Energy consumption of a washing machine

Both appliances come as a set, but of course they have their own energy label. Technology has advanced a bit in the area of washing machines, so they more often have a good energy label. Here you can find the consumption per energy class, so you know what to look for when looking for a new washing machine:

We used an energy price of €0.45 for all these calculations.

Energy class A

The energy consumption of the best washing machine with energy class A is 99 kWh per year. This amounts to energy costs of €44.55 per year. Compared to energy class E you can save €33 per year, over 10 years that is €330.

Energy class B

A washing machine with energy class B consumes 114 kWh per year. That works out to an annual bill of €51.30, saving you €26 compared to a washing machine with energy label E.

Energy class C

With energy class C, you can expect your washing machine to consume around 130 kWh per year, which works out to a total cost of €58.50. Compared to a washing machine with energy label E you will save €19.

Energy class D

For energy class D you can expect an energy consumption of 152 kWh per year, for which you will have to pay €68.40. Compared to the lowest energy label, E, you save €9.

Energy class E

A washing machine with energy class E consumes around 194 kWh per year, which is equivalent to €77.40.

Please note that these figures take into account 220 washes per year, which is normal for an average household.

If you wash more or less, you can also calculate yourself what the exact costs will be. The energy label always shows the energy consumption per 100 washes. So if you turn on your washing machine 150 times a year, you need to multiply that number by 1.5.

The numbers on the energy label are always based on the eco 40 60 program. Do you always wash much warmer? Then you should take into account that your actual consumption will probably be slightly higher.

For the most economical washing machine, choose energy label A or B, this allows you to save the most on an annual basis.

Energy consumption of a dryer

Wash dryers have a different energy label than washing machines. A washing machine with energy label A is not necessarily as economical as a dryer with energy label A+.

Energy class A+++

If you buy a heat pump dryer, chances are you have the most economical energy class A+++. Here you can expect an energy consumption of 175 kWh per year, which will cost you around €78.75. Compared to the least efficient dryer you will save €173.50.

Energy class A++

A new dryer with energy class A++ consumes 235 kWh per year, which is equivalent to €105.75. This difference between the first two classes is much higher than for washing machines. Compared to a dryer with the lowest energy label, you will pay €146.50 less annually.

Energy class A+

If your washer dryer set has energy label A+, you can assume that it will have an energy consumption of about 309 kWh per year, which amounts to €139.05 for you. Compared to the lowest energy classes, this allows you to save €113.50 per year.

Energy Class B

The difference between dryers with energy label A+ and energy label B is very large, the consumption of the latter is namely 561 kWh, which amounts to €252.45 per year.

Energy Class C

Between energy class C and B is not such a big difference, only 16 kWh on an annual basis. In total, the dryer consumes 577 kWh, which is €259.65 per year.

The energy label

What does the energy label on a washer or dryer say exactly? There are many different icons and numbers on it, but do they mean anything to you?

Below the energy class is the number of kWh. You should always keep in mind that this is the consumption for 100 washes per year.

Below that you will find a laundry basket with the number of kilograms, which is the fill weight of your drum. With washer and dryer sets, these two are always matched, so you can wash as much as you dry. The clock next to it shows how long a program takes and the tap next to it shows the water consumption.

At the very bottom you’ll find an icon of a t-shirt with the letters A to G underneath, which tells you the quality of the spin. The higher the number, the better the quality. The speaker next to it indicates the noise level of the washing machine in decibels, for a quiet washing machine this is below 71 dB.

Energy consumption washing machine versus dryer      

As you have seen from the above data, a dryer uses considerably more energy than a washing machine. Within your household, the clothes dryer is always one of the biggest energy consumers. Most of this energy is consumed for heating the air.

Sustainability of clothes dryers is difficult, because air cannot hold heat for that long and easily. The only way to save on this process is to make the heating element more energy efficient, such as with a heat pump. 

Frequently asked questions about the energy consumption of a washer and dryer set

When you are looking for the right washer dryer set, it is important that you look closely at the questions other consumers have. That way, you can be sure that you won’t overlook anything important. We have listed the most frequently asked questions for you here:

How much energy does a washing machine use?

The best tested washing machine with energy label A uses about 99 kWh per year, which with an energy price of €0,45 per kWh comes to a total of €44,55 per year. This figure is based on 220 washes per year.

How many kWh does a washing machine use per time?

The energy label of a washing machine always indicates how much energy a washing machine uses per 100 washes. You can therefore easily calculate how much energy it will use each time by dividing this figure by 100. Please note that this figure is based on the information from a 40 60 degree eco wash cycle. If you use a different program, the exact energy consumption may be higher or lower.

What does a 10 year old dryer consume?

The exact consumption of a 10 year old dryer depends of course on the model, but in general it can be said that 1 drying cycle with an old dryer consumes about as much energy as 10 wash cycles with a new washing machine.

The Consumers’ Association tested in 2017 that an old dryer that you use 200 times a year emits about 226 kilos of CO2. Just to compare, with a single flight to Rome you emit 260 kilos of CO2. So it really is much better to buy a fuel-efficient dryer!

Does a more expensive model consume more than a cheap one?

A more expensive washing machine generally consumes more than a cheaper one, because more expensive models are equipped with new technologies such as a brushless motor. Always remember that a good washing machine may be a bit more expensive at first, but you can save so much annually that the appliance will quickly pay for itself. In addition, more expensive models also have many more features for added convenience, such as a self-cleaning detergent drawer. More expensive models also tend to have a longer lifespan.

For dryers, the exact same thing applies, it’s always worth it in the long run to invest in a more expensive, but more economical dryer. By buying a set, you can save on the price of both appliances. A Samsung washer or Bosch washer has a good energy label, so you can easily save on the purchase price.

What is more expensive washing or drying?  

Drying is considerably more expensive than washing. This is because it takes a lot of energy to keep air warm. For the biggest savings you should always choose an energy-efficient heat pump dryer, as this heats the air in the most energy efficient way possible.