On this page
Washing machines and clothes dryers can be big energy users. They can cost up to $150 to run each year.
Washing
Front loading washing machines are usually more energy and water efficient than top loaders. They have a higher spin speed so more water is removed by the end of the washing cycle. But this can mean the cycles are longer. And new front loaders usually cost more than a new top loader.
So choose:
- a washing machine that's the right size for your needs
- the most energy efficient washing machine you can afford.
Energy saving behaviours
- wash a full load
- adjust the wash cycle to match the load
- pre-soak or pre-treat soiled items
- use economy or energy saving cycles
- wash with cold or cool water
Running costs for washers
Costs are based on a washing machine connected to a cold tap only (the water is heated by the clothes washer rather than your water heater).
| Capacity of machine | Star rating | Cost per cycle – cold wash | Cost per cycle – warm wash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5kg – small | Top loader | 2.5 | $0.06 | $0.33 |
Front loader | 3 | $0.11 | $0.27 | |
7kg – medium | Top loader | 3.5 | $0.06 | $0.31 |
Front loader | 4.5 | $0.12 | $0.20 | |
8.5kg – large | Top loader | 3.5 | $0.06 | $0.37 |
Front loader | 4.5 | $0.14 | $0.25 | |
| Estimated running costs are based on the AGL electricity and Origin Energy standing retail contracts. | ||||
Clothes dryers
The most energy and cost efficient way to dry your clothes is to hang them outside or on a drying rack.
- clean the lint filter after use
- dry clothes in consecutive loads.
- put very wet clothes in the dryer
- overload the dryer.
Running costs for dryers
As clothes dryers use different drying times and loads, the cost per cycle is more useful than hourly running costs.
| Capacity of machine | Type of machine | Star rating | Cost per cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
4kg | Condenser | 6 | $0.40 |
Vented | 1.5 | $0.94 | |
6kg | Condenser | 6 | $0.49 |
Vented | 1.5 | $1.17 | |
8kg | Condenser | 6 | $0.59 |
Vented | 1.5 | $0.92 | |
Estimated running costs are based on the AGL electricity and Origin Energy standing retail contracts. | |||
Using energy rating labelsEnergy rating labels can help you choose an energy efficient model when buying a new washer or dryer - the more stars the more energy efficient. You can also compare the estimated running costs of new models on the Energy Rating website. Multiply the annual kWh on the label by the tariff on your electricity bill to see what the approximate annual running cost will be. |
