Power consumption of the washing machine in kW: what does it depend on and how is it determined

To select a suitable model of a washing machine, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of mandatory criteria. When buying this type of equipment, most consumers are interested in the volume of the drum load and the availability of certain washing modes. But it is worth paying attention to the power indicator of the unit, because it is on it that the consumption of electricity spent on washing depends. The correct choice of model and adherence to simple rules of use will help save on utility bills.

Determining the power of the washing machine

Each model belongs to a certain class of electricity consumption. It is assigned after testing in the laboratory. For washing machines, this is the number of kW / h for each kilogram of laundry. The energy consumption scale has well-known designations: "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F", "G". Class "A" is the best, it is supplemented with "+" signs, which indicate an insignificant level of electricity consumption.

Be sure to read the sticker before buyinglocated either on the front side of the case, or in the passport of the device. From it you can find out how much electricity the washing machine consumes per hour.

If you yourself cannot determine the power in any way, contact your sales consultant for help. Nowadays, most of the equipment belongs to the class "A", "A +" or "A ++".

What affects power

To understand how much energy a washing machine consumes, it is worth figuring out what exactly it will be used for.

Consumed washing machine power depends on how much energy components such as:

1. Engine. Determines the speed of rotation of the drum. The higher it is, the more electricity will be spent. And the power of the engine itself depends on its type. Asynchronous, which were installed on old washing machines, had up to 400 watts. Brushless motors are found in most modern units, brushless (inverters) are attached directly to the drum. This technology is used by LG. Approximately 800 watts may be consumed depending on the mode and the selected programs.
2. Heating element (TEN). It consumes a lot of electricity, because modern devices only work with cold water, which gradually heats up to the required temperature. This is what kW is spent on. The power of heating elements does not exceed 2.9 kW. When spinning or rinsing the laundry, no heating is needed, the energy consumption will be reduced. But when the water needs to be heated to 90 degrees, it will be consumed to the maximum.
3. The pump is designed to pump out the water used during different wash cycles. It will spend 40 watts.
4. Control system. Devices with electronic systems (with screens) use more electricity - about 10 watts. Mechanical devices consume 5 watts (energy is required to ensure the operation of light sensors, programmer, control buttons).

The power of the washing machine will also depend on the operating conditions. It is clear that the greatest power is consumed by the motor paired with the heating element. But in the aggregate, the selected program will also affect the energy consumption, and washing mode, and the degree of drum loading, and the condition of the components.

Additional factors affecting electricity consumption

Power consumption is an important, but not the only indicator that should be paid attention to when calculating the kW expended during washing. In addition to a variety of programs with different temperature conditions, the consumption of electrical energy also depends on:

1. Types of fabrics. Depending on them, programs are selected. Also, materials do not have the same weight after wetting.
2. Water temperature. Although all washers start working with cold water, its condition will differ throughout the year.
3. The number of revolutions. Affects how much power the engine will consume.
4. Drum loading level. In modern models with intelligent control, the weight of the laundry and the amount of water drawn are calculated. If there is no such control, then a certain amount of water will be collected regardless of the load of things.

Saving energy

To cut costs for utilities, adhere to a few simple points during the operation of the device:

1. Try to load the drum at full capacity if your machine does not have intelligent control. So in the course of each wash, you can save 10-15% of energy.
2. Choose the program and temperature wisely. Not too dirty laundry can be washed well even at fast setting at medium temperature.
3. Descale the heating element. To this end, run the 60 degrees mode without clothes every six months, after adding a descaler to the drum.