Washing machine - power and electricity consumption

When buying a washing machine, study its technical characteristics. Users are most interested in how many programs it contains, what it looks like and how many things can be loaded into the drum, without taking into account other indicators.

These large household appliances are classified according to the following parameters: washing efficiency, spinning, energy consumption. The power inherent in a washing machine is one of the key ones that determines how economical and productive the equipment will be.

Classification of washing machines by energy consumption

To find out how much electricity a device consumes, look at what energy efficiency class it belongs to. For this purpose, there is a letter designation on the label or warranty card: from “A” to “G”. "A" is the most economical option. “G” – costly.

Sometimes there is a “+” sign next to the letter, indicating reduced electrical energy consumption. The most economical household appliances will be those marked “A+++”.

Power characteristics of popular models

A modern person is accustomed to comfort and almost always purchases an automatic washing machine, in which you can put dirty clothes, set a program and, at the end of the cycle, receive clean, wrung-out laundry. Therefore, it is worth considering the most popular models of machines, taking into account their power consumption:

• Most models belong to class A+, which ensures energy savings during washing. The power of an LG washing machine rarely exceeds 0.17 kW, which makes it popular among people with average incomes. LG models are available with different load capacities - you can choose one for a small family or choose a unit capable of washing up to 12 kg of laundry at a time.
• Samsung. The unit is considered energy-saving and, depending on the features of the model, has class A and A+. Samsung offers the buyer models with a load of 6 kg.
• Indesit. The energy-saving washing machine has class A. Indesit equipment is equipped with many useful functions and is available with different loading options.

Washing machine power consumption

How much light in watts this technique will “pull” depends on the energy consumption class to which it belongs:

• "A++". Equipment of this class requires less than 0.15 kW/h per 1 kg of laundry;
• "A+". Energy consumption – less than 0.17 kW/h per 1 kg;
• "A". To wash a kilogram of clothes, you need from 0.17 to 0.19 kW/h;
• "B". Consumes 0.19 – 0.23 kW/h per 1 kg;
• "WITH". Approximate light consumption per 1 kg of loaded laundry is from 0.23 to 0.27 kW/h;
• "D". Energy consumption parameter – 0.27 – 0.31 kW/h.

There are also other classes, however, there is no point in considering them, since they are used less and less in the equipment currently produced. The classes coming after “D” consume from 0.31 kW/h per 1 kg of laundry.

How many kW per hour do different models consume?

Electricity prices are constantly rising, so consumers are increasingly purchasing machines with high energy efficiency. Let's consider several models of washing machines of different power with the most economical consumption.

• The LG F12B9LD model is made using direct drive electric motor technology. Class type A, consumption is 1.02 kW per hour.
• Premium device Bosch WAY28790EU. Belongs to the optimal economy type A, consumes 1.31 kW per hour.
• Washing machine HOTPOINT ARISTON AQ114D697DEU/B. There is a function for automatic consumption optimization, classified as type A. Consumes 1.138 kWh
• Narrow device with front loading type INDESIT XWSA610517WUA. 16 washing programs, tank designed for 6 kg of laundry, class A. Consumes 1.006 kW/h.
• Washing machine model LG F80C3LD. Front loading, spin quality class G, and only 0.75 kW per hour per 1 kg. Consumption type A.
• Washing machine Bosch WVH228360OE. Front loading type, has a drying function, the tank holds 7 kg of clothes, electricity consumption class, consumption 5.67 kWh/kg, spin type B.

READ MORE: Do-it-yourself repair of Bosch washing machines at home: video

Washing machine power consumption

Washing machine control unit
Washing machines are complex multifunctional household appliances that can heat water, wash clothes, spin them and drain the water. There are often models with a “drying” function. Which nodes “pull” the light:

• electric motor;
• heating element;
• pump that drains water;
• Control block.

The motor responsible for rotating the drum and the electric heater (TEH) consume the most electricity, but they operate periodically rather than constantly.

To make a calculation of energy consumption per hour, it is not enough to multiply the “total” watts with time. The power consumption of washing equipment depends on many factors: the number of revolutions of the electric motor, programs, water heating temperature, and drum load.

Electric motor

Washing machine motor

The engine is the main link of this technology. Its function is to rotate the drum. An electric motor is a part that consumes most of the light. The main types of motors found in such devices:

• asynchronous;
• collector;
• brushless.

Two-phase asynchronous motors are no longer installed in new models. Most manufactured devices use inverter commutator or brushless electric motors.

Collector “engines” do not last long, as their brushes wear out.

At the moment, well-known brands such as LG, Samsung, Siemens, Bosch, Indesit and others produce washing machines with brushless electric motors.

This technique “pulls” 20% less light, makes less noise during operation and can operate for about 10 years without replacing parts. The power of these engines is 400 - 800 W.

heating element

Washing machine heating element

The heating element is an element that heats the water in the tank to the temperatures required by the selected program. If the equipment has a powerful heating element, then it will “pull” more light per unit of time.

