How much does the washing machine consume
Today, a washing machine is an integral part of any apartment, making it much easier to take care of things and saving time. Instead, it consumes electricity, and information about the scale of consumption can be useful when choosing a typewriter.
Energy consumption classes
The energy efficiency class determines the amount of energy that the device uses, and the higher it is, the more efficient the expenditure turns out to be. This parameter is considered one of the key indicators of the quality of washing machines (as well as all household appliances). Information about it, as well as the quality of spinning and washing, is written on the stickers placed on the equipment.
Since 2012, the EU countries have been using uniform stickers of a new design. The main change in their organization was the absence of an indication of the washing efficiency class, since automatic machines with a class lower than the highest are not allowed for sale.
The sticker includes the following information:
- manufacturer and model;
- energy efficiency class (from A +++ to D);
- noise level during washing and spinning (in dB);
- total electricity consumption (in kWh per year);
- spin class (from A to G);
- water consumption (in l / year);
- maximum drum loading (in kg).
The data is indicated after calculating the test results of machines in the following modes:
- washing cotton at 40 ° C, drum loading partial;
- wash cotton at 60 ° C, full and partial load.
On average, about 220 cycles are taken into account. It also takes into account the energy consumption of the washing machine in the off state and in standby mode. To assign a certain class, the ratio of the reference and actual costs is estimated.
Note! Models with the same energy consumption often belong to different classes, since the rationality of water consumption and the number of revolutions they differ. For this reason, all the characteristics of the technique are indicated in a comprehensive manner.
Most modern washing machines have an energy class A or B. Letters F and G indicate poor quality, and D and E - normal and satisfactory, respectively.
The energy consumption data allows you to determine how much energy will be expended in one hour when loading one kilogram of cotton fabric. To calculate the costs when the tank is fully loaded, the indicated power is multiplied by the weight of the laundry.
To assess the operation of the devices, a standard is used - a specially designed installation with uninterrupted operation and stable performance. For washing, use special reference cotton rags in the amount of one kilogram. To assess the energy consumption, the energy consumption is determined during the test wash period.
Consumption nodes
The number of kilowatts consumed by the washing machine depends on the energy consumption of all units. The sum of their powers determines the total power of the device.
Engine
The motor is the main component of the unit that rotates the drum and consumes most of the total consumed electricity. The following types of engines are installed on modern washing machines:
- collector;
- inverter;
- brushless.
Two-phase asynchronous electric motors are considered obsolete, and therefore are not installed on modern models. Brush motors are quite noisy and have a short service life, which is explained by the wear of the brushes.
The most advanced units are equipped with brushless motors, which are characterized by low noise level, a long service life (more than 10 years) and a 20% reduction in energy consumption. On average, the motor power varies from 0.4 to 0.8 kW.
Note! During the spinning process, the power consumption increases.
Heating element
The heating element is required to heat the water in the drum to the temperature specified in the selected wash program. Depending on the set mode, it can either be completely not used or work at full strength.
The power of the heating element determines the rate of water heating and, consequently, the operating time of the heating device itself. Modern parts have a consumption level of 1.7-3 kW.
Drain pump
This device is engaged in pumping water out of the drum at certain moments of washing, in accordance with the set program. It usually looks like an impeller that is rotated by a miniature electric motor. At the inlet, the blades pump water into the tank, while at the outlet they are pushed into the drain hose. The pump consumes a little, only about 25-45 W / h.
Control block
This is the most important unit that controls the operation of the entire unit. It consists of a display panel, a central processor, a power supply, a sensor, starting capacitors and a number of other parts. However, even taking into account such a number of elements, the unit consumes only 10-15 W / h.
How to determine the power
The power of the washing machine indicated on the manufacturer's sticker is the maximum. For modern devices, it does not exceed 2.1 kW.
Note! Electricity metering is carried out in kW / h, and power - in kW.
In the technical documentation attached to the machine, in addition to the maximum power and energy consumption class, the level of electricity metering (in kW / h) is sometimes indicated.To determine it, data such as consumption class and maximum load are used. For example, for a class A ++ car with a load of six kilograms, this value is 0.96 kW / h (0.16 kW / h * 6).
The actually used power is determined by the choice of the washing mode. So, in one case, washing is carried out in cold water, and in the other - when heated to 90 ° C. It is the same with spinning: it can rotate at different speeds or not spin the laundry at all. And all these processes are characterized by different energy consumption, which cannot exceed the values specified by the manufacturer.
What affects the power level
In addition to the set wash program, the following factors affect the energy consumption:
- Type of fabric. Starting from it, the washing mode is selected. Also, different materials absorb moisture in different ways, which sometimes leads to a significant difference in weight after getting wet.
- Injected water temperature. All machines start with cold tap water, but the actual temperature will vary depending on the season. The higher it is, the less time is needed for the heating element to perform its function.
- The number of revolutions. The level of energy consumption of the engine depends on it.
- Loading level. Modern models calculate the amount of water drawn based on the weight of the loaded items. In the absence of intelligent control, regardless of the load, a fixed volume of water is collected.
Note! In standby mode, the washing machine continues to consume a small amount of energy, and therefore it should be disconnected from the mains after each wash.
To minimize the real costs of electricity, certain operating rules must be observed:
- Load the drum to the maximum in the absence of intelligent control. This will save 10-15% of energy from each wash. However, the main thing here is not to overdo it and not to lay too many things, as this will lead to a malfunction of the unit.
- Be careful when choosing a mode. Programs differ in intensity, duration, heating temperature, number of revolutions and additional functions such as rinsing or drying again. It is worth sensibly assessing the condition of the laundry and not washing it longer than necessary, as well as at temperatures that are higher than required.
- Choose quality detergents. Due to the use of low quality detergent powder, there is a high risk of having to wash it again. It should be dispensed strictly according to the instructions.
- Scale the heating element. To do this, once every six months, it is necessary to start one idle cycle at a temperature of 60 ° C, adding a special descaler to the drum. The procedure will prevent an increase in energy consumption for heating water.
Knowing how much the washing machine consumes electricity per wash is especially important when choosing a technique. Focusing on this data and your real needs, you can reduce the cost of electricity.
Video: how much electricity does the washing machine consume
