Clothes washing and drying makes up less than 5% of total energy use in the average home.
This figure is relatively low because survey data tells us most homes already have good habits in the laundry, washing in cold water (around 70%), and mainly using the clothes dryer as a backup in wet weather.
For homes that wash in warm water, or use clothes dryers for most washing loads (eg. apartment dwellers), laundry energy use can be significantly higher.
Clothes washing
Clothes washers use little energy if the cold water cycle is selected with the cost per cycle being as low as 3 cents per wash.
Choosing warm wash cycles significantly increases the energy use of clothes washers. The cost per cycle on a warm wash can be five times more than on a cold wash (assumes 3 star rating and 6kg capacity).
Front load washers use much less water than top loaders. If you choose to wash in warm water, front loaders generally use less energy. If you wash in cold water, front loaders and top loaders use about the same energy.
If you choose to wash in warm water, and only have cold tap connections to the washer, then it must heat the water internally. The electricity to heat the water is charged at the continuous supply tariff, which is relatively expensive.
If your hot water system is on a cheaper off peak tariff or is gas/solar/heat pump, you can save on energy costs by connecting the hot tap connection to the washer and drawing hot water from your main system.
Tips to saving energy
- Use cold water in the laundry whenever possible
- Front loading automatic washing machines use less water than top loading machines
- Automatic washing machines use the same amount of electricity for a full load as they do for a single item. Try waiting until you have enough to run a full load and adjust the clothes washing cycle to match the load size.
Clothes dryers
Clothes dryers are big energy users with the cost per cycle about 90c (for a 5kg dryer with 2.5 star rating).
For households that use the clothes dryer for most washing loads (eg apartments without access to a clothesline), the cost can be as high as $180 per year (for four loads a week).
Tips to saving energy
- If it's a sunny day, don't use the dryer and hang your washing outside on the clothesline
- Even in wet weather, clothes can dry effectively indoors on a clothes horse, on a line under the veranda or in the garage
- Never put dripping wet clothes in your dryer. Spin dry them first
- Clean the dryer’s lint filter regularly to maintain full air flow, maximise the drying efficiency and minimise fire risk.