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How Many Amps and Watts Does a Washing Machine Use? (Answered) 

A washing machine is an essential appliance in every home, but it can consume a lot of energy. Knowing how much electricity your washing machine consumes will give you an idea of its impact on your overall energy bills. So, how many amps and watts does a washing machine use? 

On average, a washing machine will use between 500 and 1,800 watts and between 10 to 15 amps of electricity, depending on the model and usage frequency. An energy-efficient washing machine will use 25% less energy than regular models. 

The rest of the post will cover everything you need to know about how much electricity your washing machine consumes. 

How Much Electricity Does a Washing Machine Use in Watts and Amps? 

The average washing machine will use between 500 and 1,800 watts per hour. Some models can exceed this range, and how often you use the machine will impact electricity usage.  

The same machine can also use between seven and 15 amps while it connects to a 120 volts outlet. However, an energy star-certified machine will consume 25% less energy and 33% less water than other regular models. 

Since usage frequency has the most impact on electricity consumption, we’ll look at the consumption rate in three different scenarios: 

• Once a week
• Weekly
• Daily 

How To Calculate

• Assuming you use the washing machine for one hour each week and its wattage is 900W, you will convert the wattage to kilowatt-hour by dividing it by 1000. Therefore, the amount of electricity you consume for one hour a week is 900/1000 = 0.9 kWh.
• Next, you multiply the amount of electricity you consume in a week by the number of weeks in a month, which is four, to get your monthly energy consumption. Based on the calculation above, this is 0.9kWh X 4 = 3.6kWh. 
• Lastly, multiply the hourly electricity consumption by the number of weeks in a year (52) to get your yearly electricity consumption. Based on the calculations we have already done, this gives us 0.9kWh X 52 = 46.8kWh per year. 

The formula for once a week applies to the rest: twice and every day of the week. You simply need to multiply the hourly consumption value by the number of times you use it weekly and by the number of weeks in a month and year. 

• Electricity Consumption once a week = 0.9 kilowatt-hours every week, 3.9 kilowatt-hours every month, and 46.8 kilowatt-hours yearly. 
• Electricity consumption thrice a week = 2.7 kilowatt-hours each week, 11.7 kilowatt-hours each month, and 140.4 kilowatt-hours yearly. 
• Electricity consumption daily = 6.3 kilowatt-hours per week, 27.3 kilowatt-hours per month, and 327. 6 kilowatt-hours per year. 

The above calculation is a rough estimate that depends on how often you use your machine in a year. 

Let’s delve into a more precise and deeper calculation that depends on how you load clothes into the machine. 

How To Calculate the Amount of Electricity (Watts) your Washing Machine Uses by Load 

To calculate this, you’ll first find out the wattage of your machine. Check the washing machine’s label, manual, or the brand’s website for the wattage information. 

Next, you need to determine how long it takes to wash your clothes on a full load. Most machines use between 50 and 60 minutes on average. 

Now let’s calculate assuming the machine’s wattage is 900 watts, and the average run-time is 55 minutes. 

• To calculate the watts per minute, you divide the wattage of the washing machine by 60. So, 900 watts divided by 60 minutes = 15 watts. 
• Next, you multiply the value you got for the watts per minute by the average time it takes to wash a full load which is 55 minutes, to get the number of watts per load. 15 watts multiplied by 55 minutes = 825 watts per load.
• Lastly, multiply the value you got for watts per load by the number of loads you typically wash yearly. Assuming you wash 400 loads annually, the calculation will be 400 x 825 watts = 330,000 watts. 

Therefore, you will spend 330,000 watts of energy washing 300 loads of clothes yearly with a 900-watt washing machine. 

You can do this calculation for your own machine by  

 the numbers where necessary. 

How Many Amps and Volts Does a Washing Machine Use? 

Your washing machine’s amperage (amps) and voltage (volts) determine its wattage. Since 900 watts is our imaginary washing machine wattage, let’s find out the volts and amps. 

To get this, check for a yellow Energyguide label behind or anywhere on your washing machine. When you find it, check the estimated yearly electricity use on it. Let’s assume the value you saw is 135 kilowatt-hour and do the calculations. 

