Washing machines
- Washing machine star ratings go up to six stars. It’s best to get one with at least 3.5 stars.
- On a warm cycle, every extra star on a washing machine could reduce your running costs by 27%.[1]
- The label also tells you how much energy is used when you use hot or cold water.
- A 1.5 star 8kg capacity top loader used once a day on a warm cycle can cost $250 per year to run.[2]
- A 4.5 star 8kg capacity front loader doing the same wash would cost only $66 a year to run.17.[3]
- Using this front loader instead of the top loader could save $184 per year – over 10 years that’s $1,840.
- Washing in cold water increases these savings even further. When you wash clothes in cold water instead of hot water, you reduce your energy costs by up to 80–90%. It’s an easy way to save a lot of money.
- Front loaders can also use about half the water of top loaders, so you can save money there too. If you’re getting a machine, make sure it has at least a 4 star water rating.
- Many small businesses use domestic washing machines in their operations. To compare their running costs before you buy, click here: EnergyCut.info/washing-ratings
Washing linen and clothes in cold water will reduce your energy costs by up to 80–90%. When you are installing a washing machine, attach it to the cold tap only.[4]
Download The Energy Rating App
If you want to find out the running costs of the appliances at EnergyRating.gov.au, you can now do so with The Energy Rating App. It’s available free of charge and it runs on iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, Android™ and Windows Phones. – The download links are available at EnergyCut.info/energy-ratings-mobile – You can watch the video at EnergyCut.info/energy-rating-video.
- 1. Source: EnergyCut.info/nsw-washer-dryers
- 2. Sourced from the comparison tables at: EnergyCut.info/washing-ratings
- 3. Based on a 30 c/kWh comparison of equipment listed at EnergyCut.info.energy-rating.gov
- 4. You should only wash in hot water if there are health reasons to do so – such as getting rid of bed bugs from hotel sheets. Some brands of laundry detergent have been specially formulated to wash in cold water – this means that you no longer need to wash linen and clothes in hot water.