Washing machine power: how much kW does it consume?

In order to choose a suitable machine model for yourself, it is worth considering several mandatory criteria. Many consumers, choosing this type of household appliances, first of all pay attention to the volume of loading the drum and the presence of the necessary washing modes. Not the least role should be played by the power of the washing machine. After all, it is from this category that the energy consumption spent during washing depends. Having made the right choice and observing certain rules for using the device, you can significantly save on utility bills.

How to determine the power of the washing machine when buying?

Each model has its own class of power consumption. It is assigned after testing the equipment in the laboratory. For washing machines, this is the number of kW / h per kilogram of loaded laundry. The energy efficiency scale has its own generally accepted designations: “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”. The best class “A” can be supplemented with special “+” signs, which indicate minimal power consumption.

When buying, first of all, pay attention to the sticker. As a rule, it is located on the front side of the case or in the device passport. It contains all the information on the energy consumed during operation.

If it is not possible to independently determine the class of household appliances, the seller consultant will help you find the washing machine power in kW. Most often today, there are automatic machines of class "A", "A +", "A ++".

What elements of the washing machine affect its power?

To determine how much electricity will be consumed during washing, it is worth figuring out why it is needed.

The power consumption of the washing machine is the sum of the consumed electricity of such components as:

1. Engine. He is responsible for the rotation of the drum. The more rpm, the higher the power consumption. Also, the engine power of the washing machine depends on its type. Asynchronous, which were used in older models, today almost never occur. Their power was not more than 400 watts. The collector motors, which are most often found in modern models, as well as brushless (inverter), which are directly attached to the drum (used by LG), consume, depending on the washing mode and the selected program, up to 800 watts.
2. Heating Element (TEN). It accounts for most of the total energy consumed, since modern models connect only to cold water and kW are spent to heat it to the desired temperature. Today, washing machines use heating elements, the power of which reaches 2.9 kW. Electricity consumption depends on the selected program and the wash cycle. A heater may not consume electricity at all, for example during rinsing or spinning, and for heating water up to 90 ° C its power will be used to the maximum.
3. Pump. It pumps out water used during different washing cycles. It accounts for up to 40 watts.
4. The control system of the washing machine. More electricity will be consumed in washing machines with electronic control (where there are screens), up to 10 watts. But mechanical control also requires up to 5 watts (various light sensors, programmer, control buttons, etc.).

Does the power of the device only affect the power consumption?

It is important to consider operating conditions. As you can see, the largest power consumption is the electric motor of the washing machine and its heating element. But in aggregate, the energy consumption depends on the selected program, washing modes, drum loading, as well as on the state of components.

What other factors affect the energy consumption during washing?

The power consumption of the washing machine is the main, but not the only indicator that you should rely on when calculating the kW spent on the washing program. In addition to washing programs that have different temperature conditions, energy consumption also depends on:

1. Type of fabric. As a rule, the choice of a program depends on it. Also, different materials have different weights when wet.
2. Water temperature. Although all modern models connect to cold water, its temperature, especially at different times of the year, is different.
3. The number of revolutions. This indicator affects the energy expended by the engine of the washing machine.
4. The degree of loading of the drum. Modern models with intelligent control are able to calculate the weight of the laundry loaded into the drum and draw the appropriate amount of water. Otherwise, no matter how many things are loaded into the machine, it will expend the amount of water determined by the program.

How to save electricity?

The consumption of kW during washing is affected not only by the power of the washing machine, but also by the way it is used. To save on utility bills, you should follow a few simple rules:

1. Try to load the drum fully if the model does not provide for intelligent control. Thus, with each wash you can save 10-15% of wasted energy.
2. Properly choose a washing program. For example, it is more advisable to wash slightly soiled items with a quick wash at a temperature of 30 ° C than with the Cotton program at 60 ° C.
3. Descale the heating element. Once every six months, start the Cotton 60˚ C program without laundry, after having previously laid down the descaling agent.

Conclusion

The washing machine power in kW can be found out upon purchase, paying attention to the color sticker on the front side of the housing of household appliances.

It can range from 2 to 4 kW. There is a special scale of energy efficiency, which divides into classes all electrical appliances. The most economical - "A" and "B" class. In the process of operation, it is important to understand that it is not enough to know the power of the washing machine to calculate the energy consumed, it is necessary to follow certain rules that will help save the treasured kW.