The purchase price is always a factor when buying a new washing machine, but have you considered the ongoing costs? It’s easy to overlook, but your washing machine is a significant contributor to your utility bills, particularly your electricity and water bill. This means the wrong washing machine might cost you big time in the long run.
So how much does your washing machine cost to use and would you be better off buying a more efficient model instead? Canstar Blue explores the answers to these questions as well as ways you can potentially save on running costs.
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How much does a washing machine cost to run?
Depending on the type, capacity, efficiency and cycle setting of your washing machine, as well as your geographical location, it can cost anywhere from $35 to $100 a year in energy costs to run your home washing machine, according to Canstar Blue data. This estimation assumes a household is running three loads a week with a warm wash, in a 5-10kg unit.
For a full cost analysis by state or territory, we have included the annual costs for front loaders and top loaders in each area below. This guide should be treated as general only. Running costs for your home washing machine may fluctuate depending on your personal circumstances.
Average annual washing machine running costs by state or territory
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| Machine Type | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Perth | Hobart | Darwin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Loader | $78.15 | $59.72 | $68.82 | $100.12 | $68.40 | $65.49 | $62.41 |
| Front Loader | $46.92 | $35.85 | $41.32 | $60.11 | $41.07 | $39.32 | $37.47 |
General guide only. Source: www.canstar.com.au – 15/08/2023. Average energy consumption figures based on clothes washers listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database, which assumes 3 uses per week using a warm wash. Electricity usage cost estimates based on each capital city’s average electricity usage rate. Average electricity usage rates are based on each capital city’s average electricity usage rate. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,347 kWh.
From the data, we can see that households in Adelaide appear to cop the highest energy usage costs each year for running their washing machines, while Melbournians come off with the cheapest costs. Households in Darwin and Hobart also appear to weather the running costs of washers better than the other capitals.
Got a washer and dryer combo? See how much your dryer could be leaving you out of pocket with Canstar Blue’s dryer running cost analysis.
Is it cheaper to use an energy efficient washing machine?
It depends. Energy efficient washing machines will almost always have lower running costs than their inefficient counterparts, however they’re also usually more expensive to purchase in the first place.
For an example of what you could expect to save by making the switch, we’ve calculated the average annual running cost of various energy rated units. Please note, these calculations are based on a front loader which has been used for three warm wash loads per week.
Average annual washing machine running costs by energy efficiency rating
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| Star Rating | Usage | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 Stars | 237kW | $79 |
| 2.5 to 3.5 Stars | 189kW | $63 |
| 4 to 4.5 Stars | 125kW | $41 |
| 5 to 5.5 Stars | 94kW | $31 |
General guide only. Source: www.canstar.com.au – 15/08/2023. Average energy consumption figures based on clothes washers listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database, which assumes 3 uses per week using a warm wash. Electricity usage cost estimates based on the average electricity usage rate of 33.2c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,347 kWh.
From the data above, we can that some households could save about $48 a year by upgrading their one or two star-rated washing machine for more a efficient, five or 5.5 star model. Of course, the savings could be even greater depending on your location, usage, model type and wash settings, so it may pay to investigate your options next time you are in market for a new washer.
Paying too much for power? Compare cheap electricity plans below
Picking an energy efficient washing machine for your home can only get you so far if you find you’re still on a dud energy plan. Below are some of the cheapest plans in New South Wales, Victoria, south-east Queensland and South Australia according to our database. Are you missing out on additional savings?
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
How to reduce the cost of washing
Now that you know how much you might be spending on your washing machine, your next question is probably how you can cut these costs. Here are some simple tips:
- If you’re buying a new washing machine, consider a front loader instead of a top loader. Front loaders use around half the amount of water and electricity. Twin tubs are also said to be efficient depending on what you’re washing.
- Look for models with load sensing technology. The machine will adjust the amount of water it uses according to load size.
- If machine doesn’t have load sensing technology, only wash full loads.
- Use cold wash wherever possible. Cold wash is sufficient for lightly soiled clothes and is ideal for brightly coloured clothing. Warm or hot water will be necessary for heavily sullied clothing.
- When buying a washing machine, ensure you choose the right size. A larger machine than necessary will cost you considerably in water and electricity.
- Ensure you’re getting the best price on electricity. If you haven’t compared your electricity plan recently, you might be spending more than you have to on your washing machine and other electrical appliances.
If all this washer talk has got you thinking about purchasing a new washing machine, but you’re not sure what option may be right for you, be sure to check out our washers buying guide by clicking the button below. Here we discuss the expected prices, types and features available as well as some of the leading models in the biz.
Original Author: Jared Mullane
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