How Many Amps Do Washing Machines Need?

washing machine plug

Are worried that your washing machine is taking too much energy? Are you interested in knowing the energy consumption of an average washing machine and wondering how many watts and amps are required to keep it working?

Well, this guide will answer all of these questions and enlighten you on the important details you should know about energy consumption in washing machines. Read on to learn more!

Energy Consumption in Washing Machines

Washing machines tend to use up a lot of energy and can pile up your electricity bills. Generally, washing machines use 2200 watts and 10 amps. However, on a single load of laundry, these machines use between 350-500 watts.

The number of watts and amps used varies depending on the model. High energy usage is something that washing machines are known for. However, there are factors that contribute to heavy energy or power consumption in washing machines.

As you might already, power consumption depends on the type of washing machine, the pattern of use, and types of laundry load. For instance, Bosch washing machines can use 2300 watts while LG washing machine uses 5 amps.

Typically, a standard washing machine will use up to 500 watts for thirty minutes of doing laundry. In a specific period of time, these machines will cost 10 amps of electricity and 2200 watts. So, do washing machines use a lot of electricity?

It is evident that a washing machine can cause a lot of energy consumption. However, the usage of electricity depends on the load of laundry being washed. Besides, your washing machine can cost around 350-500 watts of electricity on average.

The electricity usage can get high if you are doing 3-4 loads of laundry a week. This is also likely to be the case if you turn on the heating system in a washing machine.

woman worried near washing machine

The Cost of Power Washing

Power washing can be slightly high on the pricier side because power washing consumes a lot of energy and power. Besides, power washing is known for its use of pressure to clean the stains and dirt from clothes.

In addition, power washing costs an average of $50-100 per hour. There are several factors affecting energy consumption in a washing machine. It is no doubt that washing machines can consume lots of energy. Some of the factors that result in excessive energy consumption in washing machines are;

Excessive Heating

One of the most common causes of high energy consumption in washing machines is excessive heating. When you let your washing machine heat water by itself, it takes up 90% of the energy.

This is a high amount of energy that can result in costly electricity bills. Therefore, you should find a way of rating the heating levels in your washing machine.

Front and Top-load

The structure of your washing machine is another factor affecting its power consumption. Depending on the style and design of your washing machine, energy consumption will be high or low.

The two style variations in washing machines are top-loader and front-loader. Top-loaders tend to consume more energy than front-loaders.

front load washing machine

Dryer Usage

When you use the dryer to dry out the clothes you just washed, chances are you are enabling your washing machine to consume more energy than usual.

This often results in increased power consumption that could see you spending more on electricity bills. To avoid excessive energy consumption, you shouldn't use your washing machine to dry your clothes.

Not Using Eco-mode

Many brands of washing machines come with eco-mode or speeding mode. If you don't use eco-mode, you are likely to increase power consumption. This will significantly affect the amount of energy your washing machine uses.

The modes are designed to moderate energy consumption and keep it optimized. Experts advise that you always have these modes on whenever you use your washing machine. They help keep energy consumption at optimum levels and keep things steady.

Leaving the Power on

You know the effects of leaving any electronic device on. One of them is excessive consumption of energy due to extended use. When you use your dryer to dry out clothes that have just been washed, you could result in excessive energy consumption.

Similarly, not so many people are aware that energy conservation still continues even if you are not actively using the washing machine. This results in energy consumption that affects your electricity bills.

For that reason, you are advised to always switch off your washing machine whenever it is not in use. This will go a long way in reducing energy consumption.