Washing machines are essential in modern life. These handy appliances help keep our clothes fresh and clean so that we can wear them again and again! It would be tough to imagine domestic life without them! However, with energy bills constantly climbing, you might start to wonder whether your washing machine is costing you a premium to operate!
How much exactly does it cost to operate a washing machine in the UK? And are there any ways to cut down on your total energy consumption?
Want to gain control over your energy bills? Then this is the guide for you! Our Reliant tech experts have crunched the numbers. To find out exactly how much you can expect to spend when operating your washing machine, and how you can cut down on wasted energy! So let’s get started!
How Much Does A Washing Machine Cost Per Wash?
Ultimately, the overall cost to operate your washing machine will differ slightly depending on the type of model you have. For instance, if you have a washing machine with a larger drum capacity, such as a 10kg model, then it would cost more to run a cycle than on a smaller 3kg model.
It will also partly depend on the efficiency of the washing machine. A washing machine with a great energy rating, such as an A rating, will use less electricity, and thus cost less. The efficiency of a washing machine will change as the unit gets older. If your unit is significantly older, then it will need to consume more electricity with every cycle, and would thus cost more.
On average, you can expect to spend between 40 to 50 pence for an average washing machine cycle. The total cost depends on the efficiency of the washing machine, and the cost of water and electricity!
The current average electricity cost is around 28.62 pence for every kWh. You also need to take into account the cost of the all-important water. On average, a single litre of water costs around 0.1 pence.
An ordinary washing cycle on an efficient and modern washing machine would use around 50 litres of water and 1.5 kWh of electricity. As such, it could cost anywhere between 40 to 50 pence! Again, the total amount will depend on the length of the cycle, the efficiency of the washing machine, and how much electricity and water costs to access!
How Much Does A Washing Machine Cost Per Year?
This will depend entirely on how often you use your washing machine. How often you use your washing machine will similarly be affected by a few different factors. For instance, if you live alone, it’s likely that you’ll use your washing machine much less often than a busy family household.
If you live alone, on average, it would likely cost around 50 pounds per year to operate your washing machine. This is based on a rate of usage around once a week. If you use your washing machine more or less often, the price will adjust accordingly!
Busy households can expect to spend a bit more. Not only would a large family require a larger washing machine, but they would also need to use it more often. A family may need to use a washing machine more than 2 times every week. In such a case, it would cost over 100 pounds every year to use the appliance!
How Can You Reduce The Cost Of Using Your Washing Machine?
If you’re worried that your washing machine might be responsible for a climb in energy bills, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways you can help to cut down operating costs.
Fill It Up!
It’s important to make the most of every single cycle your washing machine performs. If you fill up your washing machine every time you perform a cycle, you can cut down on the number of cycles you have to perform.
So, make sure to fill up the drum, to make use of every drop of water, and every last bit of energy. Just make sure the washing machine isn’t overfilled. You’ll know it’s overfilled if you can’t fit your hand into the loaded drum!
Lower The Temperature
You might find that your washing machine is set to a temperature that’s a little too high! Most of the electricity used by a washing machine is dedicated to heating up your water. As such, a great way to cut down on electricity usage and operating costs is to lower the temperature!
In fact, many washing machines actually have dedicated “Eco” cycles, which are dedicated to using cooler water to get the job done. An eco cycle takes a little longer to elapse, but this extra time helps to ensure a full and effective clean!
Keep The Appliance Clean
Make sure to stay on top of the health of the appliance between uses. When your washing machine is caked in dirt, or the lint filters become over-stuffed, it becomes much harder for the washing machine to do its job.
It’s important to keep your washing machine clean. When your washing machine is unclean, its total lifespan is put at great risk! This can also affect how much energy it uses, making it cost more!
Not only can this shorten the appliance’s lifespan, but it can also impact its efficiency. Simply keep the lint filter clear of debris, and be sure to give the washing machine a quick wipe-down between each use!
Upgrade!
If your washing machine is particularly old, it’s worth sourcing a replacement. Older washing machines use a lot more electricity and water! We would recommend grabbing a washing machine with a greater energy rating. An “A” rated washing machine, for instance, is designed to use less electricity and water. This means it costs less to operate in the long run!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A Washing Machine Cost Per Wash UK?
The total cost to operate a washing machine will differ depending on a few factors. For instance, if you use a larger washing machine, it will consume more water and electricity, increasing the cost. The average washing machine will use around 40 to 50 pence for a single wash. Simply adjust this cost according to the unique characteristics of your washing machine.
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