The average power consumption will not change much, because a powerful heating element will heat up the water faster than a low-power element.

The surface of the heating element may become covered with limescale, which causes the water to take longer to heat up.

At the same time, light consumption will also increase. The problem can be solved simply: pour citric acid into the equipment’s loading tray and run the standard program.

The power inherent in modern heaters is 1.7 - 3 kW.

Drain pump

This part pumps water out of the tank. The pump can operate several times during a wash, depending on the selected mode.

The design itself looks like an impeller rotated by a compact electric motor.

At the inlet, its blades draw in water, and at the outlet, they push it out, from where it flows to the drain hose. Such pumps practically do not draw light, since their power consumption is from 25 to 40 W.

Electronic control unit

Display panel

An important node, including:

• CPU;
• display panel;
• starting capacitors;
• power supply used to obtain low-voltage voltages and other parts.

There are many components in the electronic unit, but the device itself requires virtually no electricity. It only needs 10 - 15 watts.

Electricity consumption by individual nodes

Each washing program requires a certain amount of electricity and, accordingly, different programs consume different amounts of energy. In a general sense, energy is spent on:

• spinning the drum;
• heating water and maintaining the set temperature;
• maintaining the overall wash rate.

Motor

The intensity of rotation of the drum depends on the operation of the engine. They are very different and with different energy consumption. In modern washing machines, electric motors have a power of up to 0.9 kW/h. During the spin cycle, the motor has to consume a little more energy than required for a normal wash.

Electric heater

As is already clear from the name of this device, its task is to heat the water in the drum to the required value in a given washing program. Some washing modes may exclude the heating element from operation if the water does not need to be heated. Accordingly, the energy consumption is less. There are also opposite situations when the heater operates at full power. The speed and temperature of water heating are proportionally related to the energy expended . The consumption of this device is up to 3 kW/h.

Pump

One of the most economical parts of the SMA. Consumes only about 40 Wh. The pump is activated in all washing programs. Its function, which is probably already clear, is to pump water out of the washing machine drum.

Control Panel

And finally, the most economical part of the machine – up to 20 Wh. This is the same panel where you need to select a washing program and specify additional parameters.

How to determine the power of a washing machine

Power consumption is calculated in laboratory conditions. Experts estimate how much equipment spends kWh per 1 kg of loaded items. To test any models, equal conditions are taken: a full washing cycle is turned on with a maximum load (usually 5 kg) and a water temperature of +60 degrees.

Cotton items are used as linen. After completing the cycle, the model is assigned a certain energy consumption class.

The simplest method for determining power, without visiting laboratories, is to study the technical characteristics of the model. The power parameter is indicated in the passport or on a label pasted on the case.

Equipment with a “drying” function has its own energy consumption scale. Electrical energy consumption is calculated in the same way as for classical machines.

Is it wise to obsess over energy consumption?

When choosing a washing technique, it is irrational to pay attention to only one parameter. Ideally, the machine should meet all the characteristics: have convenient capacity, be economical, have advanced functionality and be inexpensive. But “golden” models are not so common.

However, a balance needs to be struck. Minimum consumption is good, but engine power also matters: if the washer doesn’t rinse well, you won’t be able to save money. Water consumption and watts are interconnected - a drum with a small amount of liquid is easier to heat and rotate, which will affect the final kW. There will be no benefit from super profitable machines that have to be started several times for better rinsing.

How many kilowatts does a washing machine consume?

Based on the data described above, the average consumption is as follows:

• 400 - 800 W during washing;
• approximately 2 kW for heating water (the heating element is turned on). There are models that consume about 2900 W.

Light consumption largely depends on the energy consumption class. Drum loading, mode, temperature - all this is reflected in the final figure. According to average data, equipment spends from 0.3 to 1.6 kW/h per cycle.

If you buy large equipment with a “drying” function and a capacious drum for 6–7 kg of laundry, then energy consumption can exceed 1.6 kW/h.

Standard models with a “capacity” of 5 kg per wash require no more than 0.8 kW per hour. In Moscow, the price of 1 kW is 5.38 rubles. It turns out that the price of one wash is 4.3 rubles.

Now for detailed calculations. If the washing machine is turned on three times a week, with three wash cycles per day, then in 12 days this is 36 washes:

• per month. 0.8 x 36 = 28.8 kW/h. Multiply by the tariff (5.38), you get 155 rubles;
• in year. 36 x 12 x 0.8 = 345.6 kW/h = 1838 rubles.

Water use

The amount of water used by the specified equipment during operation is determined by the following factors:

• model - the presence of programs that allow you to save resources;
• degree of loading - with the maximum amount of loaded laundry, the volume of consumption is reduced;
• technical condition - in the presence of certain malfunctions, consumption indicators may increase sharply;
• user demands - many housewives are not satisfied with the quality of washing or rinsing clothes, so sometimes the unit is restarted, which leads to an increase in the amount of resources used.

