning the wash drum, checking the inlet pressure, removing the clogs in the drain pipes, etc., can help reduce your washing times. Thus, you save power.