• First, you convert that value 135kwh to watts-hour by multiplying it by 1000. So, you have 135 x 1000 = 135,000 watt-hours. 
• Next, divide the watt-hour value by the average number of days you would use the washing machine in a year. Assuming you use the washing machine three times or three days every week. If the number of weeks in a year is 52, using your machine three days a week will amount to 156 days in a year (3 x 52). However, for this calculation, let us use 150 days. 
• Now we divide the watt-hours of the machine by the number of days you use it in a year. Based on our previous calculation, this is 135,000/150 = 900W 
• Typically, washing machines will use 120 volts outlets. Since we have our volts and watts given, the amp is unknown. So, we find it by dividing the watts over the volts. 900W /120V = 7.5 amps. Therefore, a 900-watts washing machine will use 7.5 amps of electricity a year. 

Note: All calculations assume that washing machines typically use an hour to run a full cycle. 

Amps, Watts, Volts, and Kilowatts, What Do They Mean? 

Since we’re using these terms in this article, it’s good to look at what they mean. 

• Amperes (amps) – Amps measure electric currents running through a circuit. 
• Voltage (Volts) – Volt measures the speed of the electrical currents running through the circuit. 
• Watts (W) – Watts are the products of volts and amps (V X A) or the electricity consumption rate. To convert watts to kilowatts, you divide by 1000 and multiply by the same 1000 to convert kilowatts to watts. 

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Washing Machine Yearly?

To calculate this, you find out the cost of electricity in your area. You can refer to your current electric bill to get this information. 

For this calculation, let’s use the average cost of electricity across the United States. Currently, the figure is 13.72 cents per kilowatt-hour since it’s the standard unit for nearly all electricity providers.

Now to the calculation proper.

• First, you convert the amount of electricity you spend yearly from watts to kilowatt-hour by dividing it by 1000. 330,000 watts /1000 = 330.0 kilowatt-hours per year 
• Next, you multiply the kilowatt-hour per year value by the average cost of electricity. So, you have 330.0 kWh x 13.72 cents = $45.28 per year.

That’s how much you spend washing your clothes every year.

How To Limit Energy Consumption in Your Washing Machine

Regardless of how often you use your washing machine, it can consume a sizable chunk of your electricity budget. As you can see from the calculations, that’s not a small figure. So, while you should try to invest in a machine with an energy star rating, you can also practice the following steps to cut costs on your washer.

Wash in Full Loads

It takes the same energy per hour to wash a small, medium, or full load. So why waste it on a medium or small load?

Instead of washing in small loads and consuming more energy in batches, make a washing schedule that will allow you to wash in full loads and save energy.

Use Cold Water

A washing machine uses 90% of its energy to heat the water if you choose a hot wash. Hence, use cold water and conserve that energy for spinning clothes.

Cold water is effective at washing clothes. It does the job perfectly, and the chemicals in your detergents will kill germs whether you use hot water or not. Sometimes, the hot water can ruin light fabrics, causing them to grow weak after washing them multiple times.

So, cold water can save you money. It also extends the durability of your clothing. Only use hot water for thick clothing like towels, duvets, and stained materials.

Go for Energy Efficient Machines 

If you are in the market for a washing machine, you should choose an energy-efficient one. An energy-efficient washing machine uses 25% less energy to wash your clothes. 

To find energy-efficient washing machines, check their labels or manuals for energy star ratings of 3.5 and above. The higher the rating, the higher the efficiency. 

Keep in mind that the load type can influence energy efficiency. Front-load washing machines are typically more efficient than top-load machines. 

Understand the Energy Rates in Relation to the Charges

A small change in your laundry schedule can significantly affect your energy bills as you use a washing machine. Most electricity providers charge less during off-peak hours, making it the best time to do your laundry. 

So, check the energy rates from your provider and see if charges vary during peak and off-peak hours. Generally, expect to pay less in the evenings, so consider making it your laundry time. 

Invest in Solar Power 

Solar power is becoming cheaper by the day, and it’s wise to invest in a solar setup to minimize the costs of energy bills. You can decide to wash your clothes during the peak of daylight.

However, you must choose a system that will adequately power your washing machine. Your solar system installer will discuss the technical bits with you and recommend a system that is the perfect fit.

Conclusion 

You can take critical steps to reduce your electricity costs, but that is only possible when you know how much energy your appliances drain. The washing machine is an indispensable home appliance and consumes between 500 and 1800 watts of electricity. 

On average, this will cost you $45.28 per year. However, you can reduce that figure if you invest in an energy-efficient machine or follow other tips on how to limit costs mentioned in this article.