Washer dryer combo vs. washing machine: running cost
A washing machine is cheaper to run: about $58 a year versus $144 for a washer dryer combo at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $86 difference.
| Washer dryer combo | Washing machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,800 W | 500 W |
| Watt range | 800–2,500 W | 300–1,000 W |
| Typical use | 5 loads a week | 6 loads a week |
| Energy per year | 800 kWh | 322 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 54¢ | 18¢ |
| Cost per day | 39¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per month | $12.00 | $4.82 |
| Cost per year | $144 | $58 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $348 | $140 |
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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.
- Washing machine: A top-load washer's motor uses only about 0.1-0.3 kWh per load; the rest of the roughly 1 kWh per load is the electric water heater warming the wash water. Cold-water loads cost a fraction as much.
Ways to cut either cost
Uses about 25% less energy and 33% less water and spins more water out before drying.
See options on AmazonCleans well at tap-cold temperatures so no water heating is needed.
See options on AmazonUses about 40% less energy per cycle than condensing combos.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a washer dryer combo or a washing machine?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a washer dryer combo costs about $144 a year versus $58 for a washing machine. That's $86 more, or 2.5× as much.
How many watts do washer dryer combo and washing machine use?
A washer dryer combo typically draws 1,800 W (range 800–2,500 W). A washing machine draws 500 W (range 300–1,000 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.