The average consumption parameters of modern automatic machines range from 0.04 to 0.08 cubic meters per full cycle.

With the intensity of equipment use according to the above calculation, with an average amount of water used per cycle within 0.06 cubic meters, consumption will be:

• per week – 0.06*6=0.36 m³;
• per month - 0.36 * 4 + 0.06 = 1.5 m³ (one wash is added, since there are 3 - 4 days more in a month than 4 weeks).

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With an average cost of one cubic meter of 38 rubles. The monthly payment amount will be 57 rubles.

The final cost of using this equipment per month, excluding the cost of detergents, will be about 132 rubles.

How to save electricity

Scale on the heating element

There are simple rules of economy, adhering to which, equipment will not consume more light than it needs:

• select the appropriate mode. If the laundry only needs to be rinsed, there is no point in setting the temperature to +50 degrees Celsius. Most of the electricity is used to heat the water and spin the clothes at the end of the cycle;
• When choosing a machine, look at its inherent energy efficiency category. The most economical models are marked “A” and “B”;
• If the house has a two-tariff meter, then it is better to run the machine at night. At night the price per 1 kW decreases. It is more convenient if the model has a “delayed start” function;
• The equipment should only be started when enough dirty laundry has collected to load a full drum. You shouldn’t wash one T-shirt at a time, hoping that the washing machine will draw less light. Consumption per cycle does not depend on drum load;
• From time to time you need to clean the heating element from scale. If this is not done, the water will take longer to heat up;
• When washing particularly dirty laundry, instead of putting it in the drum several times, it is better to pre-soak the item in a bowl of warm water and detergent.

The best thing is to carefully monitor things and use them carefully so as not to “put” greasy stains.

The power of large household appliances is indicated in the passport or on a label stuck on the body. Washing machines are divided by energy efficiency class, so it is better to immediately take a closer look at a more “economical” model. It will not be superfluous to follow simple operating rules, which will save treasured kilowatts.

Bosch wll2416eoe

The rigid, vibration-resistant frame design of the device provides stability and quieter sound during operation. The inverter motor reduces noise due to the absence of friction of parts. Externally it looks stylish, with its shape and white body color it will easily fit into any interior. A wide selection of working programs makes it possible to select a mode for washing a certain type of item, be it sportswear or children's clothing, jeans, etc.

Cost from 27,500 to 32,370 rubles.

pros

• laundry reloading function;
• ease of use;
• presence of delayed start;
• suitable for people with sensitive skin;
• possibility to select optimization of washing programs thanks to VarioPPerfect;
• ActiveWater function allows you to choose full or half load;
• quiet;
• the ability to adjust the volume of sound signals, which is good for working at night;
• does not jump;
• after the end of the wash it turns off;
• the display shows all the necessary information;
• child lock;
• good spin;
• accelerated washing mode.

Minuses

• the ultra-sensitive sensor is easy to accidentally touch;
• Locking the keys when washing will not help with children, because... when turning the main handle to the “Off” state the machine turns off, but when turned on it continues to erase from the place where it stopped the cycle;
• the control panel, where there is a touch screen, has a play when pressed with a finger;
• can automatically increase the washing time;
• lack of drying.

Wonderful thing. Before this I had a machine from LG, compared to it the difference is obvious. Doesn't rattle, doesn't knock, washes outerwear, blankets, down jackets well. I started it overnight and by morning everything was ready. Beauty!

READ MORE: Ariston washing machine error codes: step-by-step analysis of the fault

Bosch WLL2416EOE

How much electricity is needed for other household appliances?

Below we present a table showing the average power consumption values ​​of various household electrical appliances that can be used at home.

The power consumed depends on the purpose of the washing machine and its rated power.

In order to find out how much power a particular model consumes, you need to find the sticker on the back wall of the household appliance.

We need a parameter in kW/h, which determines the economic class of the device.

Choosing “economical” equipment

Probably everyone has encountered a situation where store consultants dumped a lot of information about products, preventing you from concentrating and making a choice. For each machine, they reported what power it had, how many watts it consumed, and what special function it had.

Choosing economical equipment

Despite all the tempting offers of consultants, you need, first of all, to familiarize yourself with the passport of household appliances. It is in this document that the power of electricity consumed is indicated. It is recommended to give preference to energy-saving class A.

Energy saving class A

The second stage will be familiarization with the functions of the unit. You need to clearly decide for yourself: which features of the machine are necessary and which are not needed, and not overpay for unnecessary ones. After determining all the characteristics, you can pay for the selected product.

The power of the machine may vary. And in order to determine the number of kW that your household appliance uses, you can check the sticker. The one that is on its body. The sticker may contain this information. You can also find out by specifying which energy consumption class of washing machines your model belongs to. Let's discuss this issue in more detail.