Washing machines are a lifesaver for many people. This is considering how this machine saves people the stress and time it takes to wash and dry clothes manually. However, they come at a cost. Speaking of cost, we do not only mean the purchase cost but the operational cost, as well.
The operation cost entails buying the right detergent and paying for the electricity used to keep it working. For those asking Hvor mye strøm bruker en Vaskemaskin (Norwegian for “How much electricity does a washing machine use?”), the answer depends on several factors. But on the whole, it has been reported that a modern product consumes between 0.5 kWh to 1 kWh per load.
It could be within, below, or beyond this range depending on several factors. In light of these factors, some proven tips for reducing power consumption with washing machines will be disclosed in this article. So, ensure that you continue reading to stay informed.
How to Use Washing Machines Energy-Efficiently
Energy-efficient use of washing machines will go a long way in reducing the amount of electricity consumed in households. Against this backdrop, below are some helpful tips for ensuring the energy-efficient use of washing machines:
Get and Use the Right Washing Machine
Some washing machines are more energy efficient than others. Getting and using one that ticks all the right boxes in this regard will greatly improve the chances of using washing machines energy-efficiently.
This calls for knowledge of the various products in the market and how they fare in this regard. To this end, you should know that there are various grades based on how energy-efficient they are. The grades in question include:
Grade C
This is the lowest grade amongst options that are categorized as energy-efficient. Its grade is so low that it does not meet (all) the standards set by Energy Star requirements. However, it is safe to say that it does better than products that are not rated.
The fact that it uses 20 percent less water and 10 percent less electricity than such products is a major reason for this. Furthermore, features such as eco mode, quick wash, and cold wash contribute to its capabilities, especially in this regard.
Grade B
This is the least in the order of options that meet the standards set by the Energy Star requirements. It is a lot better than the products of the aforementioned grade given that it uses 33 percent less water than products that are not rated. It also uses 25 percent less electricity than options that are not rated.
In addition to the aforementioned, features such as its delay start, soil sensors, and adjustable speed motors all contribute immensely to making it a highly energy-efficient product.
Grade A
Products with this rating are the best in this regard. This is especially true in terms of reduced electricity consumption as it consumes around 40 percent less than products that are not rated.
Its water consumption rate is pretty much the same as grade B products. Furthermore, features including automatic temperature regulation, load sensing, and unconventionally high spin speeds all contribute to its energy efficiency.
Proper knowledge of this grading system ensures that people make informed choices when it comes to selecting and buying washing machines. For more on this subject, you can visit: https://ec.europa.eu/.
Use Cold Water
The temperature of water used to wash clothes in the machine also matters. On the whole, more electricity is consumed when temperatures are higher. This is especially true when it reaches or exceeds 60 degrees.
In light of this, it is cheaper to do laundry with cold water. Warm and hot water should only be considered when necessary.
By the way, the use of the right detergents increases the chances of having your clothes properly washed, even with cold water. This is because of the special features of such detergents that enable this. So, do not make light of the need to use the right detergent.
Load Capacity
You need to reduce the amount of times that you use the washing machine. This is to save power. For one, this calls for washing full loads instead of smaller loads and having to use it very frequently.
This is more of a concern for large households. As a result, occupants in such households need to be very organized in this regard.
Do Not Use Long Wash Cycles Unless Necessary
There is the possibility of choosing how long you need the machine to wash your clothes. The wash time could be as short as 3 minutes and as long as 20 – 30 minutes, depending on the product. The tip here is to use short cycles as much as reasonably possible.
Long wash cycles should only be used when it is necessary. Sorting dirty clothes in the order of how dirty they are can help. Doing so ensures that you do not mix clothes that require long wash cycles with those that require short wash cycles.
Practice Pre-treat Stains
Multiple washing cycles for the same clothes increase power consumption. For this purpose, tips that help avoid multiple washing cycles for the same clothes are a welcome idea.
To this end, pre-treating stains can help reduce the need for multiple washing cycles. This is because a lot of the stain removal will have been done before using the machine.
However, you need to know how to properly pre-treat stains to avoid complications such as spreading the stain, instead of removing it. You can check here for more information on how to properly pre-treat stains.
Air Dry if Possible
The goal is to use the machines for a short period. This further explains the point of using short washing cycles as much as possible.
Furthermore, choosing to air-dry your machine-washed clothes instead of using the machine’s dryer is another way to reduce the time spent using the machine. However, you should use a very high spin speed if you insist on using the dryer.
In Closing
Energy-efficient practices with your washing machine can contribute to reducing how much you spend on electricity. This is why tips on how to use it energy-efficiently have been shared above.
You should therefore take note of them. Furthermore, try as much as you can to only use it during periods when electricity is cheaper. Doing so helps you reduce power costs and not just power usage alone.
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