Washer dryer combo vs. front-load washer: running cost
A front-load washer is cheaper to run: about $28 a year versus $144 for a washer dryer combo at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $115 difference.
| Washer dryer combo | Front-load washer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,800 W | 300 W |
| Watt range | 800–2,500 W | 150–1,200 W |
| Typical use | 5 loads a week | 6 loads a week |
| Energy per year | 800 kWh | 158 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 54¢ | 8.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 39¢ | 7.8¢ |
| Cost per month | $12.00 | $2.37 |
| Cost per year | $144 | $28 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $348 | $69 |
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What drives the difference
- Washer dryer combo: All-in-one combos wash and dry in one drum. Condensing models use about 2.5-3.5 kWh per wash-and-dry cycle; newer heat pump combos (LG WashCombo, GE Profile) use roughly 1.5-2 kWh.
- Front-load washer: Front loaders tumble clothes through a small amount of water, using about 0.3-0.6 kWh per load including water heating. Sanitize cycles with internal heaters can use 2-3 kWh.
Ways to cut either cost
Pairs with a front loader to cut drying energy by about half.
See options on AmazonUses about 40% less energy per cycle than condensing combos.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a washer dryer combo or a front-load washer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a washer dryer combo costs about $144 a year versus $28 for a front-load washer. That's $115 more, or 5.1× as much.
How many watts do washer dryer combo and front-load washer use?
A washer dryer combo typically draws 1,800 W (range 800–2,500 W). A front-load washer draws 300 W (range 150–1,200 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.