Washing machine power: how many kW does it consume?

In order to find the suitable model of a machine for yourself, it is worth considering several mandatory criteria. Many consumers, when choosing this type of home appliances, first of all pay attention to the volume of drum loading and the presence of necessary washing regimes. Not the last role should play the power of the washing machine. After all, it is from this category that the power consumption spent during washing depends. Having made the right choice and observing certain rules of using the device, it is possible to significantly save on paying utility bills.

How to determine the power of the washing machine when buying?

Each model has its own class of power consumption. It is assigned after testing the technique in the laboratory. For washing machines this is the amount of kW / h per kilogram of loaded laundry. The energy efficiency scale has its own generally accepted designations: "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F", "G". The best class "A" can be supplemented with special "+" signs, which indicate minimum power consumption.

When buying in the first place, pay attention to the sticker. As a rule, it is located on the front side of the case or in the passport of the device. It has all the information on the energy expended during operation. If you yourself can not determine the class of household appliances is not possible, to know the power of the washing machine in kW help the seller consultant. Most often today there are automata class "A", "A +", "A ++".

What elements of the washing machine affect its capacity?

To determine how much electricity will be consumed during washing, it is worth investigating why it is needed.

The power consumption of the washing machine consists of the consumed electricity of such components as:

1. Engine. He is responsible for the rotation of the drum. The higher the RPM, the higher the power consumption. Also the power of the engine of the washing machine depends on its type. Asynchronous, which were used in the old models, today almost do not occur. Their power was not more than 400 watts. Collector motors, most often found in modern models, as well as brushless (inverter), which are directly attached to the drum (used by LG) consume, depending on the washing schedule and the program selected, up to 800 watts.
2. Heating element (heating element). It accounts for most of all consumed electricity, since modern models are only connected to cold water and kW is used to heat it to the required temperature. Today, washing machines use heating elements, the power of which reaches 2.9 kW. The power consumption depends on the selected program and the wash cycle. The heater can generally not consume electricity, for example, during rinsing or spinning, and for heating water to 90 ° C its power will be used to the maximum.
3. Pump. It pumps the water used during the various washing cycles. It accounts for up to 40 watts.
4. Washing machine control system. More electricity will be consumed in washing machines with electronic type of control (where there are screens), up to 10 watts. But for mechanical control, up to 5 watts is required (different light sensors, programmer, control buttons, etc.).

Does the power of the device only affect the power consumption?

It is important to take into account the operating conditions. As can be seen, the largest consumed power is the electric motor of the washing machine and its heating element. But in the aggregate, the power consumption depends on the selected program, washing modes, drum loading, and on the condition of the components.

What other factors affect the power consumption during washing?

The power consumption of the washing machine is the main, but not the only indicator, which should be based on the calculation of the kW spent for the washing program. In addition to washing programs that have different temperature conditions, the power consumption also depends on:

1. Type of fabric. As a rule, the choice of the program depends on it. Also, different materials have different weights when wet.
2. Water temperature. Although all modern models are connected to cold water, but its temperature, especially at different times of the year, is different.
3. Number of revolutions. This figure affects the energy expended by the engine of the washing machine.
4. Degrees of drum loading. Modern models with intelligent control are able to calculate the weight of laundry loaded into the drum and gain the appropriate amount of water. Otherwise, no matter how many things are loaded into the car, it will use the amount of water determined by the program.

How to save electricity?

The consumption of kW during washing is affected not only by the power of the washing machine, but also by the way it is used. To save on utility bills, you should follow a few simple rules:

1. Try to load the drum completely, if the model does not provide intelligent control. Thus, with each wash, you can save 10-15% of wasted electricity.
2. Competently choose a washing program. For example, it is more expedient to wash lightly soiled things on a quick wash at a temperature of 30˚C, than on the program "Cotton" at 60˚ С.
3. Clean the heating element from scale. Once every six months, run the "Cotton 60˚ C" program without any linen, after laying down the descaling agent.

Conclusion

The power of the washing machine in kW can be found out at purchase, having paid attention to a color sticker on the front side of the case of household appliances. It can be from 2 to 4 kW. There is a special energy efficiency scale that divides all electrical appliances into classes. The most economical - "A" and "B" class. In the process of operation it is important to understand that it is not enough to know the power of a washing machine to calculate the amount of electricity consumed, it is necessary to follow certain rules that will help to cherish the treasured kW.