Washer Cost per Load Calculator

About the Washer Cost per Load Calculator

While washing machines use much less electricity than dryers, the combined cost of electricity and water per load still adds up. A modern ENERGY STAR washer uses about 0.15–0.30 kWh of electricity and 12–20 gallons of water per load. Including water and sewer costs, each load can cost $0.10–$0.40.

Front-load washers are generally more efficient than top-loaders, using 40–50% less water and 20–30% less electricity. The water temperature setting also matters: hot water cycles use significantly more energy because the water heater must work harder. Washing in cold water can cut the energy portion of laundry costs by 75–90%.

This calculator combines both electricity and water costs to give you a complete picture of what each wash cycle truly costs. Use it to evaluate washer efficiency, water temperature choices, and the total annual cost of doing laundry.

Integrating this calculation into regular energy reviews ensures that conservation strategies are grounded in measured data rather than assumptions about building performance and usage patterns.

When This Page Helps

Laundry costs include both electricity and water, but most people only think about the dryer. This calculator shows the full per-load cost of washing so you can optimize settings and evaluate appliance upgrades.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter the kWh used per wash cycle (check the EnergyGuide label).
2. Enter your electricity rate per kWh.
3. Enter the water cost per load (typically $0.05–$0.15).
4. Enter the number of loads per week.
5. View cost per load and annual totals.
6. Compare hot, warm, and cold water cycle costs.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Wash in cold water to save 75–90% of the energy cost per load.
• Run full loads to maximize efficiency per gallon of water used.
• Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent for front-load washers.
• Select the appropriate water level for the load size if your washer has this option.
• Front-load washers use 40–50% less water than top-loaders.
• Use the high-spin option to extract more water, reducing dryer time and cost.

The Full Cost of Laundry

The total cost of doing laundry includes washing (electricity + water), drying (electricity or gas), and detergent. Washing costs $0.10–$0.40 per load, drying $0.25–$0.70, and detergent $0.10–$0.25. A complete load costs $0.45–$1.35 all-in.

Water Temperature and Energy Use

Hot water washes can use 4–5 times more energy than cold water because the water heater must raise water temperature from 50–70°F to 130–140°F. About 90% of a warm/hot wash cycle's energy goes to heating water, not running the motor.

When to Replace Your Washer

If your washer is 10+ years old, especially a standard top-loader, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR front-load model can save $50–$100/year in combined water and energy costs. Look for models with high Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and low Water Factor (WF) ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to run a washing machine per load?

  Including electricity and water, each load costs $0.10–$0.40 depending on washer efficiency, water temperature, water rates, and electricity rates. Cold water washes are at the lower end, hot water washes at the higher end.

• How much water does a washer use?

  A front-load ENERGY STAR washer uses 12–15 gallons per load. An older top-loader may use 30–40 gallons. High-efficiency top-loaders use 15–25 gallons. Water usage is a significant portion of the total per-load cost.

• Is cold water washing effective?

  Yes. Modern detergents are formulated to work well in cold water. Cold water is effective for most everyday laundry. Hot water is still recommended for heavily soiled items, whites with stains, and bedding/towels for sanitization.

• How much does a front-load washer save vs top-load?

  A front-load washer typically saves $40–$80/year in water and electricity compared to a standard top-loader. Over a 10–15 year lifespan, savings total $400–$1,200. Front-loaders also extract more water, reducing dryer costs.

• Should I wash small loads or wait for a full load?

  Wait for a full load when possible. Running half-loads uses 60–70% of the water and energy of a full load while cleaning only half the clothes. If you must wash a small load, use the appropriate water level setting.

• How do I estimate water cost per load?

  Check your water/sewer bill for the rate per gallon or per CCF (748 gallons). A front-load washer using 13 gallons at $0.01/gallon costs about $0.13 per load in water and sewer charges combined.