ELECTRICITY AND APPLIANCES

Washing Machine Cost Calculator

Estimate electricity and optional water-heating energy per laundry load.

Transparent formula User-controlled electricity rate Calculations stay in your browser

Your estimate will appear here

Enter your inputs and click calculate to see the cost and energy breakdown.

How It Works

The calculator breaks down the cost into two components:

  • Machine operation: The motor and pumps use about 0.3 kWh per load.
  • Water heating: A hot wash uses about 3.5 kWh of heat energy, warm uses about 1.5 kWh, and cold uses almost zero (just tap water temp). If you have a gas heater, we convert this heat energy to therms.

Limitations

Modern HE (High Efficiency) front-loaders use much less water than older top-loaders. This calculator uses generalized averages for standard top-load machines. If you have an HE machine, your heating costs will be lower.

CALCULATOR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about wattage, runtime, electricity rates, estimated costs, and the limitations of this calculator.

Review the calculator formula →

WHAT YOU WILL FIND HERE

  • Input and unit guidance
  • Formula and worked-example explanations
  • Reasons actual costs may differ
Why does the wash temperature matter?
Most of the energy used by a washing machine goes into heating the water. Cold water washes use significantly less electricity than warm or hot washes, because the machine doesn't have to engage its internal heater or draw from your home's water heater.
How do I know my water heater type?
Look at your water heater. If it has a vent pipe on top and a gas line connected to the bottom, it's gas. If it only has an electrical wire going to it, it's electric.
How accurate is the hot water energy estimate?
It's a simplified estimate. The actual energy to heat the water depends on the starting temperature of your cold tap water, the exact temperature of the wash, and the efficiency rating of your water heater.
Looking for a question that is not covered here? Contact DataWisdom.