What a load of laundry really costs
Each load touches up to three bills:
- Water bill: the water the washer uses, plus the sewer charge on it.
- Electric or gas bill: heating the wash water, if you don't use cold.
- Electric or gas bill: the washer motor and the dryer.
Laundry cost by dryer type
Front-load washer, warm wash, 5 loads a week, with the calculator's default prices.
| Drying | Per load | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Electric dryer | $0.96 | $249.97 |
| Gas dryer | $0.79 | $205.00 |
| Heat pump dryer | $0.66 | $172.41 |
| Line dry | $0.43 | $113.10 |
Ways to cut laundry costs
- Wash in cold water — modern detergents clean well without heat.
- Run full loads and use a high spin speed so clothes dry faster.
- Clean the dryer lint filter every load; consider line drying when you can.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to do a load of laundry?
A warm wash in a front-load washer plus an electric dryer costs about $0.96 per load at 17.5¢/kWh with example water rates. Drying is usually the biggest part.
Does washing in cold water really save money?
Yes — heating the water is often most of a washer's energy use. Switching that example from warm to cold saves about $4.60 a month at 5 loads a week.
Is a gas dryer cheaper than an electric dryer?
It usually is per load, because gas typically costs less per unit of heat than electricity. A gas dryer still uses some electricity for the drum and fan. Heat pump dryers use far less electricity than standard electric models.
How much water does a washing machine use?
ENERGY STAR front-loaders use around 14 gallons a load, high-efficiency top-loaders about 20, and older agitator top-loaders 30 gallons or more.
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