How much does it cost to run a washing machine?

The answer starts from the official energy figure on the energy rating label. This page uses the median of every washing machine registered for sale in New Zealand in our dataset, then scales it to your usage and your electricity price. Change the assumptions to match your home.

Short answer. The median washing machine registered for sale in New Zealand has 300 kWh a year on its label. At 4 washes a week and 33c/kWh, that is about $56 a year. Half of the models on the market fall between $46 and $78 at the same usage.

Where to find the numbers

The annual kWh and litres per wash are on the energy rating label and in the GEMS registration. Your electricity price is the unit rate on your bill (c/kWh).

What the figure is based on

The label figure assumes 365 washes a year on the programme used for the test. Warm and hot washes use several times more per wash than cold. Water is charged at your usage rate per kL.

What changes the cost

• Wash temperature: heating water is most of the energy; a 60 °C cotton wash uses roughly twice the energy of the eco 40–60 programme and several times a cold wash.
• Load size: the machine uses almost as much for a half load, so fewer, fuller washes cost less.
• Spin speed: a faster spin uses a little more electricity but leaves less water for a dryer to remove.
• Programme length: quick programmes are not always lower energy because they heat water faster rather than less.
• Water price: metered water and sewerage add to the electricity figure.

Compare washing machines by energy use and running cost to see every model behind this figure, or find the cheapest washing machine to run for your size.

For a specific model or any other appliance, use the electricity cost calculator.